A new school year brings excitement, but as the leaves change color and the weather gets colder, students notice that things aren’t perfect around Calvin. Complaints about inconveniences and inefficiencies arise.

However, instead of grouching about the dining hall food or the lack of study space on campus, student senate offers an opportunity for students to voice their opinions and make a difference.

The week of October 19-23 is Proposal Week, a week in which Calvin students can suggest any ideas they have for the betterment of Calvin College and its campus. Student senate will discuss the pitched ideas and begin the process of implementing them.

“The hope is to pursue positive change on campus through direct student involvement,” said Mallika David, student senate vice president of representation. Senate is given a budget of $10,000 to carry out these ideas, but has the possibility of more funding if there is strong support behind something that would cost more money.

Senate needs the ideas of the students in order to make changes around campus and in order to determine the way they proceed with operations over the coming school year. They emphasize that no idea is too crazy or too lame. It may be something as simple as suggesting a microwave in the DeVos lobby or it could be something as unique as putting a RedBox in Commons Annex.

Past Proposal Week suggestions include the remodeling of the hallway in Johnny’s and the library lobby.

David added, “There is no doubt that Calvin students want to be heard. They have brilliant ideas and innovative plans to better Calvin’s campus. Proposal week provides students with a portal to see that voice turn into action.” Though not every proposal is guaranteed, the ideas will be talked about, and students have the power to make Calvin’s campus better.

“It’s awesome that students get the opportunity to propose ideas,” said junior Andrea Selesky. “It makes us feel like we really are a decision making part of the college and that our opinions have value.”

According to the Calvin Senate facebook page, over 125 proposal ideas have been submitted from 107 different students over the first few days.

Students can submit their ideas by going to www.calvinsenate.com, clicking the proposal tab and filling out the form.