The Student Senate is the connection between the student body and administration here at Goshen College. Spencer Castillo, co-adviser and admissions counselor, said that the “Student Senate is the voice of the Goshen College student body.” He works with Gilberto Pérez Jr., co-advisor , vice president of student life and dean of students, to guide the senate in advocating for diverse student groups, helping secure funding for clubs and organizations and facilitating discussion that shapes campus policies.    

The president of the senate is Javier Reyes, a sophomore pre-med major. After having taken leadership roles in high school and serving in the student senate last year, Reyes stated that he feels lucky to be president this year and is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with his peers and make a positive impact on campus. 

Carmen Merino, vice president and senior biology major, said “Our main goal is to have the back of the students.” 

Last year, Merino was the at-large representative for the student body. “I wasn’t as much of a voice as I was a listener, and that has not changed,” she said. She also mentioned that she always tries to participate in as many events as she can on campus. 

Other members of the Student Senate include Richard Figueroa Jr., treasurer and junior accounting major, Jaelyn Amhdar, vice president of marketing and senior  exercise science major, and Ashgaan Al-Bahal, liaison for student organizations and senior bio chemistry major. Together they form a diverse group that brings a range of perspectives to the table. 

The most recent Senate meeting was held on Oct. 7 and was open to the public. The focus was on the new ID policy that has been an issue on campus so far this year. Some of the RAs on campus attended the meeting to give their opinions, and the senate went over students’ responses to the form that was distributed through social media. They plan to form a plan of action based on the feedback they received. 

Other issues discussed at the meeting were the organization of a vigil for the one-year mark of the escalation of the war in Gaza, the functions of the closed intercultural room, upcoming events and presentations and funding requests. Another big topic discussed in the meeting was the need for an at-large representative for this semester, and a vice-president of marketing and a treasurer for next semester. 

Under the leadership of the elected students, the Student Senate of GC advocates for the needs and interest of the students body. Their collaborative efforts not only address greater concerns like the ID policy, but also support initiatives that promote community engagement and inclusivity. The student senate provides the resources and support for the student body to thrive.