Student Senate Programs & Initiatives
Illinois Wesleyan’s Student Senate would like to introduce to you a new series called Sit Down with Student Senate. This is a homegrown series of dialogues centered around Diversity and Inclusion, Advocacy and Awareness, Sustainability, and Civic Engagement. The purpose of this initiative is to engage in productive conversations with members of the IWU community (Staff, Faculty, community members) to discuss the important issues facing our lives today. Each Sit Down is led by a Student Senate Commissioner(s).
We are very excited for you all to join us! This initiative is for the students and by the students. Please check your emails or look around campus for a question intake survey for each respective event. Thank you!
Sit Down with Senate - President Nugent
On March 3, 2021, ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ and ‘Advocacy and Awareness’ Commissioners, Jack McElveen V ‘22 and Julia Hilt ‘22, sat down with President Nugent to discuss a series of topics on the student’s minds. Due to COVID-19 protocol, McElveen and Hilt met with President Nugent virtually (via Zoom) to discuss issues surrounding social justice, the academic program review, and the University's plan to further inclusive practices. Please join us in discussing these important topics.
Sit Down with Senate - Indea Powe
On March 17, 2021, ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ and ‘Advocacy and Awareness’ Commissioners, Jack McElveen V ‘22 and Julia Hilt ‘22, gave a warm welcome to the newest member of the Counseling and Consultation Services, Indea Powe! Indea is a Chicago native with a passion for helping others. She brings with her a wealth of experience, as well as a contagious warmth. Please take some time out of your day to hear what Indea has to say!
Moreover, please check out Counseling and Consultation Services website or call Arnold Health Services to learn more about Illinois Wesleyan’s response and resources to mental health!
Sit Down with Senate: Tari Renner
On March 24, 2021, Civic Engagement Commissioner, Sofia Papoutsis ‘22, and C.E Co-Commissioner, Anna Cooper ‘22, sat down with current Bloomington Mayor and IWU Political Science Professor, Tari Renner. Professor Renner discussed the importance of college students' involvement in the local community and elections. Please join Sofia Papoutsis, Anna Cooper, and the rest of the Student Senate in welcoming Mayor and IWU Professor Tari Renner!
Moreover, please note that the City of Bloomington’s local election will take place April 6, 2021! There will be same-day voter registration at the Hansen Student Center. Get out the vote; let your voices be heard! Follow this link for more information!
Sit Down with Senate: Mercy Davison
On April 12, 2021, Sustainable Commissioner, Emily Chamernik ‘22, with the help of Chief of Staff, Zehra Bakirdan’23, and Co-Commissioner, Izabella Villatuya’24, sat down with the Normal Town Planner, Mercy Davison! Together, the four of them discussed all the work Mercy has done and continues to do to make the Town of Normal more sustainable. Please take a moment to learn more about the Uptown Circle, Normal’s LEED Certified Buildings, and all the other sustainable amenities Normal has to offer!
Sit Down with Senate: Doctor Folse and Collegiate Substance Abuse
On April 14, 2021, Advocacy and Awareness Commissioner, Julia Hilt ‘22, with the help of Izabella Villatuya’24, sat down with Illinois Wesleyan’s esteemed Nursing Professor and Interim Director of Arnold Health and Consultation Services, Doctor Vickie Folse. The three of them discussed the importance of alcohol and substance abuse on collegiate mental health and well-being. Doctor Folse brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience, both from in the classroom and from her time as a practicing nurse.
If you or a classmate/friend is seeking help, please check out the Counseling and Consultation Services website or call Arnold Health Services to learn more about Illinois Wesleyan’s mental health resources!