The University of Rhode Island student senate passed a resolution Wednesday addressing comments made by Dining Services Director Pierre St. Germain in a recent Cigar article, while senators debated proposed constitutional changes involving the impeachment and removal of the assembly process.
The meeting began with a presentation from University President Marc Parlange and Vice President of Student Affairs Ellen Reynolds on university updates, including dining, housing, the future medical school and future campus projects.
One of the major updates was the $7 million renovation of Mainfaire Dining Hall. The project adds outdoor seating, new hot and cold food concepts, an allergen-friendly station and increased seating from about 530 to 800 students.
Reynolds also addressed recent student concerns about dining dollars and changes to dining services. She admits the university did not communicate the changes well and acknowledged she could have done better.
Reynolds said the university had to make budget decisions and that adding new dining concepts can mean removing something else. She also addressed concerns about students living off campus needing to use their dining dollars for extra food items. She acknowledges that there are always dining options.
“There is no Ram hungry on this campus,” Reynolds said. “We have opportunities to make sure everybody eats.”
During the senate discussion, concerns were also raised about the affordability of dining for student workers. Senators discussed the argument of St. Germain’s comments and found out that a student working as a dishwasher could not earn enough to afford three meals a day through that job.
The Senate discussed concerns surrounding the Narragansett Town Council and the upcoming election, including what future council members could do on issues affecting URI students off-campus.
The university is continuing to look for a founding dean for the medical school, with about 80 applications received for the program director position.
Parlange also noted the 500-bed undergraduate housing project is on schedule, while more housing installations are underway at the North Hall site. The university plans to replace older buildings with newer housing as part of its long-term housing plans. South Hall and Graduate Village are expected to be completed in fall 2028.
The university is also considering a long-term plan for a hotel with a restaurant, conference center and ballroom near Upper College Road. Parlange said the idea remains in its early stages and is not part of a finalized plan.
The senate later returned to debate over proposed amendments to its constitution. The discussion focused heavily on impeachment and the removal of members of the assembly.
Sen. Dylan Waddell proposed changes that would clarify the impeachment process, broaden the criteria for impeachment and distinguish between voting and appointed members. Sen. Jack Curt proposed different changes involving impeachment and nominations to the court.
The debate lasted about an hour and a half, with senators raising concerns about the proposed court structure, jury process and how the amendments were organized. The senate ultimately adjourned before reaching a final decision, with debate expected to continue next week.
The senate also re-recognized the Sailing Club and approved its $10,000 budget. Senators discussed new student organizations, a short-term parking solution and upcoming elections.
The student senate will meet again next Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Room 300 of the Memorial Union.
