Photo courtesy of Zeyu Zhao ‘27.
Paige Comeau ’26
Staff Writer
Student Government Association Senate opened on Feb. 6, 2024, with the reading of the agenda and the Mount Holyoke College Land Acknowledgement. Then, the senate leaders discussed the Mohegan Nation as a part of their pledge this year to go beyond the land acknowledgment and educate themselves and the community on local Native nations.
The Mohegan Nation was founded in modern-day Delaware, later moving to Upstate New York before eventually settling in Southeastern Connecticut, where they are today. The Mohegan Nation is the owner of several well-known establishments, including the Mohegan Sun casino, several Connecticut Jersey Mikes and The Tantaquidgeon Museum in Uncasville, Connecticut. After a brief discussion of the Nation’s symbol, which has various ties to Mohegan history and culture, the senate leaders moved on to promote one of the Nation’s festivals, the Wigwam Festival. This celebration, originating from the word Wigwomun, which means “welcome” or “greetings,” happens in August, during the Corn Harvest, and is in celebration of thanks, survival and ancestral connection. This festival, which is open to the public, takes place at Fort Shantok and features traditional activities as well as food and crafts markets.
Following this presentation, a member of the SGA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee discussed the Inclusive Initiatives Fund, recently promoted by the College. With this fund, students can request funding for various workshops, cultural events, galleries or academic projects relating to DEI. Awards range from $400 to $600, and the only requirement is that the events must be open to everyone on campus so that students can experience a range of different cultures. The funding application is open until Feb. 15.
At this time, the senate invited the candidate for Chair of Halls, Nathania Amadi ’26, to speak. Amadi, the Mount Holyoke African and Caribbean Student Association senator, expressed that she has a deep-seated passion for serving and contributing to the Mount Holyoke community. As an international, low-income student and a seasoned Residential Advisor, Amadi has noticed a lack of representation in Student Life. Through her position as the Chair of Halls and a policy of clear communication with students and staff alike, Amadi promises to bring greater representation and other positive changes to Student Life and Residency.
After a moment where senate members were given time to either vote or abstain on the special election for Chair of Halls, the senate moved on, opening the floor for senator announcements and concerns. Notably, several organizations, including but not limited to Students for Health Humanities, Art Society and Model UN, are holding Valentine’s Day fundraisers and/or events during the upcoming weeks. For more information, students are encouraged to check Instagram or Embark.
Moreover, when the senate moved on to senator concerns, several mentioned the new social media platform for college students, Fizz. Some mentioned it in a positive light, highlighting that it allows students to post campus suggestions, while others pointed out its toxic nature, allowing students to be hateful towards one another anonymously. While no resolution was reached at the end of this discussion, it did shed some light on the ways that social media can affect various aspects of student life and organizations.
Senate concluded with a reminder to all members about what their responsibilities were as senators and representatives. As the senate leaders pointed out, the job of the members is two-sided; it’s not just about coming to senate, but also about communicating back to your constituents. To help members initiate this relationship, the senate leaders provided examples of how members might create a good repertoire.
For hall senators, the leaders suggest creating an information sheet with contact information for residents, having a weekly or monthly check-in with resident advisors, creating a QR code for residents to submit requests, working with residential life to hold events or having conversations with residents about what is happening in senate.
Sstudent organization senators and representatives were advised to check in with the SGA E-Board to suggest organizational support, email the senate minutes to organization members and be available to answer organizational questions. It was also suggested that organization senators and representatives have consistent conversations with the organization members to ensure their needs are accurately represented.
Finally, for all members, the leaders ask that members share the resources from senate. town halls and other information sessions, like the Native American Nation segments, are meant to educate the wider student population and are, therefore, best shared. Moreover, if any members are interested in the senate, senators should feel free to invite them to senate meetings and town halls.
After a reminder about the Feb. 13 town hall with Carl Ries, vice president of finance and administration, and Kassandra Jolley, vice president for College relations, the senate leaders ended the meeting and dismissed the members.