Saint Mary's took steps toward change Thursday and Friday at the Saint Mary's Board of Trustees' second of four meetings this year.

During the two-day meeting, the group set goals for the year and heard updates on the Strategic Plan, campus building projects and various fund-raising goals and initiatives.

The board discussed recruitment and the importance of student-endorsed applications that waive the application fee.

The board also took a tour of the dining hall construction and was informed that the building should be completed in mid-May or early June.

The board discussed the idea of on-campus apartments as well. Board members plan to conduct studies of the popularity, need and potential success in this attempt to keep students living on campus.

Kristen Matha, student trustee, discussed the Catholic identity of the college with the Student Life Committee and also made a proposal of an improved physical education program for students.

"The physical education department is lacking right now. There is a lot of student concern and interest as seen in a survey done last year, overflow enrollment in aerobics classes and increasing participation in intramural sports," Matha said.

Matha's proposal is based on activity and theory components with the goal of impacting the social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual well being of students.

While Matha has already done extensive research and discussion with her proposal, she said this would be a yearlong project.

"[I hope the] trustees see the benefit for the college community and offer guidance to make the idea a stronger reality," Matha said.

The Student Life Committee, which Matha sits on, has already endorsed the proposal.

The board will return to campus in February to continue discussion on issues brought up at this meeting. Matha is looking to coordinate more student interaction with the board, possibly focusing on a plan that includes a formal gathering of students and trustees.

• Trident runs non-stop for Special Olympics
  
• Meier leads Sat. lecture
  
• SMC trustees meet
  
• SMC students take out the trash