The Student Senate meeting on Wednesday, April 18 began with a reminder for candidates for Senate president and vice president to submit their declarations of candidacy by April 19. The campaign period will begin on Monday, April 23rd, and the elections will be held on May 11th.

Senate adviser Steve Tygrett reminded candidates to run a clean and civil race, and not to fixate on the competitive aspect.

“We’re all still going to be working together as a team next year,” said Tygrett. “Focus on you and whether you’re the best person for the job, and if that’s true then people will elect you for next fall.”

Xeniphilius Tyne ’20 discussed the Senate proposal to restructure the Homecoming Court voting system.

“Me and a few other people met with [Principal John] Bacon,” Tyne said. “He is on board, but we have to present a survey with two options: a system with categories for genders and a third gender category and you can specify your pronouns…or the removal of gender entirely.”

Eric Thomas ’18 mentioned a possible solution to the issue of Senior Picnic food funding: the affordability of buying Bruegger’s Bagels in bulk.

“I was scrolling down Instagram and I saw…a Tax Day coupon…and I was like, ‘Wow. Bruegger’s Bagels,'” Thomas said. “So I went onto the website and…that would probably be a lot more affordable this year, to have bagels instead of sandwiches…for 18 bagels and two tubs of cream cheese it’s $24.99, which is about $1.30 per person.”

The Senate will continue to discuss possible problems with this plan and other options. Tygrett brought up a concern about the small portion sizes in the purchase of bagels, even with two bagels per person. However, many students thought that two bagels would be sufficient.

“The feeling I get from talking to people about the Senior Picnic is that they really don’t care,” said Senate President Teagan Roeder ’18. “The smaller the portions, the sooner they get graduated.”

The Senate reviewed the plan for the shift in power to the next year, as well as the meeting schedule for the remainder of the school year.

“On the 16th, it’ll be time for those running for secretary and treasurer to declare,” Tygrett said. “I’d like to see us elect the secretary and treasurer on the 23rd.”

The Senate meets every Wednesday morning in room 3311 at 8:15 am. To learn more, contact Steve Tygrett, the primary faculty advisor, or attend meetings, which are open to all students.