Campus briefs: Space, activities main student issues

Santa Clara students and administration need to focus on the importance of our community said Student Body President Annie Selak in her State of the Student Address last week.

In response to the State of the University Address where Paul Locatelli S.J., spoke about the importance of education as a Jesuit value, Selak challenged his point by stressing the importance of the Santa Clara community.

"Prestige should not be sought at the expense of our value of community," she said.

Selak also announced the results of the State of the Student Survey taken earlier this year in which 1300 students participated.

While 95 percent of survey participants said they were proud to be part of the Santa Clara community, students also voiced concerns regarding issues such as space in Benson Memorial Center and a lack of alcohol-free activities on campus.

Two-thirds of the students who participated said that the university encourages student involvement in the community and 85 percent agreed that it is important for Bon Appetit employees to be paid a living wage.

In closing Selak encouraged students to take advantage of all of the opportunities that Santa Clara has to offer.

"I challenge you to fall in love with Santa Clara," she said. "When you do, it will decide everything."

--Kristen Parrish

Welcome Weekend extended, revitalized

Welcome Weekend will be extended through Monday for the upcoming school year, with new activities and events for incoming freshmen and returning students as well as faculty and staff.

Unlike in previous years when the President's welcome and mass were both on Saturday, next year only the President's welcome will be Saturday with Mass held Sunday morning.

Also new on Sunday night will be the "Spirit in Traditions" Bronco Pep Rally at the Leavey Center. The event is an effort to "try to make a concerted effort to build some spirit around athletics," Timothy Haskell, Coordinator of Orientation Programs, said.

On Monday, classes will only last 25 minutes, and will end at 11:55 a.m. The Mass of the Holy Spirit, a tradition in many Jesuit high schools and Colleges, will follow at noon. "Monday is designed to celebrate SCU, our spiritual, academic, athletic, and social successes and how they come together to form an integrated education in the Jesuit tradition," Haskell said.

--Ryan Groshong