Photo by Tzav Harrel '24. The Student Government Association reviews the results of last year's student satisfaction survey.
By Paige Comeau ’26
Staff Writer
On Nov. 15, following a land acknowledgement and the agenda review, the Student Government Association senate began with updates from the E-Board. It was announced that there would be no senate the following week on Nov. 22, 2022, that the newest edition of the Newsflush would be handed out to hall senators and that free menstrual products have been made available on campus. More information about the products can be found on the SGA’s Instagram.
After E-Board updates, SGA did a quick Town Hall debrief consisting of a short discussion surrounding the previous week’s COVID-19 Q&A. When asked how it went with a thumbs up or thumbs down, answers were mixed, but when asked if there were any questions or concerns, the senators had none. The floor was then opened for announcements and questions, during which various organizations announced upcoming events and recent achievements.
Subsequently, the Student Conference Committee, a subcommittee of the SGA, presented their findings from last year’s student satisfaction survey, which students take annually. Generally, most students seem satisfied, accepted and welcomed at Mount Holyoke, according to the data. Exceptions do exist, however. Some respondents reported that they felt uncomfortable expressing certain religious beliefs, namely Judaism and Islam. Others noted that first-generation and low-income students sometimes feel as though they do not belong and that they struggle with the 15-hour work week limit. A few reported being uncomfortable having or sharing more conservative or moderate political beliefs, and many stated that there were some accessibility issues on the campus, both with the actual physical environment and the availability of accommodations. The key points were that students have expressed an interest in campuswide gatherings, greater access to Disability Services, respecting differences and including more diversity statements. SGA leaders underscored the importance of this survey and the campuswide impact it has. All are urged to take the survey this spring.
Senate wrapped up with commission work, led by each of the eight senate commissions: academic outreach, accessibility, COVID-19 health and safety, dining, environmental sustainability, international student outreach, mental health outreach and SGA anti-racism. The commissions were asked to choose an idea or issue from their last brainstorming session, start a plan and begin to take action. The commissions worked for around 30 minutes, meeting with their designated E-Board member and working towards their devised plan.