Student Government reconvened Thursday, Sept. the 17^th, and began with roll call. The previous week’s minutes were approved by a vote of general consent, as was the current week’s agenda. During the first open forum period of the meeting, President Napierski reminded senators that Jefferson Educational Society events are free for all students. This year, the society is hosting former First Lady Michelle Obama on Monday, October 12^th at the Erie Insurance Arena.

The club had one item of old business: two prospective clubs that were tabled during the previous week’s meeting. During new business, the club was reminded that completed fall election packets were due Sept. 18^th. Additionally, the history club is attempting to get back up and running; interested students should reach out to Professor Amy Carney. The final piece of new business was the senate’s vote on the recommendation for approval of the Culinary Arts Club and Behrend Communal Kitchen.

The representative for the Culinary Arts Club emphasized the club’s mission of teaching students to cook and highlighted the possibility of future cooking competitions. The club is looking to local restaurants for donations to get them started, while a long-term fundraising plan is in the works. Because food would be made and served, club meetings would need to be private events. With a vote of 7-0-1, the Culinary Arts Club was recommended for approval.

The representative for the Behrend Communal Kitchen emphasized the club’s mission of trying to provide Behrend students with affordable, fresh, and nutritious food. Students would pay a fee, which would go into the club budget to be used for ingredients and other supplies. With a vote of 7-0-1, the Behrend Communal Kitchen was recommended for approval.

Executive Board Reports:

President Napierski updated students that there are still open seats for the Council of Commonwealth Student Government meeting scheduled for Oct. 23^rd and 24^th. Additionally, she shared that Dr. Filbeck will be attending the Student Government meeting on Oct 22^nd . President Napierski continues work on scheduling speakers for future meetings. Students with questions or concerns for speakers are welcome to attend meetings or contact their student government senators.

Vice-President Sawani Shinde had no report.

Treasurer Owen Kagle was absent and thus had no report.

Chief-of-Staff Michael Del Signore had no report.

Advisor Kris Motta Torok reminded students that the club registration deadline has passed. She also announced that World Campus Student Affairs is hosting the third annual Thrive: Student Leadership and Success Summit. The virtual event will be held on Monday, Oct 26^th and Tuesday October 27^th and is open to all students. Additionally, there are still open seats for the Cedar Point Trip scheduled for Saturday, Sept 26^th. There is a $45.00 fee to cover the ticket and round-trip transportation.

Staff Reports:

Programming Affairs head Kalliyah Wright voiced concerns over the lack of completed election packets and requested an increase in social media coverage.

Council Reports:

The Multi-Cultural Council position remains open.

Interfraternity Council representative Eli Sloan reiterated the planned LinkedIn workshop scheduled for Monday, Sept 21^st.

University Faculty Senate representative River Smith updated the organization that the EECE will be investigating the concerns of a faculty member who identifies as LGBTQ+. This faculty member was reassigned from a closing campus to a campus in a non-LGBTQ+-friendly area and has “legitimate concerns regarding her future well-being,” according to representative Smith’s report. Additionally, there are still many non-tenured faculty at closing campuses who have not been reassigned or, at the very least, given explanations as to why they were passed over during the reassignment and hiring process.

Student government meetings are on Thursdays at 4:30 and are open to all Behrend students.