The Student Association (SA) met on Jan. 29, 2020 for their first assembly of the year. The SA discussed what they would like to accomplish this semester, resolutions recommending a section in syllabi across University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for student-parents, as well as the introduction of a new Native American Student Association (NASA) senator and a listing of characteristics they wish to see in a future University of Wisconsin system president. 

President Agterberg said that she would like to “find more creative ways to reach students” and to experiment with a new advising program within the College of Business Administration. Vice President Nielsen wants to include more training in diversity and inclusivity for chartwell dining service employees. Sen. McClain aims to be more proactive with her ability to funnel student frustrations with DUO, the “user-centric, zero trust” security platform meant to protect student data, which the UW system will adopt on Feb. 3. Sen. Erikson plans on increasing UWL student’s environmental impact. Sen. Schock aims to promote student safety, a priority of his that he works on diligently with UWL.    

Sen. McReavy said she hopes to improve the quality for student-parents who attend UWL. She admitting that this issue is something that she “does not know a lot about it” but one she said she wants to learn more about and aim to promote by introducing a resolution for the inclusion and normalization of full-time parents in UWL classrooms. Sen. McReavy said to see a section within all UWL syllabi saying children are allowed to be brought into any and all UWL classes. Sen. Packard was reluctant to follow this resolution, saying how some classes include laboratory work, environments Packard says may not be quite suitable for a child in the name of safety.  

Sen. Schock supports the idea but says that a plan such as this is one would most likely be pushed back by the faculty senate, stating how the fairness of bringing a child to class could be called into question by other students, as they can be distracting especially on exam days. The director of university centers Larry Ringgenberg and vice chancellor of student affairs Vitaliano Figueroa said this issue could be accommodated by the child daycare center located next to the Recreational Eagle Center (REC)  if students are interested in utilizing it. They would need to ask the care center’s director in order to do so. “If there’s no space within the program,” said Figueroa. “Then accommodations can be made. We make students a priority.” This resolution will be put to a vote in next week’s meeting. 

As UW system President Ray Cross prepares to retire, the SA discussed the characteristics they wish to see take influence within the search and screen process for a new president. Vice President Nielsen and Sen. McReavy said it is vital to have a president who values the system through an “education-first” lens, rather than one based around business and profit. Secretary Rebecca Kohlmeyer agreed, saying how important it is to her for this future president to have some background in education or a doctorate.  

Sen. Erickson said he would like to see a president who is conscious of sustainability efforts and will push for the UW system to value its environment. Sen. Schock and sustainability director Samantha Wolfe said that they want to see a president who does not take personal matters into account when it comes to collaborating with students on issues, with special importance for Sen. Schock is a president with a background in practicing non-partisanship. 

President Agterberg swore in a new member into SA. Alec Borchardt will be taking over NASA senatorial duties for Cecilia Hook while she studies abroad.