On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, Stockton’s Student Senate held their first meeting for the semester on campus in G-137. After calling for attendance and a few reminders on the board’s attendance policy, in accordance with their current constitution, they began discussions on their direction for the current semester. The Senate’s presentation consisted of winter highlights, or lack thereof, and a few notable mentions concerning the upcoming semester.

The Future of Atlantic City Campus

The first topic addressed the Atlantic City campus and it’s future. According to Craig Stambaugh, one of the advisors for the Student Senate and Assistant Vice President of Student Engagement and Community Development, a consultant is scheduled to visit Stockton’s campus to discuss the future direction and development of the Atlantic City campus. They are seeking for students who are willing to volunteer as a part of a task force called “Presidential Task-Force on the Expansion of Atlantic City Phase III” and suggest improvements moving forward. This initiative comes at a time when the Presidential committee begins discussions on Phase III.

On a similar note, Andrea Sandoval, President of the Student Senate, mentioned that the Senate is looking add one of their members to the task force to contribute to the development of a strategic direction for the AC campus. It is important to note that this committee would be separate from the Presidential committee on phase 3.

2024 Presidential Election

The student senate also discussed the upcoming Presidential election for 2024; particularly focusing on how to engage students. They discussed marketing strategies to appeal to students to encourage them to vote in the upcoming elections. One project mentioned would be a short documentary cohosted with the Republican and Democratic clubs to encourage voting; and possibly including showing clips of senate civic engagement.

Library Renovation Project

Most significantly, the Student Senate discussed that the library is set to undergo renovations in the summer, constituting a two-plus-year project. The project will necessitate the closure of the library; with books, records, and shelves being moved elsewhere within Stockton. The location of the temporary makeshift library is currently unknown. For new and current students, a website with more information on the displacement will be provided. Juan Diego Chaparro Villarreal, Student Affairs committee member, stated, “I will be making an official report to the press on these discussions at the Board of Trustee’s meeting.”

Stockton’s Student Senate will hold its next open meeting February 6th and will attend the Board of Trustee’s meeting January 30 on Galloway campus in the Campus Center.