The Student Senate meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, in the Dakota Ballroom in Davies Student Center.

President Kaitlyn Hevrin and Vice President Zachary Cardille gave their reports. President Hevrin reported that there have been submissions for naming the new science building, and the selection process will be discussed at upcoming senate meetings.

Cardille made personal statements congratulating the performers behind the recently concluded campus musical, “The Burrow,” for putting on the show and thanked Hevrin for her work over the past several semesters on the senate.

Communications Director Audrey Curtler reported that the Communications Commission has been working on improvements for the senate’s website and Blugold Connect+ page, and there is an upcoming meeting on the subject. 

Curtler also reported that the senate has a YouTube channel now. 

Next, Equity in Student Matters (ESM) Director Amber Keller reported that work on bylaw revisions for the commission has continued, specifying that recent discussion has looked at revising the director’s duties. 

Keller also reported that the Amplified Authors event will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the Ho-Chunk Room in Davies.

ESM has been working with the Student Health and Wellness Commission on a mapping project related to student wellness and has also been working with the Student Office of Sustainability (SOS) to organize the Ecotherapy event.

Information Technology Commission (ITC) Director Jack Hagen reported that ITC is focused on preparing for tech innovation applications and is reaching out for additional ideas for the budget. Those with ideas may contact Hagen. 

More information on submitting ITC project proposals can be found on the ITC’s webpage.

Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) Director Ally Etzler issued a reminder for the senate that the Chippewa Valley Rally will be on Thursday, Feb. 19.

SOS Director Madi Shafman reported that the Earthfest event proposal passed at the previous week’s meeting, marking an official collaboration between SOS and several other sponsors who are helping to put on this event.

Earthfest will be hosted on April 18, 2026, at the Sonnentag Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shafman also reported that at the following week’s SOS meeting, there will be a vote on a collaborative effort with the Environmental Adventure Center that would reduce the cost of this spring’s outdoor trips.

Shafman said there had been a meeting with Keller about ideas and logistics surrounding Ecotherapy.

Shafman closed by reminding the senate that Earth Day is in April, and there will be a large volume of events for the month. Shafman also briefly mentioned that SOS is looking to reevaluate budgets and bylaws.

Student Organizations Commission Director Tia Beirne reported on presentations that will be held on Feb. 18, 19 and 24. 

University Activities Commission (UAC) Director Chanel Berg was not present to give a report, but it was reiterated that UAC is preparing for the Astronomers concert on Feb. 18 in the Ojibwe Ballroom in Davies.

There was no old business.

A new bill was brought to the floor by Mascot Coordinator Joey Klaith and Curtler.

Bill 69-B-7, “Creating a mascot committee,” was introduced with a statement by Klaith, who said that a permanent committee would increase support for the role. 

“The transition into my role has been more difficult than it should be,” Klaith said.

Klaith cited the difficulty of the role in the current structure and said the mascot coordinator has to coordinate all Blu appearances as well as hiring and training.

Senator Aiden Vollmer called attention to a temporary commission that had been established during the 63rd session. According to Klaith, there had been no specification as to why the committee did not continue to operate.

When asked by Etzler about what the committee would do, Klaith said that one goal is the return of Blugold Fridays. This was an event previously held every Friday in Davies in which a senator accompanied Blu to hand out candy to students wearing Blugold merch.

“It’s a great way for senators to kind of reach out to our students … a great opportunity for students to interact with our senators,” Klaith said.

Senator Amelia Feltes asked Klaith what more could be done to get students to interact with senators. Klaith said that senators accompanying Blu would be encouraged to talk to students about the senate and students’ thoughts on bills. 

Discussion of the bill concluded shortly after.

The final order of business was announcements, during which Etzler thanked attendees of the recent Freedom of Expression event among the senate and expressed hope that an event like this would continue with future directors.

The senate adjourned at 6:24 p.m. and will meet next Monday, Feb. 23, in the Dakota Ballroom.

Zien can be reached at [email protected].