Dean of Students faculty member Linda Baughman highlighted resources available through the Dean of Students office, USG voted on special election roles, a Dougherty Family College update was given and finance updates were overviewed at the Undergraduate Student Government general council meeting Thursday, Oct. 21 at the Hearth Room in Anderson Student Center.
Guest speaker: Linda Baughman
Baughman identified various resources available at the Dean of Students and the work they do. She highlighted how the Dean of Students doesn’t only deal with probation of students.
“I like to try to dispel the myth that that’s the primary work that occurs in our office,” Baughman said. “Student conduct is a small piece, but really our work is to support and advocate for students with any challenges they may be facing.”
The Dean of Students provides many resources to students including hosting a food bank, lending laptops and hot spots if students need, running orientation, responding to biased incident reports, and overseeing residence life.
“We work collaboratively with members of our university community to promote student learning and success,” Baughman said.
Baughman emphasized excitement with the development of the nursing program at St. Thomas, and she is “very impressed with what they’re already thinking about in terms of student support.”
Baughman also stressed the developments happening across campus with anti-racism efforts after incidents occurred on campus.
“I would say we are all working on that. Every department in Student Affairs has an equity and inclusion plan,” Baughman said.
One example of these plans include requiring incoming students to engage in a virtual session, led by Student Diversity and Inclusion Services, about what it means to join a campus community with anti-racism values.
Special Elections
USG had to hold special elections to fill five vacant positions after fall elections occurred, including the Intercultural Affairs Representative, Spirituality Chair, Transfer Senator, Senior Class Senator and First-Year Residential Senator.
The general council unanimously voted on Dillon Smisek to fill the Spirituality Chair and Owen Mische to fill the Transfer Senator.
Dougherty Family College Update
DFC Representative Freddy Flores Dominquez provided an update about how DFC is engaging with students on St. Thomas’ St. Paul campus.
“We are working closely with STAR to host an event on the Minneapolis campus so you guys can also come over and see what the Minneapolis campus is about,” Dominquez said.
Dominquez also emphasized the engagement of students through continuing to plan “culturally reflective events”.
Finance Updates
Various clubs internally requested funding through USG and were approved for a grand total of $88,190.
USG unanimously approved club requests for $4,980 to the Sports Management club; $10,220 to Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Achievement; $2,480 to Teachers Educating and Creating Hope; $1,840 to Italian Club; $1,330 to French club; $1,600 to Students for Human Life; $3,180 to Sigma Tau Delta Literary Club; $3,220 to Pre-Health Professionals; $1,180 to Electrical Engineering; $3,100 to Psychology Club; $5,980 to Asian Students in America; $5,560 to Black Empowerment Student Alliance; $6,320 to Special Olympics club; $1,280 to Somali Student Association; $2,600 to Beta Beta Beta Biology Club; $2,820 to Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization; $4,460 to Pre-Law Society; $4,540 to eSports Club; $1,900 to Hmong United States Association; $2,420 to American Society of Mechanical Engineers; $8,800 to Rocking Climbing Club; $7,580 to Tommie Marketing; and $800 to Finance Club.
Conference and competition requests were approved, including $2000 for the Model United Nations Conference, $2000 for the Gamma Iota Sigma Internal Conference and $2000 for the Dance Club’s Sledgehammer Company Event. Funding for the Kente Summit for Collegiate Black Men was approved $600 for admission costs.
The Finance Committee also prorated club funding to $20 per member instead of $40 per member, which is what the rate was to start the semester.
Natalie Hoepner can be reached at hoep8497@stthomas.edu.