The Student Senate meeting began at 6:03 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10 in the Dakota Ballroom in Davies Student Center.

The meeting began with Interim Provost, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and communication and journalism professor Mary Hoffman giving a presentation to update senate about progress, changes and impact on students regarding Act 15.

The topic of Act 15 has been visited by the senate multiple times. Debates have centered around the creation of a standardized General Education (GE) system across the Universities of Wisconsin, with the goal being to enhance transferability of courses.

In Liberal Education (LE), students need to have 18 experiences, while the proposed GE system includes 11 experiences. With GE, the coursework wouldn’t change, but the classes offered might. Different classes are required from students and sectors will be changed. 

A lead workgroup consisting of Academic Affairs, Colleges, University Senate and Enrollment Management drafted a new framework that meets the policy for the University Senate Academic Policies Committee’s consideration on Nov. 11.

The lead workgroup developed a system that reclassifies courses into new categories. If Act 15 is passed, the new framework will be effective for students in the 2026-2027 catalog. 

After the presentation, the meeting moved into reports from the senate directors.

Student Body President Kaitlyn Hervin implored students to attend Chancellor Listening Sessions. These listening sessions give students the chance to share their perspective on qualities and the amount of experience they think that the next Chancellor should possess. 

She said that this is a chance for students to use their voices and advocate for change.

Siena Emerson, director of the Academic Affairs Commission, said that the Academic Open Forum garnered 271 responses. The Forum ends on Nov. 10. 

Ally Etzler, director of the Intergovernmental Affairs Commission, said that an open forum regarding Act 15 is occurring Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. The Student Senate, University Senate and certain administrators will be attending the event.

According to Etzler, this will be a great chance to hear unique and various perspectives.

Tia Beirne, director of the Student Organizations Commission, is holding a last call make-up training for student organizations that were not able to attend the Nuts & Bolts Training, which was held at the end of September. 

After reports, the senate moved to old business.

Last week, bill 69-B-4 was introduced. This bill discusses organized activities allocations for fiscal year 2027.

The finance commission is in charge of allocating segregated fees for specific organizations. The allocations are based on observing factors such as student involvement and enrollment.

In past years, the finance commission has overallocated funds. Based on declining enrollment, the commission plans to underallocate by around $13,000. 

In a vote of 28-0-2, the bill passed unanimously.

Bill 64-B-5 was also introduced last week. This bill discusses allocations for summer events in the fiscal year 2027. Many funds have not been spent because of leftover funds from COVID-19. 

After the fiscal year 2027, the summer events will spend their funds and not ask for an increase. They will pull funds back so no reserve is built up. 

In a vote of 28-0-2, the bill passed unanimously.

After exhausting old business, the senate moved to new business. 

Rachel Schulte, director of the Health & Wellness Commission, introduced 69-R-8. The commission plans to create a Student Health and Wellness Newsletter.

The newsletter would cover current health events and topics in hopes to educate students with up to date health information that pertains to college students. 

SHW plans to feature a new health or wellness theme each month in the newsletter. The commission also hopes to connect students with campus resources effectively. 

In a vote of 27-0-2, the resolution passed unanimously.

After exhausting new business, closing announcements were made.

The senate adjourned at 7:43 p.m. and will reconvene next at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17 in the Dakota Ballroom.

Hinz can be reached at [email protected].