After two weeks dominated by impeachment proceedings, the student senate convened for a brief session to discuss announcements and upcoming events on campus. In a surprise twist, Wednesday’s session was facilitated by student-body president Jerry Vielhauer. Traditionally, vice president Sonia Lumley runs the meetings. This week Vielhauer stepped in to take her place, explaining that Lumley was sick and thus unable to attend the meeting.
After roll call and prayer, the senate quickly found themself in general orders. The brief announcements filled the whole meeting, which only lasted 10 minutes.
Vielhauer noted a couple of noteworthy upcoming events for students to take advantage of in the coming days, including a litter pickup around St. Mary’s Lake and a moderated discussion with U.S. representative Frank Mrvan, both scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25. Vielhauer emphasized the lecture with Mrvan, noting that there were limited spots available for students.
“We’re gonna have a conversation with congressman Frank Mrvan from Indiana’s first district, which is tomorrow from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.- there was a form sent out in the email this week,” he said. “It caps at 60 slots, so if you want to go to that form, you can sign up. I think we might have hit the cap.”
Last week’s impeachment proceedings were on the minds of some senators, with Heffernan’s now permanent – no longer voluntary – absence felt during the meeting. Max Barton, a strong supporter of Heffernan during the impeachment proceedings and once again proxying for senator Charlie Bacon, tried to give what he called a “public service announcement,” arguing that the meeting was “a complete and utter disgrace.”
Barton’s attempted speech- considered out of compliance with the senate’s procedures- was quickly curtailed by senate parliamentarian Sam Robinson. Prior to Barton’s intended remarks, Vielhauer had taken the time to emphasize the importance of senate attendance during general orders.
“Just a reminder that you can not have more than six absences, and when you have a proxy, that does still count as an absence,” Vielhauer said. “So make sure that you are contacting [the student union secretary], let them know, and tell Sonia when she’s back.”
The remainder of the meeting was dedicated to several other announcements. Danny Ward, executive director of the Student Union Board, mentioned Acousticafe, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., features musical performances by Notre Dame students. He also announced yoga sessions would take place at South Quad on Sept. 27.
“Saturday morning, before the game, we’re doing yoga on the quad at 10 a.m. by South Quad. We’ll have smoothies,” Ward said. “We have a sign-up on our Instagram if you want to guarantee a smoothie.”
Several senators also made their own announcements. Pasquerilla West senator Riley Evers added that her dorm was hosting their “Snow Cones and Slides” event this Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. on South Quad, urging anyone interested to come out and show their support. Elena Rossen, the senator from Ryan Hall, announced that Ryan is once again host their signature wheelchair basketball tournament. She said that sign-ups were still available and encouraged students to register.
“Ryan Hall is hosting [wheelchair basketball] on Saturday. You guys are still able to sign up for a team,” she said.
This was followed up with information regarding Keough Hall’s annual chariot race. According to Gavin Hodge, proxy for KeoughHallsenatorJackRankin, entrance fees are 40 dollars per team, and the event will be this Saturday on South Quad at 10:15 a.m.