A Note from Eric and Brittany
Students' Association President and Vice President

Hello again, Yellowjackets! We hope you're enjoying the Rochester Fall foliage and wish you an early Happy Thanksgiving! Student Government has been working hard this semester and we want to hear your thoughts on how we can improve. We encourage you to come to our Fireside Chat on Wednesday, November 11 at 8pm in Hirst Lounge. This will be a great opportunity for you to hold your student government accountable and to tell us what issues are important to you. We strive to improve student life, so come to the Fireside Chat to tell us what we should be working on!

We have lots of exciting projects and initiatives going on. For example, the SA Sustainability Coordinator is finalizing a new "Green Your Event" checklist for Student Organizations to plan events as sustainably as possible. Also, make sure to take advantage of the Experience Eastman Supplemental Funding program. If you're a member of a student organization who would like to coordinate an event at the Eastman School of Music or with Eastman students, contact our Experience Eastman Coordinator to discuss planning! As always, if you have any questions or comments please email Eric at sapres@mail.rochester.edu. Keep reading for all the updates on how your SA Government is working hard for you!

News from the Senate
Recognition of Dean Anne-Marie Algier
On Monday, Oct. 19, the SA Senate officially congratulated Dean Anne-Marie Algier, advisor to the Students' Association Government, who recently received the Goergen Award for Distinguished Contributions to Undergraduate Learning (view the minutes from this meeting). Anne-Marie is the Associate Dean of Students and the Director of Wilson Commons Student Activities

SA Fireside Chats
The Students' Association is holding its third Fireside Chat on Wed., November 11th at 8pm in Hirst Lounge. And as a special treat, we are offering free s'mores to help you get into the fireside spirit! The SA uses the questions and concerns raised in these discussions to direct our efforts in improving the quality of student life on campus. Thank you to everyone who has been participating in these events. Please visit the SA website to learn more about the SA Fireside Chats and read the minutes (pdf) from the most recent Fireside Chat, held on Oct. 14.

What We Are Doing for You
Updates from the Projects & Services Committee

Thanksgiving Airport Shuttles
The Students' Association is proud to sponsor annual Thanksgiving airport shuttle on Wednesday, November 25 and Sunday, November 29. We hope that this is helpful in planning your holiday break travel! If you have any comments or thoughts on this or any other SA Service, please let us know by leaving us feedback.

Academic Advising
The Projects & Services Committee has been discussing potential improvements to the pre-major and major advising systems along with other academic resources for students. We want your feedback regarding new mentorship programs and reference resources. Click here to share your ideas, or contact Bradley and Alissa personally.

Special Needs Dining
The Projects & Services Committee has been working with Dining Services to cater to students' needs and preferences, making our dining experience "ever better". Specifically, as a result of feedback from previous Fireside Chats, soy ice cream is now offered at the Corner Store and Dining has increased the stock of soymilk in all Dining Halls. We encourage anyone who is interested in sharing ideas about special needs options to attend the Special Needs Dining focus group being held on December 1st at 7PM. Contact Leah Spungen at lspungen@u.rochester.edu to participate. If you have any other dining feedback, please contact one of our dining representatives.

Event Support
Starting last spring, Event Support began sending out customer satisfaction surveys with each invoice. We would like to provide Event Support with as many suggestions for improvement as possible. If you would like to comment on Event Support, please take a short, 5-minute survey. Additionally, the SA is looking at the virtual EMS and room booking procedures to see how they may be improved.

What We Are Doing to Support Student Organizations
Updates from the Policy & Review Committee

Solar Splash
Solar Splash, an intercollegiate competition student organization that aims to design and build a solar powered boat to compete with, was granted SA-recognition on Monday, Oct. 26 (view the minutes from the meeting). For information on Solar Splash, visit their Campus Club Connection page.

Community Service Network
On Monday, Oct. 26, the Senate approved the constitution amendments for the Community Service Network (CSN). For more information about CSN, check out their website.

Refugee Student Alliance
On Oct. 22, the Refugee Student Alliance (RSA) was granted preliminary status by the Policy & Review Committee. RSA members work with refugees living in the Rochester area for up to six months, helping them accustom to living in the US. If you are interested in joining RSA, please contact Tiffany Chan at tiffany.chan@rochester.edu.