Senate to reanalyze accessibility issues

Senators also discuss parking enforcement

Bringing Senate back to the students is a constant initiative of the Senate, and the new Senators are tackling the problem head-on.

Some developing programs were discussed at the Senate meeting this Sunday. They include a weekly student forum with members of Senate and a new voting system that would ease the difficulties of campus-wide polling, voting and referendums.

Increasing student input and debate, which some say has been in decline over the past few years, appears to be the fulcrum of the student forum project. This program will create a dialogue between the Senate and the students whom they represent. "We are trying to make Senators as accessible as possible by taking Sunday night issues and opening them up to public debate," said Senator senior Adriana Lopez-Young.

Senate also hopes that the new web based voting system will serve to amplify the voice of the Oberlin student body. With one central on-line site students can catch up on recent Senate activities and vote in polls, referendums and elections. This year's election only served to magnify the problems in the existing paper ballot system.

Director of Safety and Security Keith James addressed Senate with his concerns and objectives regarding Oberlin's parking problems (see related article page 4). James has mandated 100 percent student vehicle registration. "We want to quantify the College's needs for additional parking," he said.

James also vowed rigorous enforcement of parking regulations in the form of notices, citations and car immobilization. Senator junior Aaron Slodounik proposed that all parking violations be open to an appeals process. James agreed that an appeals board should be formed and wants student involvement in its execution.

Slodounik also voiced his concern that parking for Conservatory students has been greatly diminished. James responded that they have simply moved a row of parking spots to Willard Court. Both Senate and James agreed that parking maps should be more accessible to students.

Senators also suggested various changes to physical facilities that they believe would better serve the student body. Among several ideas discussed were opening up faculty parking to students from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and increasing shuttle service from Philips Gymnasium to the center of campus.

Senate will not meet next Sunday due to a Senate retreat but will be resume their regular meetings starting Sept. 27.