A brief meeting on Tuesday over ice cream sundaes concluded the semester’s Baker University Student Senate meetings.
Student Senate President Ryan Boyer announced the results from the online survey conducted about censorship and free speech on campus would not be discussed. Because the survey did not limit the number of times a student could vote, Boyer said the results could not be considered an accurate portrayal of student opinion.
Boyer thanked senators for their involvement this year.
“It’s been a really great year,” he said. “I’m really happy with it.”
Dean of Students John Frazier also addressed senators about their work this year.
“I just want to thank you guys for a good year,” he said. “I’ve been really impressed with things, and I’m optimistic about student senate next year.”
Boyer also discussed some possible changes in student senate next year, including the idea of publishing a student senate newsletter. If senate decides to publish a newsletter it would be sent to students via an all-campus e-mail.
After being absent for two weeks, Boyer announced Student Senate Faculty Adviser Susan Emel had resigned from her position. Boyer did not go into details regarding the reason for her resignation, but said student senate would be looking for a new faculty adviser for next year.
Emel said she would miss her position.
“I will really miss working with student senate because I’ve enjoyed the students,” she said.
Emel commented on the reason for her resignation, which came after student senate failed to pass a resolution condemning censorship by a vote of 29-8 at the April 25 meeting.
“I, as a speech communication professor, have to stand up for the right of free speech,” she said. “As long as student senate takes a position against that, I feel like I should use my energy on other parts of the university.”