General Assembly

Minutes from October 12, 2006

Associated Students of Occidental College

General Assembly Minutes

October 12th, 2006

12:00-1:30, J200

Minutes by Chelsey Brack

Senate Members Present: Andrew DeBlock, Max Thoman-Tedford, Konstantin Chaykovskiy, Amy Laslett, Mat Kuzio, Alison Dempsey, Mike Myers, Jimmy Gillan

Guests Present: Dan Miller, Will Carlson, Sarah Yadali, Meagan Colvin, Debbie Afar, Laura Smith-Heimer, Eric Roddie, Chelsey Brack (8).

Katie Orme called the meeting to order at 12:11 PM. Patrice Hall joined the opening at 12:12 PM. Katie and Patrice 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. Patrice Hall read an overview of the Student Service Bylaws.

1. Katie Orme and Patrice Hall presented "The General Assembly Presents 'How to Write a Resolution'"

Katie explained how lately there have been speakers in the GA meetings, but the real reason is to make resolutions and get things changed on campus. Now the GA meetings are back to operating as usual.

With a PowerPoint presentation, Katie and Patrice explained resolutions and how they are a student-run avenue for achieving change on campus, and that anyone can write a resolution. Resolutions must have a point, which indicates how easily or not so easily the GA can get it done. (see PowerPoint)

Slide 1) What Are Resolutions?

Resolutions are the student-run avenue for achieving change on campus, anyone can write a resolution, and resolutions can be on anything (so long as it has a realistic and attainable endpoint)!

2) How do I write a resolution?

Some resolutions are highly structured with bullet points, conclusions, etc., others are just a paragraph that hit the main points. There are a few things that are necessary in all resolutions.

3) Step 1: Statement of Intent

Each resolution has a statement of intent. It can be the whole opening paragraph, or it can be the first one or two sentences. It usually starts out with “We the students of Occidental College call for a review of…”

4) Step 2: Reasons why the resolution is needed

Next the resolution should include the reasons a change is needed, or an assessment of the current situation. For example: “As of now it currently stands that…”

5) Step 3: Proposed Solution

A resolution has a higher chance of passing the vote if it’s backed up by a logical solution. The most effective solution is the formation of a committee that looks into why things are they way they are, talks to administration and faculty, etc.

6) Step 4: Parameters and obligations of the Committee

Lastly, ground rules need to be set that define who the committee is, how they are chosen and what their duties are. Example of who: “composed of 3-5 students whose names are submitted to the co-chairs” or “made up of interested students selected by [the author of the resolution].”

7) Step 4: Parameters and obligations (continued)

Example of how they operate: “will discuss and develop changes and improvements” or “will work with the Administration and the Board of Trustees.” Example of duties: “will publish their recommendations two weeks before the end of the semester” or “will present their findings and proposals to the General Assembly.”

8)Two types of resolutions

Open—Presented to the Assembly with the support of 5 people. Once proposed it can’t be discussed or voted on until the following meeting. During the discussion, changes are allowed to be made, but then it can’t be voted on until the week after that.

Closed—Presented to the Assembly with the support of 5 people. Once proposed, it can’t be voted on until the following meeting, and no changes are allowed to be made.

9) It’s written, what happens next?

After the resolution is written, it gets presented to the GA. If a minimum of 5 people support it, then it gets voted on. All it takes is a simple majority for a resolution to pass. All resolutions are posted on the GA website after they are presented. If it passes the vote in the GA, it gets voted on in Senate.

10) It’s voted on, and it passed!

If a resolution passes, it’s up the writer and their committee to see that it follows through—the co-chairs never take over or pick up the responsibility. We help you get what you need in order to make your changes happen! We do like to sit on the committee to watch how the process is working.

11) Tips for making the process easier

Come to the co-chairs before writing it, so we can help you put it all together. We’ll be able to advertise it (and get people to the meeting)!! We’ll be able to proofread it (the cleaner it is, the higher the chance of passing).

Patrice concluded the PowerPoint presentation saying that the GA could be contacted at asocga@oxy.edu with any resolutions or questions. Katie and Patrice opened the floor for questions, but none were asked. Patrice offered index cards for those who wished to write a resolution to be submitted.

Meeting adjourned at 12:21 PM.