Saint Mary's Board of Governance members addressed the co-sponsorship of a self-defense event and the Saint Mary's College Dance Team this week.
Off-Campus commissioner Ashley Harrison presented information about the self-defense event, which will be open to on and off campus students, as well as faculty and staff if space permits.
The goal is for 20 to 40 students to participate in three classes, Harrison said. The cost of the class will be $5 for students, which will be refunded if the student attends all three classes.
New Director of Security David Gariepy said he saw the need for a self-defense class after recent break-ins and assaults on and around campus this year.
"I think it is a great program because you can apply self-defense in so many different environments," Gariepy said. "It will give [participants] something they can rely on in those situations."
The program will teach participants how to get out of hazardous situations, while making the maneuvers easy to implement.
"It is good, comprehensive training that everyone should be able to do," Gariepy said.
Students will get priority in the class and the remaining spaces will be used for faculty and staff members. The class will meet three times for an hour and 15 minutes.
"It is amazing how much you can learn. I highly recommend it," Gariepy said.
Executives also discussed the co-sponsorship of the Saint Mary's Dance Team, which is returning after a one-year hiatus.
Admissions commissioner Annie Davis and student coach Valerie Pekofske explained the team's need for sponsorship. Since the dance team is not a varsity or intramural sport, the Athletic Department did not offer adequate funding for it, said Davis, who wants to make more students aware of the team.
"We want to represent Saint Mary's well," Davis said.
The team will perform at Saint Mary's basketball games, Midnight Madness and Dance Marathon. They will also wear their uniforms to the remaining Notre Dame pep rallies.
"We are already in full swing," Davis said. "We want to keep the club running for next year too."
In other BOG news:
uThere will be a majors fair today at 5:30 p.m. in Haggar Hall for students who have not decided what they wish to study. Pizza will be provided.
uThere will be a Pumpkin Carving Contest today in the dining hall. Teams of two to four can participate. Prizes will be awarded to the students with the best carvings.
uHaunted Tunnels will be Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $3 this week outside the dining hall and $5 at the door.
uOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Tomorrow, the documentary "Broken Vows" will be playing in Madeleva Hall at 8 p.m. in room 249.
