Student Senate discussed possible changes to University identification cards at its meeting Wednesday. The group also passed resolutions concerning discriminatory harassment and campus safety.
Robert Casarez, senior business analyst for the Office of Auxiliary Operations, said the University is considering expanding the services offered by identification cards.
Senators suggested improvements such as accepting Domer Dollars for food sold in residence halls, creating the capability to scan cards through wallets and enabling students to distribute their dining hall meals more freely instead of restricting them to swiping into each meal only once.
Casarez said other community members suggested making identification cards more aesthetically pleasing and using them to record attendance at events.
Casarez also said his office plans to facilitate the use of Domer Dollars off campus, beginning in the fall. He said this arrangement would initially apply to one or two vendors but could expand if it proves profitable for the merchants and the University.
"It doesn't have to be limited to just food at Eddy Street Commons ... It could be Martin's, it could be Walmart, it could be Meijer," he said.
Senate passed a resolution requesting the University "directly and promptly respond to the evidence of harassment presented at the March 5 town hall meeting and publicly condemn harassment of any kind."
The resolution also asked the Office of Student Affairs and Office of Institutional Equity to compile a task force to investigate Notre Dame's discrimination policies and the University's efforts to address diversity.
Another resolution requested the University investigate and improve the perception of safety on campus, possibly by increasing lighting and video surveillance on Mod Quad, God Quad, D2 and D6 parking lots, and the outskirts of campus.
The group also passed a resolution implementing the Co-Campus Council as a permanent entity.
Kelsey Eckenrode, director of community relations for student government, said representatives from Notre Dame, Saint Mary's, Holy Cross College, Indiana University South Bend and Ivy Tech Community College participate in the Council.
"It's just a good way to get rid of the 'everybody hates Notre Dame, slash, Notre Dame thinks they're better than everyone' [perception]," she said. "It builds community, and I'm hoping we could implement this Co-Campus Council as a permanent entity instead of just a one-year trial run."
Senate also passed a resolution to add the position of Campus Ministry Representative to student government's executive board.
The group approved freshman Maggie Wilmouth to serve as student body secretary. The previously approved secretary had to resign due to scheduling conflicts.
