On Nov. 3, William Jewell College’s Student Senate hosted their first Town Hall meeting of the academic year. At the meeting, the Student Senate Cabinet and six Senate Commissioners presented proposed initiatives that they plan to work on throughout the upcoming semesters. After the presentation, those  in attendance were encouraged to ask questions and discuss additional issues not addressed by the Senate Commissioners.

In 2021, Student Senate narrowed down their list of student representatives to include just a handful of Commissioners to represent six aspects of life at Jewell: Academic Affairs; Diversity and Inclusion; Student-Athletics; Residence Life; Greek Life; and Student Involvement. Accordingly, each Commissioner is responsible for addressing issues raised by students regarding those specific areas, while the Student Senate Cabinet oversees the organization’s operations.

Among the 2022-23 Senate Commissioners is a temporary student representative specifically dedicated to resolving any mold issues experienced by students.

A common theme of the presentations and the Town Hall — as well as the interviews below — is the importance of student involvement to Student Senate’s mission. Student Senate hopes to improve Jewell through changes that are meaningful and important to students. The Senate explains, however, this can only accomplished if they know what the student body feels needs to be improved. Student Senate asks the student body to attend the future Town Hall meetings and to reach out at any time to suggest changes or discuss challenges. Student Senate can be reached via email at senate@william.jewell.edu. Each Senate Commissioner can also be contacted through their individual emails (listed below). 

The Nov. 6 Town Hall meeting was an introduction to this year’s Student Senate Cabinet, the Commissioners and their goals. Below is an interview with three Senate Commissioners and a summary of the initiatives put forth for this year.

President of Student Senate and Senate Commissioner for Academic Affairs Ben Wardlow, sophomore Oxbridge institutions and policy, and philosophy major.

How long have you been a part of Student Senate?

This is my second year of serving on Student Senate. Last year I was the Senator for Academic Affairs.

Is there anything you would like the students to know about you?

Despite holding the position of Student Senate President for only three months, serving the students of William Jewell College has been one of my greatest honors and privileges. 

On the Hill, in addition to the roles I hold in Student Senate, I am a Cardinal Host and a Cardinal Blazer. I am majoring in both Oxbridge institutions & policy and philosophy. Off the Hill, I am a fellow in the 2022-23 National Humanities Leadership Council and am an intern at the law firm of Johnson, Vorhees and Martucci.

What is the most valuable information you want students to know about the Nov. 3 Town Hall?

The Town Hall was intended to convey to all students the issues and initiatives that each Senator is resolved to work on this year. A majority of those issues and initiatives are [detailed below].

When can we expect another town hall?

Student Senate is planning to host another Town Hall in February 2023. The exact date of that Town Hall is [yet to be determined].

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This year, Student Senate has already dealt with, and will continue to deal with, issues that significantly impact the quality of the student experience. The individuals who compose this year’s Student Senate are both competent to serve – and passionate about serving – the student body. However, the extent to which Student Senate is effective in promoting the quality of the student experience is dependent on how engaged the student body chooses to be in Student Senate’s initiatives. Consequently, I challenge all Jewell students to become more engaged with the efforts of Student Senate.

Senate Commissioner for Diversity and Inclusion Erin Wenzel, first-year psychology major.

How long have you been a part of Student Senate?

This is my first year.

Is there anything you would like the students to know about you?

Part of having that job title means that I’m working with the Diversity and Inclusion department here at [Jewell]. The majority of what I’m doing this year is working with students and student groups to better understand the issues [that] students are facing.

What is the most valuable information you want students to know about the Nov. 3 Town Hall?

The most important point I want people to take away from the town hall is this: If you see a problem here at Jewell that you feel the Student Senate should address, then please reach out and tell us. 

My job – and the job of everyone else on the Senate – is to serve the students of Jewell. Unfortunately, we are a relatively small group of people when compared to the student body, which means there are many problems students face that we are unaware of. To combat this we turn to you, the students, and ask you to use your voice and bring these issues to our attention. We can only find solutions to problems we are aware of, so if there is a problem going unanswered by the Senate, then make us aware. Come to Town Hall meetings, email [Student] Senate or even message the Commissioners directly. Use your voice so that we can use ours. Together we can create a campus environment that is safer, stronger and more inclusive for all students, both current and future. 

The Student Senate email is: senate@william.jewell.edu.

What can students expect from you this year?

There are two big problems I will be working to solve this year. First, I will be addressing the deadnaming issue in the student records and emails. I’ll be working to find a more permanent solution –  rather than students being forced to manually change their name in the records each year, only for the problem to repeat in the following year.

Second, I will be working to improve the accessibility of Jewell’s campus. This could include building a ramp or other wheelchair-accessible devices outside of the Mathes dorm building as there are [currently] no wheelchair accessible entrances to the building. This project will potentially extend further into the coming years as the planning and approval process, as well as construction, could take longer than the time remaining in this school year.

Senate Commissioner for Students’ Charter of Rights and Responsibilities Matthew Parker, first-year Oxbridge institutions and policy major.

How long have you been a part of Student Senate?

I am a freshman, so this is my first year on Student Senate. I’ve been intending to be part of Student Senate since I decided to attend Jewell, having learned about Student Senate from the current President Ben Wardlow while on a campus visit in April of this year.

Is there anything you would like the students to know about you?

As a member of Student Senate, my dedication is to a pair of principles. The first is that Senators are here to express and actualize the will of the students whom they represent, and the second is that Senators must put the good of the student body and of the College before personal expediency. I hope — and indeed believe — that I speak for all of Student Senate in affirming that I will be operating by these principles for my entire time on Student Senate, this academic year and hopefully beyond.

What is the most valuable information you want students to know about the Nov. 3 Town Hall?

The Student Senate Town Halls are your best opportunity to express your perspective as a student to us as members of Student Senate, and [attending] is the best way for us as members of that Senate to do our job of representing you and your interests accurately and fairly.

What can students expect from you this year?

What students can expect from us as Student Senate is that we as a collective will work to collaborate with both students and college administration to improve the student experience at Jewell and to improve the currently strained state of student-administration relations. What students can expect from me personally is a visible and active presence in the student body, a ready ear willing to listen to your views and wishes and a dedicated representative who will serve the interests of his community.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If I would add one thing, it would be a simple plea to the Jewell community: Be involved with Student Senate; participate in the Town Halls; discuss challenges you are facing with members of the Senate. You have the power to improve your student experience, and we as Student Senate are here to serve as the tools for you to express your wishes, but your wishes are only heard and acted on if we can hear your voice.

Senate Commissioner for Student-Athletics Aubrey Avalos, junior political science and international relations major.

How long have you been a part of Student Senate? 

I have been a part of the Senate since September of this year. 

Is there anything you would like the students to know about you?

I am a super-involved student and am here to help all students. I obviously primarily focus on athletes, but I am here to help Jewell be a better place for all students. If there is anything you think would be helpful, please let me know. I love talking about new ideas.

What is the most valuable information you want students to know about the Nov. 3 Town Hall?

 At the townhall I announced my major initiatives I am working on. These include:

1. Increasing mental health resources for student-athletes. I am currently working with school administration to seek out specialized mental health resources for student-athletes. 

2. Creating a better balance between academics and athletics. To aid student-athletes – and any other organizations – with academics when traveling, we are working on getting [Wi-Fi] hotspots for students that are traveling for Jewell-related activities.

3. Our last goal is more intended for the whole student body. We are attempting to create an overall better athletics experience. What this means is making the game environment more energetic and active. We are working with the [Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)] to plan some fun activities during basketball season. We are also working with other Commissioners to pursue long-term goals like creating a better game culture at Jewell.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to add, on the last goal, if you have ANY input please let me know. I want to hear from as many students as possible to learn about what the student body wants to see at athletics events.

General issues and initiatives of Student Senate

Senate Cabinet

• President Ben Wardlow (wardlowb.21@william.jewell.edu)
• Vice President Tatyana Turner (turnert.21@william.jewell.edu)
• Records and Finance Officer Ian Wooldridge (wooldridgei.21@william.jewell.edu)

General Initiatives

• Senate Commissioner for Students’ Charter of Rights and Responsibilities Matthew Parker (parkerm.22@william.jewell.edu)

1. Generate incentives that encourage more students to stay on campus during the weekends.
2. Ensure that the Charter of Students’ Rights and Responsibilities is respected.
3. Secure more convenient dining hall hours on weekends, specifically during conventional breakfast hours.
4. Improve the quality of lighting on campus.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

• Senate Commissioner Diversity and Inclusion Erin Wenzel (wenzele.22@william.jewell.edu)

1. Make campus more wheelchair accessible.
2. Rectify the issue of deadnaming with regards to student emails and financial aid services.
3. Roll out the Intercultural Development Inventory.

Student-Athletics Initiatives

• Senate Commissioners for Student-Athletes Aubrey Avalos (avalosa.20@william.jewell.edu); and 
• McKinzie Thompson (thompsonm.21@william.jewell.edu)

1. Provide mental health resources that are specifically designed for student-athletes.
2. Improve both student turnout and active engagement at sporting events.
3. Provide hotspots for student-athletes to use for homework while traveling to and from sporting events.

Residence Life Initiatives

• Senate Commissioners for Residence Life Nirbhay Vohra (vohran.22@william.jewell.edu); and 
• Trent Dixon (dixont.22@william.jewell.edu)

1. Ensure that the quality of Wi-Fi is improved, potentially by way of a campus-wide network that would enable students to use electronics outdoors.
2. Improve the bathroom conditions (such as securing or repairing paper towel dispensers).
3. Ensure that every dorm on campus does not pose health risks, specifically health risks generated by mold.

Mold-Related Initiatives

• Ad-Hoc Senate Commissioner for Mold Kamerin Hull (hullk.21@william.jewell.edu)

1. Ensure that all Jewell spaces used by students are safe and pleasant by eradicating any mold that poses health risks or is surface level. 

Student Involvement Initiatives

• Senate Commissioners for Student Involvement Owen Kerrigan (kerrigano.22@william.jewell.edu); and 
• Ethan Naber (nabere.22@william.jewell.edu)

1. Create a calendar that contains every Jewell event and can be accessed at the homepage of every student’s Brightspace.
2. Improve the promotion of all Jewell achievements (such as students or faculty presenting at conferences, receiving awards, etc.).
3. Modify the Jewell Activities and Organizations website to include new clubs, remove obsolete clubs and renovate existing clubs to include their social media and contact information. 

Greek Life Initiatives

• Senate Commissioners for Greek Life Dammy Idowu (idowua.21@william.jewell.edu); and 
• Alexander Walls (wallsa.21@william.jewell.edu)

1. Ensure that there are equal mental health and safety resources for each Greek Organization.
2. Provide printers to each wing of the Sorority Complex.
3. Create a fraternity wide philanthropy event.

Summary of Initiatives provided by Wardlow.

Greek recruitment, like everything else, looked very different this year due to COVID-19. Instead of new members having the opportunity to meet active members in person and seeing each of the frat houses and Shumaker complex, the recruitment process occurred virtually.

With the recent departure of Kristin Wooldridge – former director of student engagement and Greek advisor – Dean of Students Shelly King and Assistant Dean of Students Ernie Stufflebean ran sorority recruitment and fraternity rush, respectively. Despite the various challenges facing them, Greek recruitment was a success.

Sorority recruitment saw 46 women go through the recruitment process, with most accepting bids. Each sorority needed 13 accepted bids to meet quota. Quota was met by all three sororities, which is not unusual according to King. Unlike previous years, every woman who signed a Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) signed a bid on bid day.

The recruitment process for the women looked much different because of COVID-19. Instead of the potential new members (PNMs) visiting the Shumaker Sorority Complex to meet the women in person and see each chapter’s wing, PNMs attended nightly meetings via Zoom. The first night highlighted each sorority’s philanthropy and the second focused on sisterhood. Friday, the final night, was Preference Night. PNMs met one-on-one with active members to learn as much as possible and answer any questions before signing their MRABA.

Recruitment week is already a stressful time for first-years, and this year was no exception.

“I was definitely nervous going into virtual recruitment this year, but everyone was really friendly and it went pretty smooth for the most part. Sometimes the Wi-Fi was really bad and it was hard to understand, but I’m really excited to be in [Delta Zeta] and can’t wait to get more involved,” said first-year Katie Reece.

Panhellenic Chair Tori Vogt, whose job was to oversee all PNMs and Greek chapters before and during recruitment, recognized the high emotions everyone felt.

“All of the PNMs and Greek women could have easily been frustrated, annoyed or angry that everything had to be virtual, but they were so positive and excited through the whole process, it made my job so much easier!” said Vogt.

Fraternity rushing looked similar to sorority recruitment in many ways. Numbers were down, yet each fraternity gained new members. Of the 40 men who rushed, 35 accepted bids – 20 went to Phi Gamma Delta, 8 went to Lambda Chi Alpha and 7 went to Kappa Alpha Order.

The first two nights of fraternity rush were dedicated to videos and presentations so that first-years rushing could learn more about each fraternity. Next, the groups were broken into breakout rooms of five to seven recruits and five to seven active members for the last two nights.

“By using the breakout room function in Zoom, we were able to create a more personal experience that is normally found in an in-person rush,” said Interfraternity Council (IFC) President Zach Dube, a sophomore political science and economics major.

It’s Dube’s job as IFC President to ensure the three fraternities have an equal playing field and all members follow IFC rules. This year he also had to ensure everyone followed Operation Safe Campus. He explained that numbers were down but should bounce back after the COVID-19 pandemic gets under control.

“The pandemic created an atmosphere where it truly was a blind leap of faith to join Greek Life for a lot, if not most, first-year students,” said Dube.

Some, like first-year biology major Hunter Griffin, were not comfortable taking that risk. Griffin decided not to rush because of the hastened rush schedule, COVID-19 restrictions and time commitment and also because he plays two sports at Jewell – football and powerlifting.

“I would’ve really enjoyed rushing if it was physical and we got house tours. Meeting the fraternity guys in person to really see who they actually are instead of just through a screen also might have changed my mind,” said Griffin.

If COVID-19 restrictions are lifted by next year’s Rush Week, Griffin said he may consider rushing.

All sororities and fraternities enjoyed a COVID-friendly Bid Day, where new members met in small groups with active members to do socially distanced activities around Liberty and Jewell’s campus.

The sororities exchanged the normal Bid Day reveal in the Union for a Zoom reveal with five different cameras set up. Groups of five came out and revealed their bid acceptance through the usual t-shirt reveal while active members watched from their computers. The fraternities used the main and second levels of Curry Hall to do a modified in-person Bid Day. It took much longer and required more coordination than normal for these reveals, but members say it was worth it to create as close to a normal experience for these new members.

Other challenges did arise, but Greek organizations said this is to be expected when relying solely on technology. Because this was an unprecedented process, the new members were very understanding of all technical difficulties and issues that arose because of Zoom. To help combat these issues, UMKC and Missouri State suggested to Panhellenic that each sorority have a tech team that could set up breakout rooms and help with any issues.

Greek life has an impactful and integral role in the community of William Jewell. While many may have preconceived notions of what it means to be apart of a sorority or fraternity, Greek life here at Jewell reinforces not only important values but life skills that extend beyond campus.

There are three sororities and three fraternities here at Jewell. The sororities consist of Alpha Gamma Delta, Delta Zeta and Zeta Tau Alpha, and the fraternities include Kappa Alpha, Phi Gamma Delta and Lambda Chi Alpha. Many of the organizations focus on philanthropy and promoting worthy causes in their local communities. Here at Jewell Greek life has a very different meaning and purpose than what one might traditionally think about Greek life. As a member of Delta Zeta, I can speak to the significance that Greek life has played in shaping me into a well-rounded individual.

When I first joined Greek life I was surprised by the immediate camaraderie that I felt and influence that such a strong and intelligent group of women had on me. As someone rather introverted it forced me outside of my comfort zone and I was beginning to interact with individuals from all different backgrounds.

I also was pushed to better myself in every facet of life. I admired and looked up to the older students who had seemed to navigate the often tumultuous nature of adulthood and college with nothing but grace. I had a support system and I feel that this had a monumental impact on my achievements here at Jewell. I also was actively involved in philanthropic events that helped to raise money and promote Delta Zeta’s philanthropy, which is the Starkey Hearing Foundation. 

Greek life at Jewell is also unique in that there are diverse groups of individuals in every chapter. I had friends that attended much larger schools who had participated in Greek life and they would often note that certain chapters were recognized by stereotypes.

Athletes or thespians would only be involved with one specific chapter whereas here at Jewell each sorority and fraternity has a diverse and collective mix of students involved in many different activities and programs on campus. I think this is one of the most beneficial and impactful things about being involved in Greek life at Jewell. I interact with individuals involved in things that I am not a part of like sports, theater or choir. 

Recruitment occurs at Jewell in the spring. While many larger universities conduct their recruitment in the fall, I think that recruitment in the spring allows students to acclimate to college life and their academics. As a first-year, I was playing a sport at the time and trying to get a handle on college classes and I felt that the stress of going through recruitment was lessened by having it in the spring.

I also did not have a conventional route to joining Greek life. I joined my sophomore year and I have experienced both Greek life and being independent as well. However, I still interacted with members of Greek life in my classes and throughout the nursing program. Jewell’s close-knit community made me feel that I still had friendships and camaraderie even if I wasn’t in Greek life. However, I wanted to go through recruitment again as a sophomore because I really felt like joining Greek life would provide me with a lot of amazing opportunities, and it has not let me down.

As you may have noticed, William Jewell College is an outlier when it comes to Greek rush and recruitment. At most colleges recruitment begins the first week of the fall semester, right as the first-years enter their college careers. This is different at Jewell, as it waits until the beginning of the spring semester to start this process. Both options have valuable benefits, and in most cases, I’m an advocate for changing the norm, but I wonder if in this case, it might just be easier to go with the status quo.

First, why should recruitment be held in spring? Well, I feel the main reason is that this gives opportunities for new students to make friends without boundaries. When students come into this new environment and are immediately thrust into recruitment, it may be hard to stray from their respective sorority or fraternity circles afterward. Having their first semester free to make any connections they want can be a great way to broaden horizons and make connections that may have been lost to recruitment. 

Spring rush also gives first-years time to adjust to the newness of college before having to adjust to Greek life. Stepping into college can be a scary time for a lot of people, and adding recruitment on top of that may just be too much for some. Looking at the other side of the process, waiting until spring can help the sororities and fraternities looking for new members as well. Recruitment is a lot of work for these organizations, and being able to wait until after they’ve settled in the new year as well can help keep the process stress-free for both sides.

This may sound like a solid argument to rush in spring, but I think there are honestly more reasons fall is the better option, especially at William Jewell. Since our college community is such a small environment, I feel that no matter what you’re involved in it is easy to meet and make friends with anyone and everyone on campus. Unlike other schools, there is less of a divide and competition between each Greek organization and between Greek members and independent students. 

I was independent in my first two years of school and had friends in every Greek organization and never felt pushed away or excluded by them on campus. While this is my own personal experience and may not be reflected by everyone, I do find that most people on this campus are involved in many different circles and groups. This is to say that while it may seem like starting college life in a sorority or fraternity would create a boundary between students, on this small of campus it is very unlikely.

Also, Greek life is just like any other group of likeminded people on campus, so why is it treated differently? When you enter college, there are immediately opportunities to join clubs and activities that interest you. We tend to naturally congregate with people who have similar interests to us. People in the same major, sport and interests become close faster than people who don’t have as much in common. So it makes sense that people who hold the same values that are amplified in Greek life would be the same. Starting College with recruitment would just connect those people faster because they will find each other anyway. It would also help with scheduling and time management for new students. As it is, first-years who finally find a rhythm between class, work, sports and clubs by the end of the fall semester have to rearrange everything if they want to participate in Greek life, which wouldn’t be a problem with fall recruitment.

Another factor is the connections made before recruitment getting in the way of truly finding a home within a Greek organization. Going through recruitment, students should be making decisions based on their own personal feelings and figuring out which organization’s values and philanthropies really mean the most to them. This can get clouded with the friendships made during the first semester. 

I have seen and heard time and time again of situations where potential new members feel obligated to choose one sorority or fraternity because it’s where their friends or teammates are, even if it isn’t where they feel at home. Relationships can cloud our judgment of what is truly best for ourselves, and since going Greek is a lifelong commitment, it is important that students focus on what is the best choice for their own life. 

I have also seen these relationships formed during the first semester fizzle out after recruitment. Greek obligations take up more schedule space, and friends feel forgotten after getting used to spending so much time together. If the year started with recruitment then that shock of losing your hang out time to chapter meetings and philanthropic work would be avoided.

Overall, there are pros and cons to rushing the fall or spring semester, which is why a lot of schools do both. I understand at a small school like Jewell that it isn’t really necessary, but it could be helpful to students to have either as an option. For some, fall recruitment can be too much and they need more time to adjust in the short-term, but for others, it could be a lot easier to just start school in the Greek home of their choosing and avoid all the long-term conflict. For now, I would advise new students coming to Jewell who are interested in recruitment to keep in mind that those first semester schedules and relationships may change after recruitment in the spring, and to be prepared for that.