by The Cowl Editor on November 21, 2019
Congress Updates
by Thomas Beaton ’22
Student Congress Publicity
On Tuesday, November 5, Student Congress welcomed Joe Stanley, dean of global education. The Center of Global Education has resources to advise students through the study abroad process and offers faculty-led abroad programs.
Dean Stanley mentioned that Global Education has new initiatives including Civ in London and Providence College School of Business (PCSB) in Shanghai. The Civ in London program is currently open to the class of 2023 and the PCSB in Shanghai will be sending its first students in Spring 2020.
Dean Stanley also mentioned that the Center of Global Education is trying to streamline scholarships, provided through Santander Bank, for studying abroad by combining the application process to the study abroad program and the scholarships.
One piece of legislation voted on regarded the Math and Computer Science Club. The club’s goals are to promote career awareness and hold math and computer science themed events, such as a coding competition and a Pi Day event. The club was approved.
On Tuesday, November 12, Student Congress welcomed Gail Dyer, associate vice president of General Counsel. General Counsel provides legal advice and services to administrators with respect to all legal issues affecting the College.
A Student Congress member expressed concern as to what General Counsel does in respect to Title IX and No-Contact Directives. General Counsel advises Title IX coordinators and Student Affairs on Title IX issues and mentioned that legislation at the federal level will change how these cases are treated in the future.
In terms of No-Contact Directives, General Counsel usually does not come across these issues dealt by the Dean of Students Office and the Office of Public Safety.
One piece of legislation was voted on regarding Chess Club. Chess Club’s goals are to teach and play chess among the student body. It was recommended to the club to look into holding a chess tournament open to the community. The club was approved.
On Tuesday, November 19, Student Congress held an open forum for Congress members to raise concerns or ask questions reaching across campus to the executive board and the Office of the Dean of Students.
Concerns were raised regarding whether under Fr. Kenneth Sicard, O.P.’s presidency day-to-day life would be affected. Dean Gaffney felt that little change would be felt by students, however with new leadership, some faculty and staff may see an opportunity for progress.
If any students would like to raise a concern or ask questions, they may email studentfeedback@providence.edu.
Next meeting, Congress will vote on three pieces of legislation. The first is a bill to pass the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). The second is a recommendation regarding a community service opportunity instead of a fine in the Office of Residence Life and the Office of Community Standards. The third is a statement of position in favor of the passing of a highly debated communications minor to be voted on in Faculty Senate on Dec. 4.