Resolutions were passed by ASUP Senate over the past few weeks, but changes are not guaranteed
ASUP passed a resolution to turn the Buckely Center greenhouse (above) into a coffee cart. (The Beacon)
By Natalie Wheeler, Staff Writer -- wheelern12@up.edu
ASUP Senate passed three resolutions in the past three weeks, including motions to add more mental health counselors at the Health Center, turn the Buckley Center greenhouse into a coffee cart and change the MPF's donation to the RISE campaign from fall to spring.
Although the resolutions reflect students' desires, they do not guarantee any changes.
"Resolutions come about when senators hear a student need, and they decide to formalize that voice for the administration," ASUP President Zack Imfeld said.
Imfeld meets with President Fr. Bill Beauchamp after a resolution is passed by Senate to discuss its feasibility. Beauchamp then discusses the resolution with upper administration, according to Imfeld.
"I'll get a nicely worded memo from Fr. Bill saying either they completely accept it or they partially accept it with these hesitations or they do not accept it," Imfeld said. "Oftentimes it's good constructive feedback to be able to go back and say this is what needs to happen to be able to get this resolution done."
The Senate can amend the resolution if the issue is deemed important enough to push for. However, immediate changes are not always assured with the administration's approval, especially for long-term or costly issues such as adding more mental health staff.
Despite its drawbacks, Imfeld sees resolutions as an important tool for bringing the student body's opinion to the administration's table.
"It's good to let Fr. Bill know, and the administration know, what students are thinking about and what students are wanting," Imfeld said. "I think when something really big happens and there's a need that they have, (a resolution) will push a little harder to get it done."
