Following Tuesday’s Student Senate meeting, Senate set up shop in Umphrey Lee cafeteria for a meet and greet with the student body.

Loaded with pamphlets, fliers and other senate paraphernalia, several representatives welcomed students to come discuss questions and voice concerns over dinner.

Student Body President Austin Prentice felt that the meet and greet helped foster a stronger connection between Senate and the student body.

He also said this format serves as a way to “better get [the Senate’s] name out” to the student body.

“We wanted to … really take a passion for what their comments or concerns actually are on campus and … work on solving [any] problems,” Prentice said.

Chief of Staff Alex Mace noted that the unusual location offers a “cool way to get out by the constituency” since Umphrey Lee “isn’t usually the place to meet with student senate representatives.”

Mace explained that the informal setting would make students feel more comfortable interacting with their representatives.

For Dedman I and First-Year Senators, having the meet-and-greet in Umphrey Lee was ideal for mingling with the students they represent.

Dedman I Senator An Phan felt that this opportunity offered more visibility for senators, noting that this was “a great way for [us] to really get out there and meet our constituents since many of them don’t really know who we are.”

First-Year Senator J.D. Mahaffey believed that such meet-and-greets are “a really good platform for students at SMU to voice their opinions and concerns.”

“I’m really happy to be finally reaching out to constituents, and hearing what their needs are,” Dedman I Senator Savannah Stephens said.

“I want everyone to know what Student Senate does,” Dedman I Senator Parminder Deo said. “I want them to know we’re here for them no matter what.”