USC's 116th student senate passed 13 pieces of legislation at its first weekly meeting of the spring 2025 semester on Wednesday.
One piece of legislation, introduced by Senator Amaya Sowell, was a recommendation to improve the current standards for the cleaning processes at Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center.
According to the recommendation, cleaning towels for equipment are not restocked promptly, preventing gym users from properly cleaning equipment after each use.
Sowell said that the Wellness Center offers workout classes throughout the day, with breaks ranging from 15 minutes to an hour. She said that sometimes the equipment isn't properly cleaned between classes, even though the break is sufficient time to clean the equipment.
"There would be times when the equipment in Strom would have stains on it, or it just wasn't clean- and it caused me not to want to use the equipment, I would just skip it and go to something else," Sowell said. "So I'm hoping this (recommendation) will make people be aware of it and see that this is something they can change."
The legislation was adopted.
Another piece of legislation introduced by Senator Kailey Goodrich was a recommendation to add more cameras and police call buttons to campus garages.
According to the recommendation, campus garages lack both security cameras and police call buttons, and are often poorly lit and isolated at night. Parking garages are frequent sites for criminal activity, including vandalism, theft and assault, with more than 2 million crimes reported in parking lots each year. Installing security cameras could significantly deter crime and enhance the safety of students on campus.
Goodrich said it is important for all students to feel safe on campus.
"Break-ins to cars are a concern, and people can be followed, which makes it especially important for female students to feel safe when parking," Goodrich said.
The legislation was adopted.
Goodrich introduced another piece of legislation, a recommendation to add foot door-openers to all bathroom doors on campus.
"Norovirus is going all around right now and that is transmitted through fecal matter and sneezing," Goodrich said. "Not everybody washes their hands and that's a scary truth. So hopefully (adding foot door openers) will cut down on the transmitting of viruses."
According to the recommendation, door handles are common sources of bacteria because of frequent use, with studies indicating they can harbor bacteria, fungi and viruses that contribute to cross-infections.
The legislation was adopted.
Goodrich also introduced a recommendation to add active shooter instruction posters in high traffic areas around campus.
According to the recommendation, gunfire on college campuses has killed 91 people and injured 240 since 2013, while a study found 437 people were shot in 190 campus shooting incidents between 2001-2002 and 2015-2016. Consequently, placing active shooter instruction posters in all common areas could save lives and raise awareness among students.
"When visiting the law school, I noticed that they had these posters up and around," Goodrich said. "I think it's something good to have in undergraduate and high traffic areas, like here in Russell House and then education buildings."
The legislation was adopted.
Another piece of legislation, also sponsored by Goodrich, was a recommendation to distinctly mark seven handicap parking spaces in the Blossom Street Garage.
According to the recommendation, the Blossom Street Garage lacks sufficient ADA-compliant parking spaces, which must meet specific width and access aisle requirements, including one van-accessible space for every six accessible spots. For compliance, facilities with 201 to 300 parking spaces must have at least seven clearly marked handicap spaces.
"It was very easy to see upon entering Blossom Street Garage that there are not seven clearly marked handicapped spaces," Goodrich said.
The legislation was adopted.
Kiki D'Apolito, who was confirmed as the new Chairman of the Judiciary Committee during the session, introduced a recommendation to update the study and lounge furniture in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.
According to the recommendation, outdated and uncomfortable furniture in the Close-Hipp building negatively affects students' comfort and productivity. Despite the sixth floor being described as a space for studying and relaxation, the recommendation said it lacks comfortable seating options.
"Right now (Close-Hipp) has some sunken in couches and some ripped up furniture, so it'd be nice to get some new items," D'Apolito said.
The legislation was adopted.
Additional passed legislation includes bills to restructure the Student Government presidential cabinet, amend various chapters of the Student Government codes to add new duties, regulations and establish Student Government bureaus. Recommendations were also passed to add senator's passed legislation onto My USC Experience and allow the Finance Committee to allocate funds.
A special senate session will take place during the State of the Student Body on Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. in Rutledge Chapel.