Oberlin College's greatest resource has always been its student body. During these tough economic times where it seems like we are paying twice as much for half the quality, it may be comforting to know that Oberlin Students are just as passionate, engaged, and committed to the ideals of social justice as we've always been. This year the campus has been alive with activity especially surrounding the historic Presidential election that took place this November. Though perhaps less hyped, the fall student senate election saw 13 of 15 seats up for grabs, unprecedented in recent memory, and 28 candidates vying to be seated. New first time Senators include first-years Reshard el-Shair and Conservatory student Brandon Gaoiran; second-years Shannon Ikebe, Alix Simonson, and Kyla Moore; third-years Jules Brouillet and Brett Foreman, and fourth-year Jon Harmatz. Along with returning senators, these students bring bring a wealth of experience as well as diversity in thought and background. They reflect the growing awareness and interest in college governance that has taken place on Oberlin's campus and we are proud to have them on board.
Improving Senate's internal structure is always a top priority and this fall we took a number of important steps towards making Senate more accountable and efficient. We set up vehicles to create institutional memory and to improve the process by which we appoint fellow students to committees. For example, Senators and student appointees are now required to submit summaries of their activities. If utilized properly this can be more than just another writing assignment at the end of the semester but a way to hold each other accountable. This will also aid us in knowing about and acknowledging the great work that is being done. We have made it a priority to further publicize the many opportunities students have to serve on faculty committees and to fill those spots in a manner and speed consistent with their importance. There is still much to be done, but I have no doubt of our ability and our commitment to do so.
The fall semester also saw the addition of two new Senate officer positions: City Liaison and Green Liaison. This reflects the college's priorities of bridging the town-gown divide and greening the campus. Jules Brouillet, who was appointed as Senate's first City Liaison, has attended the biweekly city council meetings, chaired the town-gown working group, and been a conduit between Senate and city officials. Shannon Ikebe, as Senate's Green Liaison, works closely with the new Green Fund Committee that sponsors green projects on campus. These two new positions, while still developing, are exciting and promising additions to Student Senate.
We have also made it a priority to increase Senate's visibility to the Student Body. Last spring, "The Informer", our newsletter, was created as mandated by our constitution. This fall we released two more issues of The Informer. In addition, The Senate now has a biweekly column in The Review entitled, "Knock on Wood". New Senators, such as Shannon Ikebe have done much to generate excitement and encourage students to attend our weekly plenary. This semester I saw more students, faculty, and even a few community members attend our meetings than ever before. I hope this will only continue to increase as we work to make ourselves a more visible part of the Oberlin Community.
In December, Senate unanimously endorsed the creation of a Peace and Conflict Studies Concentration as well as began to coordinate the Fagerstrom lecture series. We also approved the formation of six new student organizations, including an Engineering Club and the Umoja Steppers. We hope that we are taking steps that will help enrich the culture here at Oberlin and provide new avenues of learning and growth.
This is only a snippet of what the Student Senate has done this semester. I continue to be impressed with the commitment and dedication of my fellow Senators. Student Senate is far from perfect but the willingness to work the long hours, the concern for our peers, and the desire to do good are prevalent. In the end, I believe this is the true strength and promise of Senate. Though we are tasked with being the voice of the Student Body, it is far from easy to speak and work on behalf of such a diverse and already vocal constituency; yet through working together with our fellow students and administrators, together and as individuals, we have the enormous opportunity to leave Oberlin knowing that we have made it just a little better than it was when we arrived. If Senate can in any way contribute to the desire to be involved on campus and the sense of empowerment students take with them from Oberlin, then we have done our job. We are honored and humbled for this opportunity to serve. Thank you.
—Oberlin College Student Senate