Members of Student Senate discussed upcoming events offered by various student organizations at the General meeting on February 29, as well as providing an update on Ramadan accommodations.

The meeting began with announcements about upcoming events on campus. One highlight was the Spring Concert featuring Peach Tree Rascals onMarch 1, sponsored by the Student Activities Council (SAC). Assistant Director of Student Activities Olivia Helland (‘21) told CHIPS in an interview before the event that she had high expectations for SAC’s largest concert of the year.

“Peach Tree Rascals are going to bring in such a feel good vibe tomorrow night,” Helland said. “We hope to see such a variety of folks including students, faculty [and] staff, and community members in the Regents Gym.”

Another notable event discussed was “Happiness Week,” scheduled from May 6-12. The week will include various activities, such as a doggy date, Wellness Wednesday, a Senate mixer, and more, offering students a chance to unwind at the very end of a busy academic semester, the week before final exams.

Alpha Beta Psi and Norse Against Sexual Assault (NASA) are partnering to put on “Stride Through Their Story,” a 5K Walk/Run Fundraiser set for April 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All proceeds collected go to Riverview Center, a nonprofit agency committed to providing compassionate, client-centered care for individuals affected by sexual assault. In an interview with CHIPS, Title IX Coordinator Kasey Nikkel commended both NASA and Alpha Beta Psi for “their commitment in bringing trauma-informed and meaningful events” to Luther.

“These student led events like “Stride Through Their Story” allow for opportunities to bring greater awareness of the prevalence and stigma that surround sexual assault,” Nikkel said. “I am beyond grateful for the student leaders that foster and contribute to a safer campus community.”

The Student Senate also delved into updates from the Board of Regents. Notable topics included the passage of the Legends Center User Policies and ongoing conversations about the affordability of the Rochester nursing semester. Concerns were raised by the board about housing issues in Rochester, with the housing lease set to end in 2025, prompting discussions on resource allocation for students in that area.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates on Senate’s Ramadan Accommodation Proposal. Following the Senate’s approval, subsequent meetings with the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES) office and other faculty were held to refine the proposal. A large advocate of the acceptance and inclusion of students celebrating Ramadan was College Ministries. Campus Pastor Melissa Bills her own perspective on the matter in an interview with CHIPS.

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“As we enter the holy season of Ramadan, it is important that we not only support our Muslim students by caring for their physical needs, but also by considering and improving systems on campus that remain as barriers to their spiritual expression and their sense of belonging,” Bills said.

Transportation arrangements to the Postville Mosque for Jum’ah prayer on March 1 were discussed, along with efforts to convert swipe-to-meal voucher money for Fareway and/or Kwik Star. Plans for a dedicated space for students to gather, eat, and pray were also in progress, including sunrise and sunset-facing rooms for morning and evening prayers, respectively.

Minutes for the meeting can be found here. The next Student Senate meeting is scheduled for March 5 at 9:45 a.m in the Mott-Borlaug room.