UGS passes resolution to support Bridge Peer Counseling Center

Jan. 23, 2025, 10:36 p.m.

The Undergraduate Senate (UGS) passed two joint resolutions to support Bridge Peer Counseling Center and to establish a student staff position at the Bechtel International Center at their Wednesday meeting.

The first resolution, authored by David Sengthay ’26, was written to support Bridge Peer Counseling Center, a student-run center offering 24/7 mental health services. 2024 statistics showed that 66% of calls made to the Bridge were made between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m., when other University mental health resources such as CAPS are closed. However, in recent years, the Bridge has faced funding gaps and destabilizing relocation processes.

A footnote in the resolution included an article about how the Bridge’s services have saved student lives. Sengthay also included a link to emails from other universities that sought to use the Bridge as a model of peer counseling.

“The Bridge has done fantastic work for our campus that has been recognized by other universities while our campus partners are unable to pick up the slack and fund this part of our campus. I hope this bill sends a message that students, undergraduate and graduate, stand behind the Bridge,” Sengthay said.

The bill passed unanimously.

In addition, the UGS passed a resolution authored by María Fernanda León ’27 to establish a student staff position at the Bechtel International Center. The bill aims to better involve student input in the planning of cultural celebrations and international student services, such as career guidance.

The UGS is also planning to create a Women’s Day on March 8 that models Democracy Day. Senators are working with Voluntary Student Organizations (VSOs) to secure event spaces and other needs.

“We are trying to follow the Democracy Day layout where we have programming on the hour at different spots,” Ethan Alfonso ’27 said.

The UGS also confirmed Constitutional Council nominee interviews and suspended prior notice for Nominations Committee members.

Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska. Class of 2027. @the_alanabelle

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