Wednesday, Oct. 9, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Student Association (SA) met to hear from Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance Stephanie Pope, appoint a new secretary and discuss possible future resolutions.
Vice Chancellor Pope introduced herself to SA and gave a brief description of her role on campus. Pope explained that she oversees the parts of the University that aren’t academic or student affairs focused. Having been in the role for two months, Pope spoke highly of her experience thus far and of UWL as an institution.
“UW-La Crosse is a really great place … This is an institution that always had a reputation of having all the ducks in a row,” said Pope.
Pope informed SA of future projects, including a request that the UW system will be asking of the state of Wisconsin. They are requesting $855 million to be allocated throughout the UW schools.
She then discussed capital budget plans, which involve building requests such as Prairie Springs Science Center Phase II. She said the replacement building for Cowley Hall is first on the list of requests and expressed hope that the State Building Commission will approve it.
Once Vice Chancellor Pope made her final remarks, SA moved on to officer reports.
During her officer report, SA President, Emma Latus, updated SA on efforts to restore Wellness Weekend.
“The … wellness weekend issue is important to me and [Vice President Ladd-Winders] and we’ve been having conversations about it with different administrators and leadership across campus all semester,” Latus said.
Inclusivity Director, Emma Wittman, drew attention to an Indigenous Peoples’ Day event that will be taking place at the La Crosse Center 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14. Wittman said the event will provide an opportunity to learn more about other cultures and will have food, guest speakers and performances.
Next, in new business, the SA introduced a resolution to appoint Alex Castleman as the new SA secretary. The resolution unanimously passed and he was sworn into the position.
SA then moved into potential upcoming resolutions. Senator Fleegal shared that she and Senator Hanstedt are working with the University Police Department to form a hammocking resolution that will provide clarity on areas of the campus students may hammock in. SA Vice President Ladd-Winders said a resolution regarding extending the hours of the REC and addressing overcrowding is in the works as well.
Director Wittman expressed interest in drafting a resolution that would motivate SA members to attend Multicultural Student Organization (MSO) events and meetings. She emphasized the importance of student government involvement in these spaces. This potential resolution would also encourage MSO members to speak at future SA meetings.
“We have to remember that your constituents are also students of color … and they need to be heard,” Wittman said.
Ladd-Winders then disclosed his statement regarding the Interim Chalking policy with the SA body, which will be presented to Chancellor Beeby. The Racquet Press will be publishing an article covering the Interim Chalking Policy in more detail.
SA will meet again on Wednesday, Oct. 16 to discuss new business and possible resolutions.
