The Student Senate plans to increase student participation in school governance-and they’re using butcher paper and markers to do so.

Starting this semester, the senate will introduce “Thought Spots,” a weekly question that will be written on a large piece of paper and posted on campus for students to write their answers on.

“Thoughts Spots is something Atty Garfinkel (commissioner of clubs and organizations) observed at Cuesta College,” said Jessica Aparicio, public relations senator. “You basically put up random questions and students write down a response to it.”

The location to post “Thought Spots” is undecided, however some possible places include the Eli Luria Library and the East Campus cafeteria.

The goal of “Thought Spots” is to ask non-controversial questions.

Student senator Dano Pagenkopf explained that the idea of “Thought Spots” is to “increase a feel of community” on campus.

“Thought Spots will increase visibility of the Student Senate on campus and engage student opinion,” said Pagenkopf.

Cristina Hernandez, a nursing student, admitted that she never heard of the Student Senate, but thinks the idea is a great way to get familiar with them.

“I think that’ll be fun,” said Hernandez. “I would definitely write on it.”

Despite the positive feedback the senate has received, there are some concerns. Both Aparicio and Pagenkopf agreed that they worry that the poster board will be vandalized by graffiti taggers and used by students as a place to put their gum.

“Our main challenge is people respecting it for what it is,” said Pagenkopf. “We want students to take it seriously and not as a joke.”

In addition to the weekly question, the Student Senate has other means in which they gather student opinions.

Currently, the senate has two suggestion boxes placed on East and West Campus where students can voice their concerns.

Former Student Senate President, Tanja Khosvawipour, is a supporter of “Thought Spots,” because she feels the senate needs some promotion.

“I think it’s good because the Student Senate is not well known,” said Khosrawipour.

Student senators are open to suggestions by students who have ideas for questions they could post. If interested in voicing any suggestions contact T.K. Erickson, Student Senate advisor, in the Office of Student Life.