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Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Observer

Wcisel discusses learning program

The Saint Mary's Board of Governance met for the final time this semester Monday night. The meeting's guest speaker was Mary Wcisel of the nursing department, who came to discuss the idea of creating an integration of learning program at the College. Wcisel's task force may present the idea to Saint Mary's president Carol Mooney in attempts to increase cultural awareness by having students attend various campus speakers, plays and other events. The program's goal would be to have students attend campus events, followed by a reaction discussion. Wcisel presented the consideration of this program to the board to obtain their feedback and ideas as campus leaders. "I think that if this program were to be integrated into the curriculum within the next few years it would have to be seen by the students not as a burden, but something added to the class," student body vice president Mary Pauline Moran said. Three members of Special Friends also asked the board for a co-sponsorship for the club's annual spring seminar, which will be about autism. The Notre Dame-Saint Mary's club serves children with special needs, particularly those with autism. The seminar will be held this spring on Notre Dame's campus. Approximately 40 percent of the clubs members are Saint Mary's students. The board voted to allot the club $600 of the original $1,000 it asked for to help sponsor its event. The board was unable to give the full desired amount due to the fact that it has almost reached its semester quota of allotted money for sponsorship. The board also approved $1,500 co-sponsorship for the College Thespians to travel to Illinois State to participate in the American College Theater Festival. The College Thespians will participate in various acting contests and will present their work to the College upon their return. In other BOG news:u Phi Mu Epsilon was awarded $1,200 from the board to participate in a math conference in Atlanta about careers in mathematics. Upon their return, members must present what they learned from this event to all first year and sophomore students. u Wednesday is the Feast of Immaculate Conception, which is the College's feast day. There will be a campus-wide mass at 9 p.m. in Regina Chapel followed by a reception. All students are encouraged to wear blue on Wednesday and pick up a blue ribbon, which will be available at all residence hall front desks. u The last Service Sunday of the semester was held this past Sunday, and the turnout was deemed a great success by the board. Students were able to clothe 25 families, and bilingual students were able to ease communications among the Spanish speaking families, members said. Service Sundays will continue next semester as well.