Student Government swore in a new round of committee chairs last week, placing a mix of new and returning representatives at the head of the groups that handle much of the governing body’s behind-the-scenes work.
Each committee tackles a different piece of campus life. Here’s who’s leading them and what they’re prioritizing.
Academic Affairs Committee
Chair: Rep. William Bennett ‘28
The academic affairs committee, concerned with all academic aspects of the college, collaborates frequently with the academic resource hub and library with the aim of making students aware of the available resources.
Bennett, who’s served on the committee before, campaigned on “doing more” with it. He said he hoped to focus on policy building and “reaching administration.”
“Specifically, it seems like a lot of my committee members seem really interested in how resources are communicated around campus,” he said.
Budget Committee
Chair: Treasurer Gracie Vale ‘27
The budget committee oversees the allocation of the Student Activities Fund — a pot of money generated from each student’s annual $360 activity fee — to student organizations.
Vale, who automatically secured the chair position as treasurer, said that the committee’s primary goal is to improve communication, something she also campaigned on in the fall election to obtain her second term. Her campaign slogan touted “endless transparency,” though the organization has continued to distribute funds in secret.
She wrote in an email that the committee wants to focus on “being equitable” when negotiating club budgets.
Communications Committee
Chair: Communications Officer Hayden Cohen ‘29
Cohen’s position as director of communications makes her the automatic chair of the communications committee. The committee is tasked with informing the campus about Student Government events and initiatives.
One of the committee’s goals for this semester is to increase its social media presence, which has historically been the organization’s primary method of communication with the student body. Cohen specifically cited using TikTok more to strengthen engagement.
Equity & Inclusion Committee
Chair: Inclusivity Officer Evalina Ibrahim ‘29
The Equity & Inclusion committee works to create an inclusive environment for all students. The group often coordinates programming with the Office of Intercultural Development.
Ibrahim, who did not respond to requests for comment, promised to establish equity and inclusion office hours to create a direct communication channel to students during her campaign for inclusivity officer.
Student Life Committee
Chair: Rep. William Bennett ‘28
In his second committee lead, Bennett oversees a wide range of campus issues: residence life, recreational services, Lafayette Activities Forum, Greek Life organizations and Public Safety.
As committee chair last year, Bennett said he helped develop plans for a possible multi-purpose sports court near Fisher Field and increased collaboration with the Lafayette Activities Forum. In his campaign for chair, he said he hoped to finish the job he’d started.
Bennett, in a vice presidential campaign that fell short, called for implementing a five-figure recreation plan or Marlo Room renovation when he served on the Student Life Committee — something he pledged to continue regardless of the election’s result.
Student Organizations Committee
Chair: Rep. Emerson Casper ‘28
Casper advises students in existing student organizations and oversees the process of forming new organizations. The committee prioritizes upholding college policy and works with the Budget Committee to determine where to allocate funds.
“The reason why everything is planned so extensively is to set them up for success,” Casper said. “You need a lot of details in order to be a fully functioning club.”
Sustainability Committee
Chair: Rep. Chloe Miller ‘28
The Sustainability Committee, according to Miller, is currently focused on contributing to the third edition of the college’s Climate Action Plan. The committee provides student oversight on the proposal and encourages students to attend feedback sessions.
“I want people to be more aware of what’s going on and that they can give input if they want,” Miller said.
Constitutional Rewrite Committee
Chair: Rep. Emerson Casper ‘28
The Constitutional Rewrite Committee progressed on a new organizational constitution during the fall semester. Casper, who served on the committee as a member, is now leading a committee that is expected to be dissolved — that is, if the constitution is signed off by the Board of Trustees at its Feb. 27 and Feb. 28 meeting.
The constitution is reevaluated every three years. Casper described the new document as modeling “a cabinet and senators,” and she said that it was modeled after other colleges’ student governments.
Dining Committee
Chair: Rep. Lily Hoffman ‘27
Hoffman is currently organizing the dining committee’s structure and facilitating communication between the student population and dining faculty. The committee’s primary focus is to make campus dining more inclusive to those with dietary restrictions, she said.
“We want to make the dining hall a place where students don’t have to worry and can just feel comfortable,” Hoffman said.
While still in the early stages of planning, the committee hopes to gather more student feedback and build on past initiatives, such as the transition to Grubhub last year.
Pard Pantry Committee
Chair: Inclusivity Officer Evalina Ibrahim ‘29
Also led by Ibrahim, the Pard Pantry ad hoc committee directly oversees the Pard Pantry, which provides non-perishable foods and hygiene products to students.
The committee provides the items for the pantry at no extra cost to students. The Pard Pantry was founded by Student Government in 2019, and has typically been, according to the bylaws, a responsibility of the inclusivity officer.
Benjamin White ‘27 contributed reporting.