Classic Covenant events are back in full swing this spring. Covenant College’s Student Senate is excited to reach and serve campus with what they have planned. They are especially hopeful for more Senate-to-campus communication this semester.
On Saturday, Jan. 15, before the snowstorm hit, the Senate held a retreat in Mills to discuss their hopes for the new semester. The Senate’s focus was reporting on the successes they had in the fall, while brainstorming ideas to incorporate on campus this spring.
Senators were encouraged by the higher interest and engagement Covenant students showed in the Senate this past semester. They talked about how the fall events (especially Jazz on the Overlook) went well, giving campus back a sense of normalcy post-COVID.
The Campus Activities Board (CAB) reported on the positive feedback they received about campus events. Students enjoyed having events come back after a hiatus because of COVID. These events were uniting for the student body, and according to the senators, they allowed the Senate to reach a broad spectrum of Covenant students. One thing that could use improvement is food selection at events. CAB took note that more allergy friendly foods were requested, and they plan to incorporate this request in future events.
Since COVID, campus events have been limited or changed to meet safety protocols. So, having Mistletoe Mingle this past December, an event only remembered by upperclassmen, was seen as a huge success for CAB. CAB director Anna Baker spoke about her committee’s excitement to put on more events this Spring.
CAB and the rest of the Senate is busy planning fun events for campus. Covenant students can look forward to Movie Night in late January, Sk80’s in February, Spring Formal in March, the Highland Games and Bakertree in April, and Exam Cram in May.
During the retreat, Kelsey Bazzel, Coordinator of Student Learning, spoke to the Senate and reminded them that they are here to serve the Lord, each other, and campus. Bazzel also emphasized the desire for the Senate to reach as many students as possible this semester and serve the community.
“We’re here to serve. Student Senate is more than just a club. We want to put others first and know what people need.” President Banjo Jones said. Jones and the rest of the Senate want campus to know that they are driven by service.
Right now, Senate affairs are largely kept behind closed doors, but this doesn’t mean senators want their service to remain secret. In fact, a huge goal for the Senate this spring is to involve students and really encourage their communication and feedback. Jones said he has three main goals. “Reach broader campus. Have small events to care for people. And visibility—we want people to come to us.”
He and his fellow senators want more communication from campus. They would love more written questions, comments, or concerns submitted to them through their Instagram page, @covenantsenate. They want to welcome visitors in the Senate office across from the mailroom during office hours. Senate meetings are open for faculty and students to attend, and they meet across from Carter 111 at 8:15pm on Wednesday nights.
Covenant’s Student Senate is optimistic about this Spring semester. They want to “dream big,” as Jones said, and in order to do that, he encouraged his fellow students to reach out to the Senate this semester. “We want communication. We want to hear from you.”