SENATE RECAP: NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, MENTAL HEALTH ON CAMPUS

ZACH HINEY, KNIGHT WIRE STUDENT SENATE REPORTER

Wartburg’s Student Senate Feb. 3 meeting was headlined by the new athletic director at Wartburg, John Cochrane. He came to speak about his background and what he hopes to achieve in his new job.

“For me, success is defined by senior student athletes walking across the stage and saying to themselves that the best decision they ever made was coming to Wartburg College,” Cochrane said.

Previously Cochrane worked at the University of Detroit and the NCAA national offices before making his way back to Iowa and eventually to Wartburg. His daughter attended Wartburg, and he had already built connections with some staff on campus before he started.

“One of my goals is to build long, trusting relationships with coaches and staff,” Cochrane said.

Cochrane also wants to aim to keep the culture strong and make sure that those working here want to come to work. He also stressed that relationships with everyone on campus like academic affairs, student life and maintenance are important as well.

Another discussion that was held in Senate was about mental health practices on campus and what can be improved. Senators bounced ideas off each other for about 15 minutes and gave their opinions on the current situation.

Some of the ideas discussed included potentially adding more counselors, campus-wide mental health days off and a campus-wide syllabus regarding days off and grades. These ideas will continue to be talked about as the semester goes on.

Finally, Vice President Olivia Hobson reminded everyone that the election is on Tuesday, February 8. It will be held online and take place over the entire day.