On March 17, the undergraduate student senate resumed their work following a restful spring break. During the meeting, senators had the opportunity to voice their questions and constituents’ concerns to Provost John Zomchick in addition to reviewing the Wellness Coaches Bill. 

Open town hall

Zomchick initiated the 14th session with an open discussion between himself and the senators. At this time, Zomchick relayed changes the administration is making to push UT forward. Zomchick briefly addressed plans such as the enhancement of the undergraduate student experience, potential changes to VolCore curriculum, the integration of artificial intelligence and more. 

“Chancellor (Donde) Plowman has challenged the university to go to the next level, and she says that there are three areas she wants to focus on,” Zomchick said. “The third, and this is the one I think that has special relevance for you all, is to provide an unparalleled experience for all our students to come, but especially our undergraduate students.” 

During this time of questions, Sen. Luke Hatler specifically voiced his concerns surrounding the state of freedom of speech on campus — a concern that stems from former UT assistant professor Tamar Shirinian, who was terminated following online comments about Charlie Kirk’s death back in September. 

When asked to provide clarification around what rules or policies Shirinian directly violated, Zomchick did not provide a clear answer. 

“This is going to sound like a cop-out, but we are in active litigation with Dr. Shirinian, and I can’t comment on a case where we’re in active litigation,” Zomchick said. 

Additionally during open town hall, Frank Cuevas, vice chancellor for the Division of Student Life, awarded Student Body President Chase Darwin with the Chancellor’s Medallion to recognize his contributions to the university during his time in the position. 

Second readings

Sponsored by Sens. Jed Baso and Paige Beattie, Bill 26-2 underwent discussion and debate during second readings. Introduced at the previous session, Bill 26-2 calls for the establishment of a Wellness Coaching Program within the VOLS 2 VOLS Peer Health Education Program. If established, individual wellness support would be made available to the student body. 

Following discussion and debate, senators voted on the bill. Bill 26-2 passed with a vote of 100-0-0. 

“For me personally, I felt that students really needed a one-on-one aspect,” Beattie said. “I think that’s a great resource for students to have so they don’t feel like they have to go to a staff member if they don’t feel comfortable doing so.”