Members approve new structure
By HELENA PAYNE
and ERIN LaRUFFA
Student body president Brian O'Donoghue challenged the Campus Life Council (CLC) Monday to rebuild a "viable and worthwhile" council with a new structure.
"This is one of the strongest voices for the students if we use it effectively," said O'Donoghue, who also chairs the CLC. "We can come together and rise above mediocrity … Consider it a challenge."
The council voted unanimously to close its current session, which had been running for 23 years. Therefore, existing standing committees—small groups of council members dedicated to specific issues such as alcohol—were dissolved.
The new formation would add an executive committee to determine meetings and approve new taskforces. The purpose of the taskforces would be to take a more in-depth look into campus life issues affecting students. Once the issue is brought before the council, its taskforce would be dissolved.
Although the details of the exact structure are not definite, taskforce members received the concept of developing taskforces positively.
"Taskforces are effective," said Saint Edward's rector Father Dave Scheidler. "They're so well-directed, pinpointed by the council."
The council brainstormed possible topics taskforces could study. Several topics focused on drinking, including underage, off-campus and binge drinking. Other ideas involved life within residence halls, including differences between male and female residence halls and the need for more 24-hour space, in addition to causes for so many students moving off campus. Other possible topics include sexual assault resources, discrimination, the honor code and the role of the Student Union Board.
Bill Kirk supported the taskforce idea but warned that the CLC should maintain a clear focus on issues pertaining to student affairs. He also said that the Office of Student Affairs does listen to CLC resolutions—no matter how small an issue may seem.
"When this body sits authoritatively on issues, it gets heard," Kirk said.
Taskforce groups will begin forming this week.
Other issues the council addressed included the role of faculty on the council and ways to get more student input when deciding what topics the council should address.
All News Stories for Tuesday, August 29, 2000
