The Dartmouth Student Government (DSG) has approved funding for a memorial to honor Won Jang '26 and to support enhanced river safety measures. This decision came during the second weekly meeting of the fall term, where senators also addressed campus vandalism, a community hike, and internal attendance policies. The initiatives highlight the student body's commitment to remembrance and safety.
Key Takeaways
- DSG approved funding for a memorial for Won Jang '26.
- River safety initiatives, including lighting and railings, will receive attention.
- Senators discussed antisemitic vandalism on campus and the Peak Bag hike.
- An amendment to the DSG attendance policy was proposed.
- New dining enhancements, like Fresh Zone vending machines, are being rolled out.
Memorial and River Safety Initiatives Move Forward
During the meeting on September 28, the Dartmouth Student Government Senate, led by student body president Sabik Jawad '26, focused on two significant proposals. The first was to fund a physical memorial for Won Jang '26, a student whose death profoundly impacted the community. The second involved boosting river safety by installing additional lighting and railings near the river.
Rachel Roncka '26 and Chaehyun Lee '26, both close friends of Jang, presented the request for funding. They emphasized the importance of a lasting tribute and improved safety measures. Lee stated,
"I think it’s really important to recognize that this [Won’s death] could have happened to anyone. We want to send a message to the future generations, and from the College as a whole, to just show care and love for our community."
College Memorial Guidelines
College policy typically limits physical memorials on campus to benches or trees. However, the Ledyard Canoe Club, which manages the river docks, has agreed to help create and maintain a memorial outside of the College's direct oversight. This collaboration allows for a more personalized tribute while respecting institutional guidelines.
Overcoming Policy Restrictions for a Lasting Tribute
Nancy Vogele, Chaplain and Director of the Tucker Center, explained the College's specific guidelines regarding memorials. She noted that while options are usually restricted to benches or trees, alternative solutions could be explored for creative memorials that do not fall under traditional student-centered spaces or college policies. This flexibility allowed for the proposed memorial near the river.
According to Roncka, the Ledyard Canoe Club has committed to the construction, installation, and ongoing maintenance of the memorial. This partnership ensures that Jang's memory will be honored in a meaningful location, independent of the College's standard memorial policies.
Addressing Campus Vandalism and Community Events
Another critical topic at the Senate meeting was the recent antisemitic vandalism on campus. President Jawad and general senator Tamia Kelly '27 had prepared a statement condemning the swastika graffiti found outside a Jewish student's room. This incident followed a report of a second swastika, which the Hanover Police Department later disputed, but still caused widespread concern among students.
College President Sian Leah Beilock had previously sent an email to the campus community, denouncing the vandalism as "deeply disheartening and wholly unacceptable." The email also provided links to student resources through the Office of Undergraduate Student Affairs. The DSG statement echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that residence halls should be safe spaces for all students.
Peak Bag Community Hike
- The annual Peak Bag community hike began five years ago.
- It raises funds for mental health and suicide prevention.
- The event honors Omondi Obura '88, a Kenyan lightweight rower.
- This year's hike will conclude with a picnic on Baker Lawn.
- Performances by The Subtleties and a speech by President Beilock are planned.
Supporting Mental Health and Community Engagement
Economics professor Bruce Sacerdote attended the meeting to discuss the annual Peak Bag community hike. This event, now in its fifth year, is designed to raise money for mental health and suicide prevention. It serves as a memorial for Omondi Obura '88, a former Kenyan lightweight rower.
The hike aims to bring the community together for a good cause. The event will culminate in a picnic on Baker Lawn, featuring performances by The Subtleties and a speech from College President Sian Leah Beilock. This initiative underscores the university's commitment to student well-being and community spirit.
Updates on Campus Dining and Operational Policies
The Senate also reviewed ongoing projects and internal operational matters. School House senator Hanna Bilgin '28 reported significant enhancements to Dartmouth Dining services. The College has installed 87 new Fresh Zone vending machines across 23 campus locations. These machines will accept DBA, making them convenient for students.
Further improvements include the addition of a fresh fruit bar at the Class of 1953 Commons, set to open on October 8. A community barbecue is also scheduled for October 17, marking the soft reopening of the Courtyard Cafe. These changes aim to improve food accessibility and variety for students.
Proposed Changes to Attendance Policy
President Jawad proposed a constitutional amendment to the DSG attendance policy for senators. He noted an "issue with committee attendance in particular." The current policy allows senators six consecutive unexcused absences from committee meetings without any penalties. Jawad's proposed amendment suggests that missing a combination of four public and committee meetings would lead to automatic impeachment.
General senator Tamia Kelly '27 expressed disagreement with the proposed amendment. She believed it would "operationalize something that we currently already do." Kelly acknowledged the need for stricter attendance policies but questioned if this specific amendment was the best approach. West House senator Reece Sharp '28 supported the need for stricter attendance but requested clarification on how absences could be excused under the new amendment.
Future DSG Proposals
Senator Kelly also introduced two additional proposals. One involves funding shuttles for sports games away from campus, citing similar programs at Fordham University and Harvard University for basketball and football games. The second suggestion is to establish remote classes specifically for students who require one to two credits to graduate, offering more flexibility in academic planning.
The Dartmouth Student Government Senate meetings are held weekly on Sundays at 7 p.m. in Collis 101. These meetings are open to all students, encouraging transparency and broad participation in campus governance.
