At the General meeting on April 4, members of Student Senate discussed upcoming events hosted by Norse Against Sexual Assault (NASA) for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Additionally, they successfully passed a proposal for the establishment of a business club and confirmed two new interim diversity representatives.
April marks the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a critical period dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and supporting survivors of sexual violence. NASA has been working diligently to create events throughout the month to raise awareness on campus, as well as collaborating with other student groups like Alpha Beta Psi.
In a statement to CHIPS, Title IX Coordinator Kasey Nikkel praised the commitment of Luther’s student organizations to creating events relevant to SAAM.
“The goal of SAAM is to raise community awareness about the serious impact of sexual violence,” Nikkel said. “I want to commend and lift up NASA and Alpha Beta Psi for their commitment in bringing trauma-informed and meaningful events to our campus community.”
On April 10, Marty’s will host NASA’s annual Condom Bingo event, an event that aims to encourage safe sex. NASA has announced the arrival of Kelli Sanders to campus, who, on the 18, will be conducting a self-defense course tailored specifically for female-identifying students. The course will introduce basic Jane-Jitsu self-defense tactics and strategies. NASA requests that interested students RSVP prior to the class.
Later in the month, on April 24, a panel titled “Here’s My Story” will provide survivors with a platform to share their experiences, fostering an environment of empathy and understanding. The final event of SAAM is “Stride Through their Story: Journey of Understanding and Fundraising,” a 5k run/walk in support of Riverview Center organized by Alpha Beta Psi (ABY) and NASA.
A proposal for the establishment of a business club was also discussed. According to the club’s constitution, the primary objectives include hosting guest speakers, both from the local community and alumni network and to offer insights into various industries and career paths. Additionally, the club intends to collaborate closely with the Career Center to facilitate job opportunities and organize activities aimed at nurturing essential life skills for the transition into professional life.
With over 20-25 expressions of interest collected alongside individuals interested in executive positions, the club plans to begin meeting weekly or biweekly in the fall. The motion to establish the business club passed during the meeting.
The Student Senate also affirmed two interim representatives to advocate for diversity and representation within the student body. Ashlyn Meyer (‘27), who will concentrate on gender and sexuality issues, and Mansur Kasali (‘27), who will focus on cultural and religious diversity have been appointed to these crucial roles. Kasali told CHIPS that in his position he seeks to foster “mutual understanding and mutual respect for the many cultures and beliefs [Luther is] fortunate to have on campus.”
“I believe that diversity is not just a checkbox to be marked, but a vibrant tapestry that enriches our campus community,” Kasali said. “I am dedicated to amplifying the voices of all cultural and religious communities to ensure that every individual feels seen, heard, valued, and above all, celebrated.”
Meyer also expressed similar optimism about her interim position with Senate, and told CHIPS she was “excited” to represent the Luther student body.
“I am looking forward to collaborating with clubs and students around campus, as well as other representatives in Student Senate,” Meyer said.
Minutes for the meeting can be found here. The next Student Senate meeting is scheduled for April 9 at 9:45 a.m. in the Mott-Borlaug room.
