As the semester winds down, Duke Student Government is looking ahead to a number of new initiatives that address student concerns.
At the DSG meeting Wednesday night, leaders responded to student needs by introducing a new course syllabus website and by proposing more late-night dining options and ice machines on campus.
Another set of revisions to the elections by-laws was also approved.
"These changes could really make someone's days better," explained senior Brandon Goodwin, DSG executive vice president and leader of the meeting. "That's really our role as student government-to address those concerns and suggestions."
In response to concerns that have "engulfed campus" in past weeks, DSG has introduced an online database of course synopses, announced junior Joe Fore, vice president of academic affairs.
The website currently contains between 200 and 250 syllabi, he said.
DSG chose not to implement an independent evaluation website like ratemyprofessors.com because such sites serve a limited benefit.
They solicit a limited number and range of responses, Fore said.
"We're not just going to sit here as a student government and wait for the administration to give us their verdict on course evaluations," Goodwin said.The Academic Affairs Committee is currently working to conduct a survey of students who opt for independent study.
Fore noted that the survey will help the University fund and facilitate undergraduate research.
DSG is also pushing members of the administration to increase the number of centrally located late-night dining options on East Campus.
The proposal was passed by a unanimous vote of the DSG senate.
"We all know that one of the major problems with Duke Dining is East Campus," said Vice President of Student Affairs Paige Sparkman, a senior. "This piece of legislation is just sort of telling administrators that we think this is our top priority."
After speaking with Director of Dining Services Jim Wulforst, Sparkman said she believes increasing the number of East Campus dining options is highly plausible.
"There will be late night options for students on East," Goodwin said after the meeting.
DSG is also collaborating with Campus Council to bring three ice machines to West Campus, announced senior Brenda Bautsch, vice president of athletics and campus services.
She said the machines will likely be placed in McLendon Tower, Crowell Quadrangle and Craven Quadrangle's House VO.
Bautsch added that many students want ice, but they can only obtain small amounts without driving off campus.
First aid, she added, was a major incentive for the proposal.
"It's our job to address those problems, and this resolution is the statement that we agree that this is an issue, and we will do everything in our power to produce a tangible result," said DSG President Jesse Longoria, a senior, about the two proposals.
Attorney General Bryce Walker, a senior, presented a second reading of the Election By-laws.
Walker said the changes will extend the reach of the Election Commission while also placing fewer restrictions on candidates.
In other business:
Rival Magazine, Duke STUFF and Agape Campus Christian Fellowship were all recognized by unanimous vote of the DSG legislative body.
Duke Moot Court also received $853.75.
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