General Assembly
Minutes from February 15th, 2006
Download Word File: Minutes 02/15/06
General Assembly Meeting
February 15th, 2006
Johnson 200
Notes by Kenna Cottrill
Matt Kuzio welcomed everyone to the official student forum. The General Assembly is a place for students to bring up issues and policy change. The General Assembly recognizes that the student body is one of many forums that form the community. This is a forum for students to work with other students and administrators. Kara Abelson is not present due to her comps course. This is the last week of her class and meetings will remain on Wednesdays at 5:45 PM.
**Senators present: Caroline, Finn, Sam, Katie, Maddie, Amy, Patrice, Melissa, Teddy
Matt began the meeting without the quorum to talk about future meetings at 5:50. Official meeting began at 5:55.
1. Senate By-Laws
Finn Keough, Senior Senator, thoroughly described the By-laws article by article, which are also available on-line. Finn explained that the by-laws Sit under the Constitution. Each part of the government has by-laws. By-laws help Senate run smoothly and deal with any issues.
Finn highlighted several aspects of the by-laws:
· Eligibility—including GPA requirements and disciplinary/academic probation limitations
· Elections—who can vote; how to challenge a Senator, specifically that to challenge, candidates must have 4 times as many petition signatures as normal elections; how first year class senators will be elected in the beginning of each school year;
· Officers—resignation and impeachment procedures; vacancies and removal from office, filling vacancies—including president; duties of the officers
· Other staff—Senate will have a Chief of Staff and Elections Director
· Meetings—there are regular senate meetings and three types of special meetings—special meetings, training and staff development meetings, and closed meetings,
· Committees—Public Relations Committee and Finance committee, the role of the Finance Co-Chairs,
· Senate House Rules will guide most daily operations
· Amendments to the by-laws must be voted on in Senate and GA for any amendments to be valid
Matt Kuzio clarified the challenging process. He made sure the GA membership understood that the number of signatures required to challenge is four times that of regular elections.
Caroline Kim suggested changing “Freshman Class Senator” to “First Year Class Senator”. This change could be made without a separate vote.
Matt Kuzio noted that the expectation was clear that Senators shall attend all General Assembly meetings, “If you are required to attend all General Assembly meetings, then there should be 12 of you here”. He wanted to mention it so that Senate could deal with it later.
Matt Kuzio clarified the process for filling vacancies. He highlighting that under 10 weeks, that a Senator position will be appointed by the President. For a Presidential vacancy, a president nominee, a Senator who is appointed by Senate, must be confirmed in General Assembly and, in the interim, a senator will be appointed to chair the Senate meetings.
Matt Kuzio asked for any other questions. There were none, so he called for a vote. The Bylaws passed, 15-0-0.
2. Student Events Policy
This Resolution was proposed two weeks ago, on February 1: We, the students of Occidental College call for a review of policies for student programming regarding Space Reservation, Campus Dining Policies and charges, and Facilities Charges. This is an opportunity for students to provide feedback regarding campus policies and procedures in the above mentioned areas. A committee should be formed to recommend changes in policy which impacts programming. The committee will be comprised of at least five, but no more than ten, students who will work with various departments and administrators on campus and publish their recommendations of change at least two weeks before the end of the semester. Students should submit their names to the General Assembly Co-Chairs for selection.
Matt Kuzio clarified that the resolutions was addressing the fact that there are specific policies—such as there can be only 2 student events in the Greek Bowl per semester, and in order to rent Branca patio, groups must pay $1500 for food or $500 in labor to Campus Dining. These policies are not stated clearly or not well known by students. The committee would look at the policies what benefit students and what does not as well as how to change those policies to provide clubs more access to facilities on campus. Both women who proposed it are in important meetings at present, which is why Matt is speaking on their behalf. .
Vote called, passed, 14-0-1
3. Capital Improvement
Erika Johnson, Assistant Manager of the Student Activities Center, came on behalf of Ruben Sanchez who had previously approached Senate about proving funding for new software for the SAC. Erika and Ruben are proposing that SAC be given $2935 for two new systems—patron and activity tracking, and point of sale system. Both of these systems are backed by Campus Dining and ITS, and are the same systems that Campus Dining uses. These are more effective than previous system because they allow the tracking of cash flow and activity, improved accounting, and improved ability to keep track of equipment and inventory,
Erika explained that the SAC had to get buy the system before end of the year so that the systems could be installed over winter break, so staff training could take place immediately when staff returned in January. It was important not to close the SAC when school resumed.
Matt clarified that the Capital Improvement fund is for Student Services and Senate to buy things that will make the departments and Senate run more smoothly. It is part of the savings account, and after this request, there will still be $14,000 left in the account.
Vote called, passed 15-0-1
4. Open Forum
No new resolutions
Meeting closed 6:17 PM.