President Gina Edwards, left and Secretary Greg Rickenbacher are two of the officers on this year’s Student Senate.
 

The Influence of Student Senate at Dana

By Arun Che

   What is the impact of the Dana College Student Senate on the welfare of students?

   Last spring new president Gina Edwards spelled out her challenges, the expectations for her office and what she hoped to achieve.

   She said she expected the challenges to include a "heavy time demand" and maintaining good relations within the senate. She also wanted to see a better and more cohesive students involvement in campus activities through improved communication and the continued renovation of the Dragon's Head.

   What has Edwards, who was officially installed as the new senate resident in April 2006, seen so far?   She said she is focusing on “Mainly student concerns, for example, parking on campus, what to do with student dues (currently $150 per student per semester) and getting students to attend senate meetings.” The senate has a budget of $31,385 per semester.

“It is enough to get through a semester and undertake our projects and financing,” states treasurer George Roath.  The 20-member senate, meets every other Sunday at 8 p.m. to discuss student and school issues. “Clubs get money from us through their proposals which we sit and decide to accept or decline,” she pointed out.  “For example, last week we handed out $9,661 for clubs and organizations on campus,” said Roath.   “One of the projects we are currently undertaking is a 30 by 40 foot fireplace between Rasmussen and Holling Halls.  Approximately $8,000 is set aside for it and a sand volleyball site”, Roath added. Furthermore, the organization also plans to purchase a plasma television set as part of their drive to improve the Dragon’s Head.”  As the president of the student senate Edwards gets to be on many different, committees that involve students, such as the general education committee.  She is also able to attend the Board of Regents meetings and give the student body’s perspective on the various issues discussed.

“President Janet Phillipp is very, very interested in what’s going on on campus, the student senate has a good relationship with the administration,” said Edwards.

What are her plans as president?  She says that because most are new they plan to revise their duties.  She also plans to oversee a sand volleyball court behind Rasmussen Hall where there is currently a mud one. And she said there’s more to be done at the Dragon’s Head, including replacing the pool tables.