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The executive branch of the student government sits, listening to Michael Gallegos, president of the Washburn Student Bar Association. The executive branch is made up of nine positions, two elected and seven appointed and approved by the Senate.
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Gallegos speaks to the Senate during the Oct. 22 meeting. The Washburn Student Bar Association and student government have a history of working together and their respective leaders are often invited to speak at their respective meetings at least once a year to maintain that relationship.
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Kendall Brungardt, senator, takes notes on the issues before the senate. Several funding requests came before the senate for approval, all were approved near-unanimously.
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Kara Kendall-Morwick, director of Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning (CTEL) speaks on the work she does to benefit the Washburn faculty. CTEL is a professional development office in the university that centers on educating professors on how to teach.
WSGA met on Oct.22 to discuss funding requests, hear from campus partners and pass a resolution regarding holiday lights on campus. Reports from members of the executive branch centered around Homecoming work and events, as well as introducing some of the speakers. Homecoming was previously directed by WSGA, but was handed off to the Office of Student Life several years ago. This year WSGA was given back Homecoming to manage and direct.Â
A variety of funding requests were heard and approved. Chemistry Club requested funds for pumpkin carving at their Oct. meeting, Bods Baking Club requested funds for cooking supplies and the Nepalese Student Association requested funds for festival celebrations that are popular in Nepal, the Deusi Bhailo Nights & Chhath Puja Celebration. Finally, Delta Gamma requested funds for the Philanthropy Week and the Washburn players requested funds for a Topeka Civic Theatre Trip. All requests were approved by the Senate.Â
Following requests, two public forums were held. The first was from Kara Kendall-Morwick, Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning (CTEL). Kendall-Morwick discussed CTEL’s mission on campus for educator professional development, as well as CTEL’s four pillars; active and engaged learning, assessment, online and hybrid education, and inclusive pedagogy.Â
The second public forum was from Michael Gallegos, President of the Washburn Student Bar Association (WSBA). Gallegos explained that WSBA has been happy with the recent increase of the student activity fee, which has provided their organization with more funds. Gallegos also stated his interest in coming ‘across the pond’ to meet with WSGA to keep their relationship firm and introduced some other members of WSBA.Â
The meeting closed with Senate Resolution #006: Holiday Happiness. This resolution requested that the Washburn administration bring back the holiday lights on campus to support celebration and cheer during the winter months. Holiday lights used to be strung around campus, but have not been for the past few years. Discussion was held around whether the resolution would be sufficient and whether or not the potential costs of the holiday lights would be worth the benefit. Ultimately the resolution was passed, to be presented to JuliAnn Mazachek, president of Washburn, and other members of the university administration.Â
Edited by Anushma Dahal and Arohi Rai
