During Wednesday evening’s student senate meeting, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse senators were able to hear from two important leaders in our community, State Senator Jennifer Shilling and Chancellor Joe Gow. 

Sen. Shilling discussed the upcoming aspects of UWL as the state looks towards a gubernatorial and senatorial election in less than one month. With only a two-seat difference, this vote has the possibility of flipping the State Senate from Republican to Democrat which would have implications for UWL as well as the entire state. 

Shilling said “[she is] always looking out for what this university means to our community” and that she wants to continue being an ally and advocate for UWL.  

Shilling also mentioned that in the upcoming budget, Gov. Walker has approved construction projects for three campus buildings – the second phase of the science lab building, a new residence hall, and a new fieldhouse. Additionally, she expressed her concern with ensuring that the university sees proper programs for sexual assault and violence prevention, an initiative that UWL’s Student Senate has been working on with the state government.  

When asked by Director Lawlis about the continued tuition freeze as well as student loan refinancing, Shilling spoke of her support for the lessening of student financial burdens though she admits that she does not necessarily agree with the tuition freeze under the current circumstances. Because the state government has not increased funding for universities on their end, enforcing a tuition freeze becomes convoluted and she believes that “there needs to be a comprehensive look at how we’re funding universities.” 

In reference to student loan refinancing, Shilling said that it does not make sense to only educate students about the reality of their education costs while they are attending the university, and there should be more done to help students after they have graduated. 

Many of these things would potentially have a new outlook if Wisconsin were to vote blue in the Nov. 6 election, so it is difficult to determine the future of these ventures. 

When regarding the state, Shilling stated that her two biggest concerns if Democrats are in the majority next year are campaign finance reform and district voting maps which are fair and sensible. 

Chancellor Gow also addressed the senate, who asked him questions relating to diversity on campus and involvement in the community. 

When Sen. Kallis asked whether UWL would follow in the footsteps of the city of La Crosse by declaring Columbus Day to be Indigenous Peoples Day, Gow responded by saying that UWL does not officially recognize Columbus Day, but that having ceremonies on campus to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day would be a good idea.  

Sen. Nussbaum, who represents the Native American Student Association, said that Native American student enrollment is low and wondered what UWL is doing to increase student diversity on campus. Chancellor Gow admitted that he was not aware of whether or not Native American student enrollment has specifically decreased, but that he would be interested to know if there is a central cause for a decrease in enrollment. 

Aside from stating that the current freshman class is the most diverse at UWL so far, Gow also commended the creation of the Chief Diversity Officer position which Barbara Stewart currently holds.