General Assembly
Minutes from November 16th, 2005
Download Word File: Minutes 11/16/05
Occidental College
ASOC General Assembly
Forum Minutes
November 16, 2005
Notes by Grace Canby
Because there were not enough students in attendance the General Assembly could not officially begin the meeting.
Extended Library Hours/Textbooks
Ken Smunty introduced the idea of extending library hours during the entire semester as well as providing textbooks from popular introductory courses. He began by explaining the need for textbooks. His main reason was that those from lower incomes, or those students that need to pay for their own books, could not necessarily afford a 200 dollar textbook. Ken proposed a trial system that would begin next semester. The library would purchase textbooks for large introductory classes. The textbooks would be tracked and their use investigated. Questions that would be asked are: Are these textbooks being used? How frequently? Do we need more or less? What classes will use these books most? The trial run will cost about 9 200 dollars. Ken planned on submitting a proposal to the dean early next week. If it is approved, the dean will “sell” the idea to the rest of campus. If there are any questions ask Ken at ksmutny@oxy.edu.
Tom Slobko, a representative of the library, discussed the extended library hours for next semester. Basically, if there are a lot of students in the library around closing time the prospect of keeping the library open later is greater. The library is, after all, being used more and more even with the availability of dorm quite areas and online resources. If you, as a student, want longer library hours be there from 11 to 12 to show that there is a genuine interest for longer hours. He suggested that senate support this. That a survey of student opinions be taken. If the library does stay open later and doesn’t get used the library will cut back again. Another major issue is safety. He did not fell comfortable having students walk home at 2 am in the morning.
Kara Ableson asked about the bottom floor of the library. Just the bottom floor used to be open later. She wanted to know if that was something that could be considered.
Tom Slobko said that in the early 90s there were surveys that were taken. Back then not everyone had a personal computer and so it was necessary to keep the bottom level computer lab open. Now, with the prominence of laptops and personal computers the computer lab is not so necessary. Students now go to the library to study in a quite area.
Amy Laslett wanted to know what the time from was for this extended hours proposal.
Tom Slobko said it was ideally next semester.
Ken Smunty said that he and Tom had talked about keeping track of people going in and out of the library. This data shows that usage drops of quickly from 11 to 12. If surveys were passed out to the student body, everyone would ask for later openings even if they wouldn’t personally use them. Perhaps it would be better to look at the usage between 10 and 11 to show a more realistic picture of late night library use.
Matt Kuzio wanted to know how the library is going to look at this suggestion for later hours.
Tom Slobko said that they are going to look at the demand and support. If only a handful of students want this, then it probably wont happen. But if senate supports it that’s a different issue.
Caroline Kim asked if the library was going to stay open late for the upcoming finals period.
Tom Slobko said yes, as usual, the library will stay open late for the last three weeks of the semester.
Carloine Kim suggested that poll be taken of students that were in the library for finals studying. They could be asked if they would regularly go to the library at late hours if it was available during the regular semester.
Tom Slobko went back to the idea of the bottom floor being open. He brought up the fact that it doesn’t have much study space, and that’s what people seem to want more of. Also, there have been an additional 150 computers (350 total) added to the library and they are being used more than ever. The bottom floor doesn’t have the space or availability of computers to fully aid students.
Ken Smutny asked what the cost was of opening all of the floors.
Tom Slobko said that, yes, it would cost more to stay open late. More people would be needed and it would be a much later final closing time. Closing the library takes time and this could be an issue when hiring workers. If usage was small maybe other buildings on campus could be used.
Carloine Kim wanted to know what staffing was like when just the bottom floor was open.
Tom Slobko said that there was a regular library employee at the desk. He reinforced the idea that the sooner students made it know that a large number of people wanted later hours, the sooner this could all be implemented.
Official Start to the General Assembly.
Kara Abelson, General Assembly Co-Chair, 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.
Resolutions and Amendments
Dane Muckler read the text concerning the National Awards Office resolution (full text can be read online).
Amy Laslett addressed the December 1st deadline. She felt that was too soon to get anything accomplished.
Matt Kuzio suggested that a committee be formed now, then it could get working the second the resolution is passed.
Tim Anderson asked why the resolution can’t be changed just a little bit and then be passed (change of December 1st deadline).
Matt Kuzio said this resolution could be passed now, and then amended later.
Final Vote: 18-0-0
General Assembly Bylaw revisions read aloud by Matt Kuzio (full text can be read online).
Final Vote: 18-0-0
Second Ammendment read aloud (again full text can be found online). It was a simple wording issue concerning the fact that Student Service heads could not hold a government position as well.
Dane Muckler asked if the constitution stated the read amendment as well.
Matt Kuzio said yes,
Kara Ableson reinforced that the constitution superscedes the GA bylaws. But they wanted to have this in their rules as well.
Final Vote: 18-0-0
Open Forum
Matt Kuzio asked if there were any new proposals.
Tim Anderson proposed a resolution to form a committee concerning with the publicity of alcohol related events (text found online).
5 students passed this resolution into the forum.
Matt Kuzio suggested that Tim get in contact with the alcohol policy committee to see if they could be of any service.
Occidental Bike Proposal
Jessica Jew presented the idea of implementing a bike friendly campus. She worked this past summer to develop a master plan. She is the middle man between students and administration. She wanted to implement a bike rental program. Trigger wheels program will cost 50 000 to implement to make bikes available to students. This includes bikes, racks, maintaining the program. This program would make Oxy a more bike friendly campus and reduce car traffic. It also encourages students to bike around campus and LA. Free maps and common locations could be found online. She wanted to talk to students to see if there is interest if this was made available.
Borrow bike for semester for $75
Borrow for 3 day for $5
Check it out with a student ID card
Students would be charged late fees and damage costs
Further ideas include:
Renting a bike for all four years
Start bike shop on campus as part of the student union
Enlarge bike fee to provide more racks and better bikes
There is a survey link posted in the digest that she encouraged everyone to fill out.
Kara Ableson opened this proposal to questions or comments.
David Marsh wanted to know what was within 20 minutes of Occidental on bike.
Jessica Jew said that, in combination with busses, you could get pretty far.
David Marsh asked about the possibility of bike racks for Bengal Busses. Currently it is difficult to put bikes in the back of the busses. He also addressed the student union. Jessica had mentioned the use of the student union to rent bikes. He suggested that she get in contact with those planning the student union so they can work with her.
Matt Kuzio asked about safety issues.
Jessica Jew said that the new bike racks would help cut down on crime. Right now the racks in front of the library are the only ones on campus. The racks have to be approved by the architecture review committee because they want the campus to look nice.
Leah Goldsmith asked about a timeline for this.
Jessica Jew said that by this summer it should begin. She is going to meet with the campus architects and planning on where to store the bikes will take time. She also said that she had support from President Chan, but he wants student support as well.
Benna Gottfried asked about insurance issues. Skateboards are stopped on campus because of safety issues.
Jessica Jew said that, right now, bikes are allowed anywhere. Those who rent the bikes might have to sign a waiver form to sign away liability.
Leah Goldsmith asked about stolen bikes and what the cost would be to replace one.
Jessica Jew said that the full cost of he bike would not be charged, but there would be a fee.
Kenna Cottrill asked about yearly fees and maintenance.
Jessica Jew said that the administration is willing to give some money but over time, hopefully, it will be student funded. It should be self-sustained in the long run.
Kara Ableson asked about how the plan would be implemented around campus.
Jessica Jew said that first the bike racks would be put into place then slowly the entire program.
Matt Kuzio said that this was the worst meeting as far as attendance. He encouraged everyone to tell their friends to come and support the meetings.
End of Meeting