Packard | Siener
Campaign
Purdue Student Government Elections
1. Indiana Lifeline Law Expansion
The primary goal of the Packard Siener Campaign is to expand the Indiana Lifeline Law (LLL), which concerns individuals seeking medical attention in underage intoxication related situations. Currently, the LLL only protects the person calling for the individual in need of medical attention, and NOT the person receiving the medical attention. Through gaining protection for both parties involved, the hesitation of students to call emergency services will be minimized.
Such full protections exist in several bordering states. Over the last decade, three expansion amendments to the LLL have been proposed, none have passed.
The original law was passed in 2012, due to then Purdue Student Government President, Brett Highley, leading a statewide advocacy campaign. Brett Highley worked alongside Senator James Merritt to propose this bill. As students, we believe we have a similar ability to create change and promote safety on campuses across Indiana.
Such full protections exist in several bordering states. Over the last decade, three expansion amendments to the LLL have been proposed, none have passed.
The original law was passed in 2012, due to then Purdue Student Government President, Brett Highley, leading a statewide advocacy campaign. Brett Highley worked alongside Senator James Merritt to propose this bill. As students, we believe we have a similar ability to create change and promote safety on campuses across Indiana.
In 2023, Jason and Becka proposed a University Residences policy that upheld similar protections as the Purdue Medical Amnesty Policy to the RHA Senate. They passed a resolution within the Residence Hall Association to support the institution of a University Residences policy, which has been sent to the appropriate department for review.
Calling for medical help in times of need should not be a decision students have to contemplate. Since its inception, the LLL has saved roughly 55 lives, according to the Indiana Youth Services Association. Jason and Becka have held conversations with Senator James Merritt, Brett Highley, David Rosenthal, the IU Police Department, the Notre Dame Student Government President, the University of Southern Indiana Student Government President, and the IU RHA President. They intend to soon meet with a current Indiana State Senator that Senator James Merritt believes would be willing to propose the amendment next session. To learn more, read Jason and Becka's feature in the Exponent, Drinking underage: Laws that can protect minors | Campus | purdueexponent.org |
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2. Expanding Education Resources
Through technology, undergraduate education is rapidly evolving at Purdue and other universities across the world. Many large universities have adopted institutional publication initiatives, such as MIT OpenCourseWare. This program publishes virtually all MIT instructional material. On our own campus multiple faculty and student led projects have gained universal popularity among students due to their efficacy. These include Chenflix, Boilergrades, Boilerexams, and more.
The Packard Siener Campaign aims to work with professors and administrators to begin to create a past lecture archive for students. In addition, we are dedicated to providing resources to new and existing education projects that serve to improve resources.
The Packard Siener Campaign aims to work with professors and administrators to begin to create a past lecture archive for students. In addition, we are dedicated to providing resources to new and existing education projects that serve to improve resources.
3. Improving Accessibility
Jason and Becka are in the initial stages of a Residence Hall Association accessibility initiative. They intend to apply their efforts towards this to the Packard Siener Campaign.
Becka proposed a resolution, Installation of Accessibility Ramps on 3rd Street, within the Residence Hall Association. This entailed the Residence Hall Association urging the Purdue University Building and Ground Services Department to install an accessibility ramp on both sides of 3rd Street. It is encouraged that the current ramp located on the curb outside of Cosi (Honors College and Residences North) be repaired or replaced as well as the addition of a new accessibility ramp directly across the street on the curb near the entrance to the Third Street Market (Winifred Residence Hall). The resolution is soon to be sent to the respective department. The support of additional influential organizations across campus will be attained to promote this project.
Information concerning accommodation resources should be readily available to students. Jason and Becka aim to utilize the Purdue Student Government platform to connect students to these resources. |
4. Expanding Representation
Though diverse, undeniably there are still many underrepresented student groups at Purdue. An ambition of the Packard Siener Campaign is to partner with student groups and Purdue Departments to promote inclusivity in our community. Our institution should ensure a welcoming environment to all. Jason and Becka avidly value this as leaders involved in community building within University Residences.
Southwest Asian and North African Student Union (SWANA) is a student population that is underrepresented nationally and here at Purdue as they are often counted as "white" on ethnicity surveys. Due to this Purdue does not recognize their cultural identity. SWANA has dedicated efforts to advocating for a cultural center and recognition. Institution of a cultural center is a lengthy process, which can require the backing of multiple prominent student organizations. SWANA has previously partnered with Purdue Student Government on this initiative, Jason and Becka plan to further advance this relationship.
An objective of the Packard Siener Campaign is to advocate for the recognition of their student group on our campus.
Southwest Asian and North African Student Union (SWANA) is a student population that is underrepresented nationally and here at Purdue as they are often counted as "white" on ethnicity surveys. Due to this Purdue does not recognize their cultural identity. SWANA has dedicated efforts to advocating for a cultural center and recognition. Institution of a cultural center is a lengthy process, which can require the backing of multiple prominent student organizations. SWANA has previously partnered with Purdue Student Government on this initiative, Jason and Becka plan to further advance this relationship.
An objective of the Packard Siener Campaign is to advocate for the recognition of their student group on our campus.