In October, the Georgetown University Student Association created five commissions to address concerns about technology, class registration, Georgetown identity, student dining concerns, and code of conduct reform. The Commissions have made some progress this term, but the bulk of their work remains to be done next semester.
The Technology Commission has partnered with Interhall to increase wireless access on campus by launching an online survey. According to Chairman Justin Kirschner (SFS `09), the members of the Commission are working to analyze and compile the results of the survey and will be making policy proposals to the administration.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Student Dining Concerns aims to reform dining services by changing existing meal plan options and increasing the number of guest passes per semester.
“Although no official reforms have been made yet, most of our goals for this school year are things that require more attention than just one conversation with an administrator,” Chair Kristin Rose Kennedy (COL `12) wrote in an email. “We are going to continue going to Food Committee meetings, speaking with administrators, and expressing our concerns.”
Members of the Commission on Class Registration say their commission is working to extend the add/drop period for students from eight to 11 class days. The Commission has drafted a petition expressing its concerns and is seeking the signatures of the Provost and deans from all four Georgetown schools. Chairman Andrew Butler (COL `11) said the Commission will be making a presentation to the Faculty Senate next semester and hopes to get them to approve the extension by the Fall of 2009.
The Georgetown Identity Commission is still in the early stages of development-Chair Jessica Holton (MSB `12) said they have been working on “gaining a direction” this semester-but there are plans to hold meetings and educational events for students in the spring.
A representative from the Commission on Code of Conduct Reform could not be reached for comment.
The controversial Student Commission for Unity led by Brian Kesten (COL `10) has been working for over a year compiling research to “formulate recommendations for change at Georgetown,” Kesten said.
The members of the Commission will release a report detailing their findings at a public event on January 27.
