SGA updates general body on masks, supporting students

Audrey Leib and Nadia Carolina Hernandez|February 20, 2022

Kiersten Riedford

SGA Vice President Kevin Holechko discusses mask and booster mandates during their meeting on Feb. 17. He said DePaul is committed to the mandates for “public health.”

On Thursday, the Student Government Association (SGA)discussed the Presidential search, preliminary plans to assist student parents and the need for the booster and mask policy despite student complaints.

DePaul affirmed they’ll continue recommending KN95 and N95 masks and double masking. Cloth masks alone no longer meet the requirement and have to be worn over a surgical mask.

However, Gov. JB Pritzker announced he would lift all indoor mask mandates by Feb. 28. The mask mandate would not extend to schools.

SGA asserted that DePaul was committed to mask and booster mandates for “public health,” according to Kevin Holechko, vice president of SGA.

During the university wide town hall, students asked if the university would consider repealing its booster mandate.

The administration said they would not because of safety reasons. 

“There are some people who get more frustrated with the masks,” said David Hupp, chair of SGA’s disabled student ad hoc committee.

Watfae Zayed, president of SGA, announced ongoing conversations with student parents to provide more resources. This could include priority registration.

Additionally, SGA spoke about the Presidential search. Final candidates are being interviewed, with the new tentative timeline being that the Presidential Search Committee would anticipate selecting the next President by Easter weekend.

SGA is holding several upcoming events such as Queer Prom and an Alumni Speaker Panel on Feb. 25. They will also hold their Student Safety Town Hall with Public Safety on March 1.

This town hall will include DePaul Public Safety Director Robert Wachowski along with Chicago Police Department, Chicago Transit Authority and ward representation. Senators Lenin Plaza and Kellen Brown organized the event.

During the townhall, Executive Vice President Sherri Sidler said she was happy to hear more suggestions on how to make campus safer.

“The university is looking at more initiatives to make both campuses safer, particularly in relation to traveling between campuses at night,” Sidler said.