The Bowdoin Student Government (BSG) has major plans for this semester, as it works to focus on student priorities and rebuild the sense of community on campus after more than two years of pandemic-related restrictions.

BSG President Susu Gharib ’23 said that she hopes her administration can create a more welcoming and inclusive campus culture this year.

“I think our role this year is trying to reshape the culture coming out of [Covid-19]. We have the opportunity to make the culture at Bowdoin different and have it be more welcoming and kind,” Gharib said. “Our goal this year is trying to get people to come out and show up for events … and building unity between all the classes.”

One way she hopes to accomplish this goal is by holding an event specifically designed to cultivate bonds between athletes and non-athletes on campus. This event will be planned with the coordination of the BSG, Bowdoin Student Athletic Council (BSAC), the Athletes of Color Coalition (AoCC) and the College Houses. The event is intended to occur the weekend of September 23-25.

Gharib met with her Executive Council yesterday to discuss plans for the year. She explained that Chair of Academic Affairs Jacob Horigan ’24 will work to establish the syllabus repository that was discussed last year. The repository would allow students to view syllabi during course registration for courses they may want to take.

Gharib also wants to continue the work done by last year’s BSG President Ryan Britt ’22 on mental health initiatives at the College. Britt established the Mental Health Board, an open forum for students to discuss issues pertaining to mental health with administrators four times per semester, and Gharib intends to hold the meetings again this year.

Representatives from the BSG will be at today’s Activities Fair, which will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Dudley Coe Quad. The BSG is looking for students to fill positions on the Assembly, including those of Counseling and Health Services Representative and Dining and Campus Services Representative. First years and sophomores who are interested in leadership but do not want to act as an administrative liaison can apply to be a Development Representative as well.

Elections for the Class of 2026 are also fast approaching. After attending information sessions this week, prospective candidates will write candidacy statements and obtain the required fifteen signatures before campaigning begins on Monday, September 19. Open positions include those of class president, vice president, treasurer and programming chair. Online voting will open at 8 a.m. on Friday, September 23 and close at 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 25. The results will be announced shortly after voting closes.

The BSG will hold its first general meeting of the year on Wednesday, September 28 from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the Roux Lantern. All members of the campus community are invited to attend.