By Raeanne Raccagno
Staff Writer
Student Government had an action-packed general body meeting on Sept. 25 with seminar-based presentations, the passing of two new clubs and performing swear-ins.
Tacquice Wiggan Davis, the newly appointed interim vice president for the College’s Division of Inclusive Excellence, first shared that the best advice she received for getting into a new position is to go on a “listening tour.” She wanted to use this tool during the general body meeting to gain insight into possible Inclusive Excellence events to help develop a more embracing campus.
“This is not going to be a moment where I do a lot of talking at you, but I want to talk with you,” Davis said.
After going through her presentation on what Inclusive Excellence is and its trajectories for this academic year, the general body had a conversation where members asked questions and gave suggestions.
“Some people say, how do you measure inclusion? How do you measure excellence? And I don't know that I have the textbook answer to give you on that, but I know it's something that you feel,” Davis said.
Davis also said that while the Spiritual Center is not a place that Inclusive Excellence oversees, the office is connected to the center. So, Inclusive Excellence is asking questions to understand how the center can be utilized.
According to Davis and Anthony Berchie, vice president of inclusive excellence for SG, most students do not find the Spiritual Center inviting due to its setup.
Another big discussion topic was how the department would support students and faculty before, during and after the presidential election. Davis asked the crowd what students need in order to feel comfortable in spaces provided during these times.
One member suggested an event after the presidential election that would inform students of the distribution of powers within different government levels and other elections coming up to help combat feelings of helplessness.
Davis also addressed how when she first came into office at the College, she heard that students felt bias reports were “swept under the rug.” Davis promised that she has met and followed up with students after reports are filed, as do other faculty in Inclusive Excellence.
“We do everything in confidence,” Davis said.
At the beginning of the meeting, Beverly Mason, director of counseling and prevention services, gave a presentation on mental health services provided at the College.
“As much as I give these presentations to you guys, I think it’s as likely that you will need this presentation with people in your life,” Mason said.
A change that the office implemented over the summer was adding walk-in hours between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. every day. This change came from the staff feeling like their past appointment-making process was “deficient,” according to Mason.
Other free available services to students that were explained were Uwill Teletherapy, an online wellness program started by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy with leftover COVID-19 funding, which provides college students with access to teletherapy and direct crisis connection.
The College hopes to continue its partnership with the application, but free access ends next academic year and the department is looking into ways to continue funding, according to Mason.
Another program that CAPS is trying to get the word out about is TalkCampus, an anonymous peer-to-peer support network. The College’s website says that while TalkCampus is not a replacement for professional help, it’s a great place to help understand that you are not alone.
The software is a collaboration of students from campuses around the world and is moderated to prevent any possible negativity.
To help relieve stress, CAPS will offer events throughout the week of the presidential election such as therapy dogs, yoga sessions and “Power Up,” where students can play games and relax with friends.
On top of offering numerous free services to students, CAPS also focuses on having a “specific message” every year. This year, CAPS is emphasizing groups, according to Mason.
“You don't want other people to suffer or have problems, but it does actually feel nice to sit in the room of eight other people that are going through the same thing you're going through,” Mason said.
Going into old business, the general body voted on the passing of Stomp N Shake Lions and Disney Club as recognized student organizations after the clubs gave an overview of their action plans.
Stomp N Shake Lions brought information on their program and the energy to the general body meeting with a stepping performance by Adalmaris Castillo, the club president. As the room filled with her chants and stomps, SG’s cheers echoed back with enthusiasm.
After voting to pass the Stomp N Shake Lions as a recognized student organization, SG invited the group back into the room with applause to notify them of their recognition.
Following Stomp N Shake Lions, Griffin Wiehe, president of the Disney Club, gave a presentation about his organization and their need to become an RSO to help combat the crowds they attract with their events.
Wiehe was requested to come back in the room after the general body passed the club and was greeted with another round of applause.
After the previous election week, SG performed its swear-in ceremony for 15 newly elected student leaders.
Outside of the general body meeting, SG had a retreat on Sept. 29. The retreat’s purpose was to clarify the confusion members felt at the beginning of the academic year regarding SG policies.
Editor’s note: One of The Signal’s news editors, Kate Zydor, is Student Government’s Vice President for Student Services. She does not assist with writing or editing stories about Student Government.
