Wednesday, Oct. 23, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Student Association (SA) met to hear from the Second Year Experience Coordinator Tanisha Petherbridge, amend and pass a returning resolution and consider upcoming resolutions.
Petherbridge introduced herself to SA and presented some of the work she has done thus far. She has previously served as a multicultural recruiter for the admissions department at UWL and the engagement coordinator for Viterbo University.
Petherbridge detailed the novelty of her role, as this academic year is the first of its existence. She said the position is sparse throughout university systems as a whole, but important.
Petherbridge said, “Most universities don’t really have second-year experience, but a lot of the research has been showing that the second year at university is a pretty hard experience.”
She continued, “You’re not a kid anymore, you’re not quite an adult yet, you’re kind of still finding your identity and that doesn’t just include academically or career-wise… You’re literally figuring yourself out as a person as well.”
She expressed that second-year students don’t receive the same kind of assistance, support, and resources that first-year students do; Due to that discrepancy, Petherbridge said her focus is to guide students in whatever they may need and to act as a support system.
Petherbridge then yielded to SA to answer questions and take suggestions on how to better reach and support the second-year students of UWL.
Senator Piarulli mentioned that a student’s second year of college is often the first time they live in their own rented space, rather than the campus residence halls or with their legal guardian. She reminisced about that time in her college experience and how significant of a change it was.
“For most of us, [our second year] was our first time … renting a house or an apartment and I think that’s a really big step to make,” she said.
Piarulli suggested that an event or workshop could be held for first-time renters that would prepare students and provide guidelines for what is to be expected, as well as what to look out for.
Senator Kobussen then spoke on the difficulty and expense students face when trying to make and eat three meals each day.
Senator Fleegal agreed with Kobussen and proposed that a series be created for the second-year experience Instagram page, @uwl_sye, in which meal ideas would be featured routinely. Petherbridge noted all of the suggestions made by the SA body.
After Petherbridge made her final remarks, SA moved into the general student body open forum. An alumnus wished to speak but was informed that the time is reserved only for the current student body to voice their concerns to SA.
SA President Emma Latus’ officer report was read by Kyle Burke, director of university centers and student engagement. In her report, President Latus reminded SA that early voting at the Cleary Alumni & Friends Center started that day, Wednesday, Oct. 23. Students can vote early at this site from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25; Wednesday, Oct. 30; and Friday, Nov. 1.
During his adviser report, Burke shared with SA some of the events that will be taking place on campus. In recognition of National Prescription Drug Takeback Day on Oct. 26, a drop-off site for unused prescription medications will be set up on Farwell Street outside of the Student Union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25.
He also mentioned that from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, an HPV immunization clinic will be set up in the Student Union Miller Bluff, room 2110.
SA then moved focus to unfinished business, where Senator Grochowski discussed her “Resolution to Express Support for Student Hours Being Held in Communal Campus Spaces,” titled SA2425-007. This resolution is meant to encourage professors to adjust their student hour locations so they feel more open and inviting to students.
Grochowski said she thought it would be beneficial to amend the resolution to state it will be sent to the Chair and Vice Chair of Faculty Senate, Greg Ormes and Anne Galbraith, respectively. If the resolution were to be sent out, it would have more of an impact and reach, she said. The amendment was approved unanimously by the body, as was the resolution as a whole.
In new business, Senator Hahn introduced the resolution she wrote titled “SA2425-009: Resolution Encouraging Monthly Newsletters from College Deans and Department Chairs,” which she said seeks to keep students connected with their college deans and up-to-date with their college events.
Senator Simpson then introduced “SA2425-010: Resolution to Recommend Recording Lectures,” a resolution she drafted to encourage professors to record their lectures so students have access outside of the classroom.
SA will meet again Wednesday, Oct. 30 to discuss old business and potential future resolutions.
