On Sept. 2, 2020 at 9 p.m. in the chapel at Union University, Senate passed the proposal to turn on the water bottle filling attachments on the water fountains to provide students and faculty easy access to water amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was the first in person student Senate since COVID-19 brought an early end to the 2020 spring semester. Instead of taking place in Harvey Hall, as it has in the past, Senate took place in the chapel to ensure that senators could maintain social distancing. Masks were required at all times as well.
Due to COVID-19, Union University is taking careful precautions to ensure every student and staff member is as safe as possible. These precautions include wearing masks on campus and changing locations of events and classes to better adhere to CDC guidelines.
One step taken by Union to provide a healthier and safer environment was unplugging all the water fountains; specifically, the ones in the PAC.
Every student drinking from the same water fountains could cause an increase of COVID-19 cases on campus. However, there was debate as to why Union unplugged the water bottle attachment on the fountains.
“The average water bottle is about 8 to 10 inches tall. I measured the fountain myself, and the area where the water bottle is placed is about 12 and a half inches tall,” said Samuel Eudy, sophomore engineering major and sophomore class secretary.
He suggested placing disinfectant wipes above the fountains, but is certain that contact with the filling attachment spout is very unlikely.
The bill successfully passed.
“Senate does a very great job of making sure everyone’s voices are heard, no matter how big or small the issue,” said Steve Williams, sophomore business major and official clerk of Senate.
