The first Community Senate meeting, which was held on Aug. 31, was an unusual one.

“A typical senate meeting has a more predetermined agenda and ideas,” said Yahya Alazrak, clerk/president of the Senate. “No decisions were made tonight. We just explained things and were building up proposals that we will explore in more depth later. This was mainly to gather ideas, research, and feedback from the student body.”

The Boren Lounge in Founders Hall filled with students and faculty alike as the meeting was called to order. All were encouraged to bring up any issue, big or small, that they would like to see the Senate discuss further in the future.

Almost 30 topics were brought up and recorded.

As a new transfer student, this was the first time I got a comprehensive view of what the student body wants to improve, and what they value most about Guilford.

To me, it was clear that the close-knit community is the most widely cherished aspect of the Guilford experience.

From fixing up the Community Center, to reinstating the bonfires, to forming an on-campus bike co-op and a community appreciation day, many of the issues raised came back to enriching the community and bringing people together.

Among the most dotted subjects from the “dotmocracy” straw poll was the issue of eliminating campus bonfires.

“Bonfires are all about raw energy, the kind that strips you down and unmasks you, and with that you have an atmosphere in which the divide between the athletes and non-athletes dissolves,” said senior Bennett Christian. “It’s unfortunate that sometimes, but rarely, people aren’t capable of experiencing that sensation and commit the kind of violence which is now threatening the bonfire tradition and the communal spirit.”

The level of respect between everyone at the meeting left me feeling comfortable and proud to be part of a community that values each other’s opinions so highly.

Everyone who had a matter to discuss was fairly and respectfully heard, with much support in the form of “Quaker hands” from the fellow attendees. I hope that the Senate can successfully propel some of these ideas into action.

“I hope there will be really positive relationships between other organizations and the Senate,” said Alazrak.

“We’ve had some high stress relationships in the past,” he added, “and hopefully this year that stress has left and things will run smoothly.”

If the first meeting is any indication, the Community Senate has a busy and fruitful year ahead of them.