Campus Update
Associated Students
Amy Inkrott / News Editor / The USD Vista
At the March 21 AS Senate meeting, voting members confirmed three individuals to leadership positions within the body. These appointments come after resignations and removals throughout the past semester. Speaker of the Senate Alexander Plummer nominated Kylee Rios as Speaker Pro Tempore, Carolina Moreno as Parliamentarian, and Rory Abraham as Student Orgs Chair.
The senate also voted to re-register two preexisting student organizations. The Beta Alpha Psi accounting honors society and the Japan Club were both approved. They also voted to add two new clubs. The Public Health Club provides students within that field of interest with various speakers and networking opportunities as they look to pursue graduate degrees and future careers. Additionally, the Venture Capital Club invites students to compete with each other as they analyze and evaluate different companies.
Senator Dean Lockwood then presented on a new initiative regarding electric scooters on campus. Bird and Lime scooters are increasingly popular in the San Diego area; however, according to Lockwood, USD does not currently have any policy regarding their usage. Lockwood’s plan looks to make the use of these scooters safer for USD students. Cooperating with Public Safety and the scooter companies, the initiative will establish an off-limits zone through the busiest areas of campus such as the main academic mesa. Students will also be required to end their rides in designated parking spaces placed throughout campus. Charging of these scooters in any USD facility will also be prohibited should the plan be approved.
The AS Constitution is being modified for the 2019-2020 academic year. After a month of contentious constitutional debates within AS, the body proposed the formation of a Judicial Branch. This new branch would be used to settle constitutional disputes within the body. They are also considering the potential for senators to hold multiple positions granting work service awards.
Finally, members of AS provided updates on various projects and initiatives. School of Business Senator Patrick Murphy announced that the Board of Trustees and President Harris approved the decision to change the names of Serra Hall and Missions Crossroads. Additionally, it was announced that veterans will be granted priority registration in the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Engineering. This will go into effect for Fall 2019 registration next month.
There are currently four vacancies within the AS Senate. These open seats include representatives for the School of Engineering, School of Business, and the Alcalá Vistas residence hall.