Student senate convened for the first time this academic year on Wednesday for a brief opening session, passing its first resolution and confirming a new director of first-generation and low-income students for the upcoming term.
The meeting opened with a prayer and brief announcements before moving into general orders, starting with Resolution SS 2526-04, which aims to increase fiscal transparency within the Student Union.
The resolution tasks the Financial Management Board and the Club Coordination Council with creating an itemized bill that includes both the income and expenses of the Student Union. It also calls on the council to publish its report on the Notre Dame student government website. The resolution, introduced by Baumer senator Matthew Dunn and Badin senator Madison Denchfield, passed unanimously.
The senate then moved to confirm Farley Hall sophomore Sherroya Robb, student body president Jerry Vielhauer’s nominee, to serve as director of first-generation low-income students. In his nomination letter, Vielhauer cited Robb’s “strong passion for equity, representation and community-building,” in addition to her “involvement in faith life, research, public service and student leadership” as making her particularly adept for the role.
“She’s been so dedicated to everything she’s involved in at Notre Dame,” junior class president Aleah Applin said. “I’m extremely proud of her and think that she deserves this role.”
Robb’s appointment to the executive cabinet was soon confirmed unanimously, allowing the Senate to move forward with announcements. Among them was the Dunne Fun Run, scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 30. Tickets for the event cost $5 and will benefit André House, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty.
Additionally, the senate also discussed Friday’s “Flick on the Field” event and the upcoming Thursday, Sept. 4 South Bend Cubs game, which Vielhauer is set to throw the first pitch at.
“Either way, it will be entertaining because I haven’t played baseball too much, so if it goes well, it’ll be good, but if it goes poorly, then you’ll get to laugh at me for it,” Vielhauer said.
Concluding the meeting was a final announcement regarding ND110, a Duncan Hall signature event which honors first responders who served on 9/11. Last year, the hall raised $31,000 for Heart 9/11, an organization that assists first responders and aids communities in crisis, which was made possible by 1,356 participants. Registration for the event is now open.
