The ASWSU senate heard an update on the upcoming first aid and CPR workshop for students at their meeting on Wednesday
“This is going to be partnering up with the UREC,” Mauro Ramirez, Director of Health and Safety said. “ASWSU will be paying for sessions for students to come and get certified in CPR.”
In addition, Ramirez said they expect this workshop to happen in the fall and spring. Other upcoming events include a Safety and Wellness Resource Fair.
“It’s going to consist of a bunch of health services and vendors,” Ramirez said. “It’s a really great way to get students involved.”
Ramirez said he would be there to help distribute fentanyl test strips. He also hopes students will soon be able to scan a QR code in the dorms and public bathrooms to take them to a Linktree with mental health and sexual assault resources.
“I’m also expecting to be tabling sometime this month to distribute test strips, breathalyzer tests, pregnancy tests and other health resources,” Ramirez said.
Chief of Staff Lillyann Vo said she had an idea for Cougar Food Pantry volunteering. She is working with certain senators to get into the bylaws a rule that says senators can exchange office hours for volunteering with them.
“Another resolution I started is residence halls recycling baskets. We want to standardize recycling in all the residence halls,” Vo said. “We put a recycling bin in each room with a trash can.”
Vo said they are also working on a mental health symposium with Ramirez. Senators must also go to a few Cougar lobbying sessions before Coug Day.
Kailey Sparks and Crystal Delos Santos, members of the department of communications, came up together to update on their recent outreach activities.
“Our goal for September is to post one to two TikToks,” Sparks said. “We also want to post about all the upcoming events and [registered student organizations] on Instagram.”
Delos Santos said they will also be posting about Lauren’s Lap. A goal of the communications team is to get the student body more familiar with ASWSU.
“Once all positions are filled on exec we will post that on Instagram so the student body can get to know who we are,” Delos Santos said.
Vice President Brian Kim said Lauren’s Lap is meant to spread awareness is meant to raise awareness for sexual assault survivors. There will be a booth set up for materials for sexual assault awareness, as well as music and food. It will be held from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on Sept. 28.
Sparks said they want to start talking to RSOs and would like to create graphics for them if they would like to.
Student regent Kassandra Vogel said she wanted to introduce herself and some of the roles of the Board of Regents to the senators. She served with ASWSU on the executive team before graduating.
“I just graduated in May,” Vogel said. “Really I’m here today because I want to connect with you.”
Vogel said the board is WSU’s governing body and makes a lot of decisions that affect students, faculty and staff.
“For example, the board decides who to employ as president, which is particularly relevant right now,” Vogel said. “Another thing is that the board establishes entrance requirements … They also decide on tuition increases.”
Vogel said her term is only a year long while most board members serve for at least six years. This emphasizes how important these people are because they make decisions that affect people’s everyday lives.
“The people who are on this board haven’t been students for a really long time, so we see things and experience things that they aren’t always aware of,” Vogel said. “My role on the board is just to be the student voice.”
Vogel said students should consider applying for the student regent position when applications open in February. If people are even a little interested, they should consider applying.
Senate advisor Josue Zuniga said the senators should make sure they are practicing active listening and paying attention to speakers.
“I’ve spoken with some of you already with some of the ideas you’ve had. There were some really great ideas you already have,” Zuniga said. “You all are very engaged and already have some ideas that are going to make a big difference in terms of what you can accomplish this year.”
Kim said the senate will be confirming all the candidates to fill the empty positions at their meeting next week.
