The Student Senate meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9 in Dakota Ballroom in Davies Student Center.

President Kaitlyn Hevrin and Vice President Zachary Cardille gave their reports, stating that they had met with the deans of the four colleges to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) and education at UW-Eau Claire. 

Communications Director Cole Morehouse reported there has been discussion with TV10 about recording future Student Senate meetings so that they can be uploaded to TV10 for students to watch later.

Next, Equity in Student Matters (ESM) Director Amber Keller reported on ESM’s first meeting about a bill that would restructure the bylaws of ESM. These changes to the bylaws would clarify senate’s processes as well as improve their handling of sensitive matters.

Finance Commission Director Isabelle Shepard reported there would not be a Finance Commission meeting this week but that meetings would continue next week in Davies 250 starting at 5 p.m.

Information Technology (IT) Director Jack Hagen reported there are discussions on improving IT at UW-Eau Claire, and the IT Commission will be hearing applications for what he called “IT innovation projects.”

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

Student Health and Wellness (SHW) Director Rachel Schulte reported that UW-Madison has a confirmed case of measles, and that in light of this, Student Health Services (SHS) is working with housing to monitor the situation. Students are urged to ensure their measles vaccines are up to date.

Student Office of Sustainability (SOS) Director Madi Shafman reported an SOS collaboration with Earthfest the next two weeks at the Sonnentag Center. 

Shafman added a personal statement voicing concerns about senate leadership’s decision not to replace the resigned personnel director this session, citing what she views as a troubling pattern of changes in the senate.

Student Organizations Director Tia Beirne reported a large volume of new student organization applications this semester, currently totaling 63. Organizations with unmet requirements as of this semester will be going through the deactivation process shortly.

University Activities Commission (UAC) Director Chanel Berg thanked those who attended the winter carnival and listed upcoming events such as The Cabin’s trivia, this semester’s international film showing and a student band performance in The Cabin this Saturday, Feb. 14.

UAC is preparing for the Astronomers concert on Feb. 18 in the Ojibwe Ballroom in Davies Student Center.

There was a special report from Mascot Coordinator Joey Klaith on the subject of recent and upcoming Blu appearances. Blu will be appearing as usual at Blu’s Bingo in The Cabin. Also, applications to become a Blu actor are open on Blugold Connect+ and Handshake.

Moving on to old business, Bill 69-R-11 “in support of a hot water dispenser in Davies,” which had previously been tabled, was brought back to the floor for amendment and voting. 

Keller spoke on the bill, citing that the plan established by this bill meets campus sustainability requirements. She stated the bill would advance food security efforts on campus, as well as facilitate cultural inclusion.

The bill would replace the water bottle filling station next to Campus Harvest Food Pantry in Davies with a hot water dispenser, providing hot water when the Marketplace is not open.

The increased availability of hot water would facilitate cultural inclusion for students who use hot water for religious, spiritual and cultural practices by providing an additional source to safely obtain hot water.

Plans to survey students for their interest and network to meet the bill’s financial needs were shared. 

Keller also said the project is a “worthwhile change to show students that we care and that all students could benefit from.”

Senator Mapes voted for the amendment, commending the bill and stating that “the effort that the authors put into this [bill] shows that they really care.”

The bill went to a vote and was passed by the senate 28-0-2.

Shepard reiterated the need to poll for students’ interest in the hot water dispenser, stating there would need to be guaranteed funds.

There was a brief statement from President Hevrin confirming that the previous personnel director has stepped down, and that for the remainder of the session, senate leadership has chosen not to fill the position with a replacement.

Old business concluded with a reminder that the Chippewa Valley Rally for Excellence is happening on Feb. 19.

The senate adjourned at 6:39 p.m. and will meet next Monday, Feb. 16, in the Dakota Ballroom.

Zien can be reached at [email protected].