Photo by Rosemary Geib ‘23
On Tuesday, members of the SGA E-Board informed senators of the upcoming binder drive hosted by the Lavender Committee, the AccessAbility barrier access form and the new speed limit sign.
By Katie Goss ’23 & Sammi Craig ’23
Business Manager & News Editor | Staff Writer
The Feb. 22 senate meeting began with a land acknowledgment read by Shula Mathew ’22, chair of senate. The meeting included E-Board updates, open floor announcements, preparation for the next Town Hall and a role play activity.
The E-board delivered three updates, starting with updates from AccessAbility Services. They encouraged community members to fill out the Barrier to Access Form if they encounter accessibility obstacles on campus. Chair of special interests, Sophia Jung ’22, met with Senior Accommodation Coordinator Aaron Ferguson on Feb. 21 and advocated for more accessible Golden Pears for people in wheelchairs. Jung suggested students be placed in the dorm 1837 through the AccessAbility housing lottery since 1837 has a wheelchair-accessible Golden Pear.
Ananya Singh ’22, vice president of SGA, had previously reached out to Facilities Management about unemptied outdoor trash cans. However, due to a staffing shortage they are not able to address this issue in a timely manner in order to prevent wild animal attraction. Since the hours are difficult, this task will not be outsourced to student workers. Jung volunteered to reach out to Facilities Management again regarding the issue.
EJ Jankovic ’23, chair of halls, announced that the Lavender Committee is hosting a binder drive, during which they will collect chest binders to distribute to those who need them within the Mount Holyoke community. If students are interested in receiving one, there is a Google Form from the group in order to secure one.
A temporary speed reader sign was placed outside by Auxiliary Services in order to try and reduce car speeds on Lower Lake Road. Jankovic said that Public Safety and Service is still looking for options in order to solve this problem.
Senate then moved into open floor announcements. Mathew, who is also the diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the Psych Association, mentioned that they will be creating self-care bags for members of the community. Specifically in the month of February, they are hoping to create these bags for Black and Latine students.
Rhea Pathi ’25, senator for WMHC, reminded students that there will be a call-in show on the station this Friday, Feb. 25 at 5 p.m.
Two members from the Animal Welfare Association mentioned some issues surrounding Jorge the goose. One reminded students that Jorge should not be fed by people, in order to make sure he does not develop a reduced fear to dangerous situations. The other Animal Welfare Association member pointed out that Jorge has been at the College for 28 years, which is longer than most Pilgrim Geese live. Additionally, they are following up on the rumors that Jorge was replaced at some time, and are looking into finding out who is in charge of him.
The senator from the Mount Holyoke Climate Justice Coalition mentioned that they had an open mic with students who live in the Mosaic LLC. During that time, students had voiced that they were frustrated that students’ service on committees, rather than qualifying as paid work, are a form of volunteering on campus. Singh mentioned that there are conversations ongoing about having paid positions in these regards. It is something the E-Board is working on.
The final portion of senate was dedicated to a role play scenario designed to prepare students for the Town Hall taking place at the next senate meeting. Senators were asked to split into groups of three and role play a scenario where two senators disagree on an issue, and then have a mediator help work out the conflict.
A Town Hall with AccessAbility Services will take place at the next senate meeting on March 1 from 8-9 p.m.