Following a productive Fall Semester, the fruits of the efforts of Student Senate are becoming visible across campus. Perhaps most prominent are the additions of hydration stations in the residence halls.

“The hydration stations were really inspired by students that were passionate about the issue and were willing to make progress on it.”—Hayden Goldstien

“This was a project that senators have been working on since my Freshman year,” Senior Co-President Hayden Goldstien said. “When a senator brought it up again this year, all of the pieces fell into place and we were able to go through with the project.”

During J-term, Physical Plant began installing the hydration stations, the same as those which can be found in the Courtyard Café and Library. Largely a student-lead endeavor, the hydration stations were purchased in an effort to maintain good health on campus.

“This was really inspired by students that were passionate about the issue and were willing to make progress on it,” Goldstien said.

Some students are excited to have access to the hydration stations, but see larger issues which could be recognized as well.

“I really think they should be in every building,” Senior Art Studio Major Beatrice Winter said. “There should be clean water available in all buildings, such as the art building where the water is brown and undrinkable. The hydration stations are a good idea, but we should be focusing on getting drinkable water first.”

Another of the major projects taken on by Student Senate this year is the addition of a third Gus Bus.

“We recognized the need for a third Gus-bus when Hayden and I were receiving feedback from St. Peter transit and from students that they were not being allowed entry on the bus due to the number of persons utilizing it,” Senior Co-President Matt Timmons said.

The Gus Bus runs on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. There are currently two vehicles which offer safe transport to students at their request.

“Having a third bus will ensure that students safely return to campus.”—Erik Carlson

“The sole purpose of the Gus Bus is to ensure that students have an option and never even consider the possibility of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol,” Timmons said. “It seemed as though there was quickly becoming an obstacle to attaining that goal and we as a body decided it was necessary to put forward the funds necessary to pay for the addition of a bus.”

Students are enthusiastic about the addition of the third bus.

“I’m really glad that we have the Gus Bus, because it gives students an extra layer of protection so they aren’t out driving under the influence,” Senior Music and Scandanavian Studies Major Erik Carlson said. “Having a third bus will ensure that they safely return to campus.”

Looking forward to the coming semester, Student Senate is preparing to take on more tasks about which the student body is concerned.

“We hope that the student concerns survey that was sent to the student body will yield some strong results as to what we should focus on in Senate,” Timmons said. “Right now, there are many small projects and issues we have discussed, however, I hope that in the spring we can use the data gathered in the survey to put pressure where it is needed to create some tangible solutions.”

Beyond the offered survey, students are encouraged to reach out to their senators with any points of interest which they would like to be discussed.

“If anyone has any questions, concerns, or feedback about Senate, feel free to reach out to Matt or myself via e-mail, in person, or by messenger bird,” Goldstien said.

Regarding the overarching concerns the Gustavus community faces, Timmons was optimistic:

“I do not mean to diminish or discredit the issues that we do have, however, I think in large part, we are profoundly blessed.”

-Kaity Young