On March 9, UW-Eau Claire’s Student Senate held its last meeting before spring break. They began their meeting at 6 p.m. with their land acknowledgement, military acknowledgement and roll call.
Jeremy Gragert took the podium to discuss the election taking place on April 7 and his run for Eau Claire City Council president.
“Whether I win this election or not, I’d like to be a resource for you,” Gragert said.
Gragert spoke on his interests in sustainability and public transportation before opening up for questions from the senate about his presentation and what they would like to see improved for the city and/or campus.
At-Large Senator Pheonix Nelson began the questions by asking Gragert about the possibility of bringing an expert to campus to provide training to freshmen on how to identify and deal with drink spiking.
Gragert said he could help the senate get connected to someone who could speak on the issue.
Next, Off-Campus Senator Marissa Mapes asked Gragert what his plan was for homeless populations in Eau Claire.
“One of the big things that I focused on when I got on council was helping people who are experiencing homelessness find resources and a place they can go that is safe,” Gragert said.
Gragert said Eau Claire now has a new day resource center available for homeless people.
At-Large Senator Aiden Vollmer asked how the council and senate would work together after the election.
“As the Student Senate, we are trying to find a way to best represent the students of Eau Claire and help ourselves get to a better spot at the university,” Vollmer said. “But one of the best ways to do that is by finding our place with the city as well.”
Gragert said they are trying to give more seats on commissions or councils to students, including giving a UW-Eau Claire student a seat on the transit commission.
Academic Affairs Commission Director Siena Emerson asked about what impact the initiatives Gragert is running would have on UW-Eau Claire students.
Gragert said he plans to allow students to discuss and bring attention to issues important to them.
Student Office of Sustainability Commission Director Madi Shafman asked about what sustainability issue would be Gragert’s priority going forward.
Gragert said he would want to continue ensuring sustainability for upcoming building projects, similar to when the Sonnentag was built.
Off-Campus Senator Piper Campbell asked what Gragert would do to ensure student safety when walking home.
Gragert said he’ll encourage council members to follow in the senate’s footsteps to conduct campus walkthroughs to gain more perspective on student concerns.
At-Large Senator Amelia Feltes asked about Gragert’s plans for low-income housing. Gragert said he has and currently is encouraging developers to create more affordable and low-income housing. With that, the Q&A ended.
With no one there for the open forum, the senate moved to approving last week’s minutes, which faced no objections.
Student Body President Kaitlyn Hevrin made her report to the senate, which went over potential bylaw revisions, Hevrin’s upcoming absence and informing senators to not discuss candidates for the upcoming election inside the senate office before moving on to executive board reports.
Emerson reported that the Academic Affairs Commission had confirmed the spring resource fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 25 in the Dakota Ballroom in Davies Student Center.
Equity in Student Matters Commission Director Amber Keller reported that the Center for International Education (CIE) provides support for a planned hot water dispenser for students.
Finance Commission Director Isabelle Shepard reported that the commission will review additional audit materials and that there are currently open spots on the commission.
Intergovernmental Affairs Commission Director Ally Etzler reported that questions had been finalized for the Eau Claire school board candidate forum.
Student Health and Wellness Commission Director Rachel Schulte reported on work for a wellness map and planning of the spring health fair.
Shafman reported that dates for eco-therapy events in April will be finalized soon. Proposals are on the table, including one to add an automated composter to the senate office. Shafman also said more proposals will be reviewed soon.
Student Organization Commission Director Tia Bierne reported having almost completed their funding process, planning an upcoming banquet and looking over a student organization creation request.
University Activity Commission Director Chanel Berg reported on an upcoming trivia, bingo and live music event along with events planned for after spring break.
Mascot Coordinator Joey Klaith reported on suit upkeep, employee interviews and that Blu can be requested to attend an event for free by any student or community member.
After looking over the 2026-2027 Student Organization Fund Allocation, the senate moved on to announcements. Once the announcements were completed, the meeting was adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
Curtin can be reached at [email protected].
