The Faculty Senate welcomed Manjula Shinge, associate professor of English, to her new position as Second Vice President Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s a pleasure and honor to welcome Dr. Manjula Shinge to her new role,” said Kevin Rabas, associate professor of English, co-director of creative writing and Faculty Senate president. “Manjula asks good questions, and she is a good listener. She is an amiable, responsible leader, and I look forward to watching her grow into the eventual role of faculty president.”

Racheal Countryman, junior communication major, spoke on behalf of Associated Student Government and discussed their plans for this year’s “Can the Bods” campaign.

“Can the Bods started this week (and) we should start seeing some drop-off boxes all around campus,” Countryman said. “We’ve actually even moved out into the community. We should have some in grocery stores, places like that. You can also drop them off at the Center for Student Involvement.”

Countryman also said that Lyon County will host political forums this month. Next Tuesday, local candidates will meet on campus, and on the 16th state candidates met on campus. Further information on these events is forthcoming.

The senate discussed Bob Driewer, CEO of Newman Regional Health, who will visit campus to interview staff and faculty and get an outside perspective of ESU. The possibility of viewing the report he will write on the various departments’ needs and wants was also put forth as a suggestion.

Rabas asked each of the committees to put together a paragraph answering two questions relating to student success – what are faculty members doing, and what can they do in the classroom to ensure the success of students? These questions were put forth by the Kansas Board of Regents at their September meeting.

The senate debated having the Faculty of the Year Award at ESU, which recognizes both tenured and non-tenure track members but does not have any monetary reward. The tabled the discussion until the next meeting.

Zeni Colorado, assistant professor of instructional design and technology and chair of the Committee on Campus Governance, reported on the developments in creating a new logo for ESU that will be used for academic purposes, whereas the Power E logo is used more casually.

Tanja Steigner, associate professor of business and education and chair of the Faculty Affairs committee, reported on developing a resolution to commend Carol Russell, professor of early childhood development, for her work with the Tuition Assistance Program.

The next meeting will be at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 16 in the Preston Family Room in the Memorial Union.