Progress
We believe that we can make App State a more progressive place by enacting policies designed to reduce bias, prioritize mental health, and elevate underrepresented communities. App State wouldn’t run without the rich diversity of people and backgrounds that make up the student body. As Student Body President and Vice-President, we will continue to strive for policies that are proactive and remove barriers to student safety and success.
Work with the town of Boone to provide more accessible and easier-to-find affordable housing in Boone.
It’s hard to find an apartment! We believe that housing should be easier to find through online programming and easy to use software. We hope to collaborate with the Town of Boone to make a comprehensive database of all rental locations, making it easier and less stressful for students to find their next home.
RA Bias Training, allow RA’s to make more informed and unbiased decisions, especially given their requirements and responsibilities.
RA’s are an important part of our housing community. Increasing bias training for RA’s would help to ensure bias does not impede the RA’s ability to consider the needs of all residents equally. Bias training will help make RA’s more effective in creating a healthy and welcoming environment.
Offer grab-and-go meals during long weekends when the dining halls are closed, but students remain on campus, especially on religious state holidays like Good Friday and Easter.
There are many students who remain on campus during these long weekends who rely on the dining hall. The needs of these students are not being met. We can create a more inclusive and accessible dining experience by accommodating those who remain on campus during long weekends.
Increase mental health days. Two mental health days a semester with access to fun and educational programming; make it a whole thing/event!
By adding mental health days to the academic calendar, students are able to destress and take a day off from their busy schedules. Having programming and activities that support mental wellbeing and encourage students to utilize campus resources.
Increase approachability of RA’s; students should not be scared of getting busted in their place of living.
More rigorous ASUPD bias and de-escalation training; more transparency in law enforcement procedures.
Open dining halls early during the month of Ramadan (done!)
Publicize student religious absences; a lot of students do not know they are allowed two days of excused absence for religious reasons.
Increase LGBT visibility and comfortability on campus; gender-neutral language; single-use restrooms on ALL floors of campus buildings, not just on the first level.
Menstrual products in bathroom “lobbies”.