On Wednesday, Sept. 11, The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Student Association (SA) gathered to swear in new senators, appoint senators to committees and discuss campus engagement.
Once the meeting commenced, the new senators were sworn in by SA President Emma Latus. The following senators were sworn in: Hannah Duke; Caden Ayala; Cisco Garcia; Charisse Chan; Armando Garcia; Hephzibah Ohihoin; Gavin Hanke; and Emma Wittman.
Avery Ladd-Winders, SA vice president, announced that Senate seats for certain campus organizations and colleges have yet to be filled. Students can volunteer or be nominated by a current senator. Nomination papers for Senate seats can be found in UWL students’ emails and are due by 4:00 PM on Sept. 25, 2024. Please submit them via email to Dean of Students Kara Ostlund at [email protected] or in person at 149 Graff Main Hall.
Ostlund informed SA that policy regarding student campaigns in UWL residence halls has reverted back to one passed by the Board of Regents in 1988. She said this election will be very different for campaigners than under the last standing policy. Ostlund ensured that any difficult or dated language is explained and the acting policy can be found here.
Following Ostlund’s advisement report, committee and organization reports were given. Senators Whitman and Ohihoin announced Asian Student Organization (ASO) and Black Student Unity (BSU) changed locations from Centennial Hall to The Student Union. Student Veteran Association (VSA) Senator Aola next suggested a brief moment of silence for the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and for those who have served, which SA proceeded to observe.
SA President, Emma Latus, brought attention to Operation RiverWatch, an initiative started in 2006 to prevent alcohol-related accidental drownings in the Mississippi River. Latus described that students will walk along the river to assist and redirect any intoxicated individuals away from potential danger. The SA took on Operation RiverWatch and has now offered an incentive for fellow campus organizations to volunteer.
Kyle Burke, director of University Centers, explained that $50 for every night that is signed up for will be deposited into the organization’s Student Faculty Association (SFO) bank account. For an entire weekend, he continued, an organization would receive $150. Burke expressed excitement for the opportunity to protect the UWL and La Crosse community and for new student organizations to flourish with more resources.
Ostlund provided a moment of remembrance for Hamud Faal, a UWL student who tragically fell and passed away in the Mississippi River in Feb. of 2022. Ostlund emphasized the importance of RiverWatch volunteers, “this is something that hits home and it is our responsibility to look out for Eagles.”
Student Association will meet again on Wed. Sept. 18 to discuss possible resolutions and new business.
