Student Union President Sneha Walia ’15 began the weekly Senate meeting by saying that she will be working on compiling notes and responses from the Student Union Round Table last Wednesday, which she will confirm with the administrators who were present, and send to the student body in a newsletter.

Walia announced that there will be a Deans’ Night in the Shapiro Campus Center from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. On Thursday, the Student Union will also be partnering with Kindness Day and Public Safety to host an ice cream social in Lurias from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

First up, the Fitness Club approached the Senate seeking recognition and charter. The club aims to provide health and fitness services to the Brandeis community, like customized diet plans and physical trainers.

The members said they have created a one-year plan for the club, which includes holding weekly meetings at which the club would educate students on dieting and fitness strategies.

The Senate asked the students if they had talked to any staff in Gosman Sports and Convocation Center about their club, and the students replied that they had not. Student Union Vice President Sofia Muhlmann ’16 asked that the club try to connect with athletics and wellness resources that are already in place at the University. She asked if any of the club’s members currently have certifications in nutrition or physical training, and the students replied that they did not.

A motion was made to recognize the Fitness Club with the contingency that it acts as a support system and must advertise that no one in the club is currently certified in fitness or nutrition. The motion passed with 10 in favor, seven opposed and four abstaining.

The second club to approach the Senate was the Brandeis Chapter of Nourish International. The students explained that their club would be a chapter of the national nonprofit, which seeks to address issues of poverty. The club’s purpose would be to connect with and aid communities abroad that are working on projects to improve their living conditions.

The Senate asked how the club would directly benefit the Brandeis community, and the students said that the club would serve as a leadership incubator for Brandeis students.

The Senate dismissed the students and, without discussion, took a vote to recognize the club. The recognition passed with 12 in favor, two opposed and two abstaining. Senator-at-Large Naomi DePina ’16 recommended to the club that it find ways to impact campus more directly, make a one-year plan and then re-approach the Senate for charter. The Senate took a closed vote, deciding not to charter the club at this time.

Senate Committees then shared their progress. The Sustainability Committee is currently planning for a State of Sustainability event, tentatively set for Feb. 2, as well as an interest form for the Brandeis Sustainability Fund. The Dining Committee will be holding a Dining Forum Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. in the Olin-Sang auditorium.