General Assembly
Minutes from April 26th, 2006
Download Word File: Minutes 04-26-06
General Assembly Meeting
April 26, 2006
Johnson 200
Notes by Kenna Cottrill
Matt Kuzio, General Assembly Co-Chair, welcomed everyone to the final General Assembly meeting, the official student forum of the ASOC. The General Assembly is a place for students to bring up issues and propose policy changes. The General Assembly recognizes that the student body is one of many forums that form the community, and is a tool to begin dialogue. This is a forum for students to work with other students and administrators.
1. Study Abroad Resolution
Kether Hayden introduced her resolution, noting that she is representing a group of concerned students.
Introduction:
Study abroad is a campus-wide concern. Current study abroad opportunities, policies, and practices are not only issues that affect the current Sophomore class but have impacted the experiences of Juniors and Seniors and will impact the experiences of First-Years and all future Occidental Students. Because of large student concern about study abroad at Occidental, I am representing a group of students who would like to see change. We are proposing a resolution to form a committee that will discuss and develop changes and improvements to the study abroad process, policies, and funding. This committee will present their findings and proposals to the Administration and the Board of Trustees. The committee, operating as a representative of Oxy students’ concerns and needs, will work with the Administration and Board of Trustees to ensure that much needed development and expansion is made to study abroad at Occidental.
The following are goals developed by concerned students that could be initial goals of the committee.
Goals:
1. SECURE permanent funding for all eligible students. This will require allocating funding to accommodate increasing class sizes as well as overall interest in studying abroad. The Board of Trustees will either find funds within our budget and/or secure outside funding sources to accommodate the students’ needs.
2. Make the Board of Trustees and the Administration realize the high importance students place on study abroad experiences. Studying abroad enables extensive academic, linguistic, and personal growth as well as cross cultural awareness and understanding.
3. Reform the study abroad process. Specifically we feel it is necessary to create an atmosphere of encouragement. The values of multiculturalism and independent academic pursuits in the Occidental Mission Statement should be reflected throughout the pre-application, application, and post-acceptance processes.
Methodology:
The committee will consist of no less than 3-5 dedicated core members who will meet and continue communication on consistent basis for the remaining weeks of the semester, throughout the summer, and into the following semester. Other interested students are welcome to participate and express their opinions and concerns to this committee.
The committee will compile information from students. This could be in the form of surveys, meetings, and a blog. Hopefully this wide variety of approaches will reach as many interested students as possible and will develop student interest and encourage and provide an outlet for student voices.
The committee will present the findings to the Administration, Board of Trustees and keep the student body updated on any progress that is made.
Conclusion:
We hope this proposal will be favorably considered. If passed we hope the committee will serve the student body and ensure that Occidental lives up to its Mission Statement.
Kether noted that the committee will be comprised of 3-5 core members who will meet the next few weeks, work during the summer, and into following semester. The committee will present their findings to the administration and Board of Trustees and keep the student body updated on progress.
Patrice Hall noted that she thinks it’s great work.
Leah Fishbein noted that her concern might be implicit, but what about non-approved programs and the way students are treated when they want those opportunities. Kether noted that this concern will definitely be part of the committee’s work. She tried to leave the resolution open because she doesn’t want to have issues already determined. She wants student input on the issues.
Don Johnson asked to include the consideration of openness of study abroad programs in different majors across the board, not just those in the social sciences. Kether agreed that this is important, as well as the diversity in programs offered. Students need to have knowledge about what programs are offered. If IPO doesn’t have many programs for sciences, it’s hard to find information on programs not already approved. There are not very many programs in sciences . issues need to be communicated. Kether believes IPO needs to communicate that there are programs available.
Kara noted that part of resolution is to get student input.
Resolution passed: 17-0-3.
2. Capital Improvements
Erika Johnson introduced 2 poster systems for the SAC. She noted that the paint is messy and inconvenient. These poster systems will make poster-making a lot better because the systems come with 8 colors, and the SAC will get all 14 colors. These systems are easier to use, cleaner, the paint dries quickly. Erika thinks this is something that will benefit student body.
Matt clarified Capital Improvements. The ASOC has a savings account of over $220,000 and ASOC can spend 10% on capital improvements for Student Services. These items have to last for at least 5 years, and the requestor has to come to GA so students can ask questions.
Kara asked about the total cost. Erika said they were roughly $280 each, roughly $660 for both system. SAC will only have to refill ink which is about $12/bottle. The second part of request is a flat screen monitor for SAC. Erika is moving forward with moving the SAC to the Cooler, and in the process she wants to get better looking equipment that also helps with maneuverability. The flat screen is about $350 from ITS. So, the SAC is requesting about $1000 each.
Kara noted that Senate will be voting next week on these requests and Senators are here so if students have questions or comments, they should feel free to speak now. No students had concerns.
Jonathan Rubinfeld was representing Programming Board regarding their tech equipment needs.
1. loud speaker. $2400
2. lighting stands. $360 (6 at $60)
3. cdj system. $600
4. fog machine. $80
5. laser machine. $140
6. walkie talkies. $960 (8 at $120)
7. earpieces. $640 (8 at $80)
Total. $5180
Don Johnson has noticed that a lot of the money requested will be going towards parties, dances, etc. Has there been any discussion about more educational programming, diversity and less dance events? To Don, it looks like PB is concentrating their money in one direction that serves only one population. Jonathan agreed that there has been a decline in cultural events. PB used to do events in the Cooler all the time such as ASOC candidate debates, programming around presidential candidates debates, NBA march madness, etc. Clubs are certainly welcome to work with PB to enhance those events.
Queenie Kwan noted that other departments do civic and educational programming.
Jessica asked about KOXY equipment. Jonathan noted that KOXY has used the equipment, and it’s been damaged. He also noted there will be training next year.
Kether Hayden thought that PB didn’t have DJ equipment. Jonathan noted that they have basic equipment that does not allow for scratching and other more technical aspects.
Caroline wondered about the total, which is noted above. She also wondered if PB got all the equipment, will there be staff members who know how to set it up and use it? Jonathan noted that most things will be included in training.
Don Johnson heard Jonathan talk about cultural events, but Don didn’t mean that. He feels there could be other kind of programming that could be incorporated into events, not strictly social dances. Jonathan noted that PB has experiences a huge shift in the past 2 years. His first and second years were PB’s “glory days” and he sees PB going towards that again.
Don asked about clubs because he’s heard from 2 people who are heads of club, who have emailed PB and haven’t gotten any communication until last minute. IF ASOC buys these items for PB and student funds are being used, is PB going to try to improve communication issues and cooperate with the clubs, particularly if he is saying that PB will buy these items to make things better for clubs. Jonathan noted that more than half these items are replacing items that have lost. In terms of communication, he suggested that Don talk with the new Co-Directors for next year after this because this is something they want to work on as well.
Jonathan noted that the total cost would be about $4500—some prices dropped. (However, the calculations are not the same.)
Jessica wondered if some people have complained about lack of fog machines and lasers. Jonathan noted that they have and that the fog machines can add a lot. A laser is on same level as a special effect light, which PB has just a few of. Those will only benefit events. One of the main complaints he has heard is about light availability
Christina wondered what would prevent the walkie talkies from disappearing again. Jonathan said they would be locked up in Kenna or Earic’s office. He also noted they would be available for O-Team and clubs.
Jessica noted that she thinks a fog machine and lasers are silly uses of money. Anders Engdahl stated that he thinks PB needs more fog machines and lasers.
Christine thought it was most important that people be trained on how to use the equipment. Jonathan noted that he had bought cheap fog machines before and they broke easily. The training will help the equipment be used the right way. He reminded students that they get what they pay for in terms of training, fog machines, and lasers.
3. Feedback for Senate or GA
Kara invited students to provide feedback for Senate or GA, even though not everyone will be returning, everyone is giving feedback to Kenna for next year.
Caroline Kim though both Kara and Matt have done a good job this year. Don Johnson agreed.
Kether also agreed that Senate did a good job. She noted that this was hard year, but things went really well, and the people involved put in a lot of time and energy to make it good. One thing she’s sad about is that more people don’t come to GA meetings. She would like that to be improved but doesn’t think it’s the Co-Chairs’ fault. This is a forum for student concerns and issues. She would like it to be more utilized.
Kara wondered how the GA could attract more students. Don suggested having it during lunch in Thorne Hall. Caroline suggested food.
Matt noted that for any students interested in study abroad committee, he will send email but he encouraged them to talk to Co-chairs right after meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 6:13 PM.