General Assembly

Minutes from October 26, 2006

Associated Students of Occidental College

General Assembly Minutes

October 26th, 2006

12:00-1:30, J200

Minutes by Chelsey Brack

Senate Members Present: Amy Laslett, Matt Kuzio, Jimmy Gillan, Ayesha Khan, Mike Myers, Max Thoman-Tedford, Andrew DeBlock

Guests Present: Anana de Lena, Robert Theofanis, Logan Brown, Haley Rosewill, Alex Gravey, Shannon Donelly, Kyle Bruin, Will Carlson, Mara Hosada, Justin Gunn, David Martinez, Mary Liz Van Nes, Jessica Lobl, GuruBani Khalsa, Nathalie Morrison, Jackie Keeley, Ashley Lim, Sophia Smith, Doug Locke, Matt Lave, Max Thoman-Tedford, Mike Myers, Sarah Yadali, Daniel Landesman, Chelsey Brack, Laura Smith-Heimer, Kecia Baker, Lauren Keyes, Jason Curtis, Serenity Blauvelt, Amanda Atkinson, Dean Avery (33).

Katie Orme and Patrice Hall called the meeting to order at 12:06 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.

Kecia Baker, Director of Residence Life and Housing Services

Today's meeting centered on Residence Life. Riley Steiner opened the discussion, thanked everyone for coming, and explained how issues about residence halls themselves and residence life would be discussed at the meeting. Riley introduced Kecia Baker, Director of Residence Life and Housing Services. Kecia Baker introduced Lauren Keyes - Upper Campus Coordinator, Jason Curtis - Area Coordinator , Serenity Blauvelt- Assistant Director of Housing Services, Amanda Atkinson - Assistant Director of Residence Life. Kecia introduced her PowerPoint presentation and opened the floor for questions.

Jimmy Gillan brought up problems he had last year with housing, explaining that he was waitlisted for a single but was put in a double in Stewart-Cleland Hall. He raised the issue with singles, asking how are we going to fix problems with age confusion. Kecia explained that she has just started in June and was not a part of the room-draw process last year, so cannot explain procedure that was used for room placement, but knows that from what she has read that the reason there was a waitlist was because of the concern of first year students, so room placement for all other students was put on hold. She explained that he was probably housed because that was what was available at the time, and said that Residence Life is in the process of re-vamping its own processes.

Max Thoman-Tedford asked about the transition into the new residence hall that is currently being built. He asked if it will be ready to be lived in by second semester of next year, the 2007-2008 academic year. He expressed concern for the priority he will get and wanted to know what will happen. Kecia answered that Student Life is supposed to find out in the month of November about when the new residence hall will be ready to be lived in, and that Student Life is already thinking about plans for the transition for new students. She explained that if there a lot of triples, which may happen, she knows seniors don’t want to be in triples. It could possibly go seniors/juniors in doubles, sophomores in triples, etc. She acknowledged that it may be uncomfortable, but they are trying to figure it out. She also said that if the building will be ready, it needs to be ready by December so all these switches can be made before students come back for break. She said that in a perfect world, there would be more improvements to existing residence halls, but they are getting to one thing at a time.

Mike Myers asked about upgrades to the residence halls, bringing up issues about air conditioning, cable television, and other projects. He asked what Residential Life think is the most feasible project. Kecia answered that the AC is working on short-term and long-term projects matrix. Kecia explained also that the AC is not through her office, but that is through facilities.

Kyle Bruin brought up the issue about Oxy TV, saying that audio and the video do not always match up on certain channels, and that there is still lack of availability because of set-up, high cost, and low quality audio-visual. He said he sees Oxy TV as a short fix to the lack of cable television in the residence halls, and is wondering if Residential Life has a long-term solution in place. Kecia said that she was open to a long-term solution, and said that her department is working on it, as well as long-term plans on campus in general. She said Oxy TV would be discussed at a meeting later that day that she would be attending, and planned on finding out more. Kyle Bruin asked if the new residential hall going to be cable ready, and Kecia answered that she knows that the conduits are going to be put in place for possibility of cable television, but decision has not been made.

Jimmy Gillan said that in his first year there was no Oxy TV, so he was wondering whose decision is it for there to be or not to be cable television. He said that Oxy students are almost adults and that we should be able to decide when we want to watch cable television. He said that he is aware of the costs, but asked what other obstacle or argument there is against it. Kecia answered that there was not a great interest previously expressed for cable television. She added that she is willing to talk to students again if they are expressing interest. Jimmy asked why exactly "other people" are deciding that he doesn't have cable television, and Kecia answered that did not have knowledge about what was said by or what the rational was of students who met to discuss cable television in the past. Dean Avery contributed to the discussion, saying that cable television is really expensive, and that close to fifty-four students signed up previously, but said that they could again look into it. Jonathan (?) said that cable television would cost Oxy as much as $50,000 a year, saying that it was obviously expensive, and that he was sorry that the quality is not there, but that they are investing.

Andrew Deblock talked about the kitchens in the residence halls explaining that they are in disrepair, and asked about the possibility of having one new stove installed in each residence hall. He explained that he likes to cook and he knows other students do too, and that it would benefit them greatly. Kecia answered that she would want to get more information on the stoves about removing and/or replacing, and that this is part of why there is a microfridge program in place. Andrew suggested the having one kitchen for the whole community - maybe not in each residence hall, but in one common place. Serenity said that she knows that they are waiting to receive information from Sears about things being delivered and/or replaced, and that they are getting them from the people they bought them from and installing them. She also said that her department is working towards fixing many of the things. Not ovens, but refrigerators and microwaves. Justin Gunn brought up the point that kitchens bring people in the residence halls more closely together than cable television, and that possibilities for hall spread are almost endless for this. He asked why we would want to spend so much money on cable television when in fact, he said, kitchens really build more community. Brittany Sanders said that she was in support kitchens, saying that if people are sick, or there is another reason why people cant get down to dining hall or Tiger Cooler, a functioning kitchen should be available. She also said people with extra meal plan money, or those who had problems with not enough meal plan money, would/should utilize the kitchens. Mike Myers said that it would be easy it is to share their extra meal plan money with each other or share passwords, but that it would also not be a direct substitute for the problem.

Ashley Bennett also brought up the issue of food allergies, saying that while marketplace does good job or providing students with different options to meet their needs, students aren't sure about what the marketplace can do for them, and said that it would be nice for students with food allergies to be able to cook in their dorms.

Kyle Bruin talked about how the low subscription number to Oxy TV has to do with actual product. He said that if surveyed, many students would say it's not that good of a product, which hurts the number of subscribers. People don't want to pay for that.

Meagan Colvin brought up the issue of paper recycling, and asked what is being done in the residential halls for recycling. Kecia answered that there was a discrepancy about paper recycling as a fire hazard. She said that she is trying to find out more information and that there is a group of students in the residential halls working on it. As far as the computer labs are concerned, they are for paper in general, as well as paper from the printer, and that there are bins down there in each residence hall computer lab. For now the recycling bins are in the computer labs, and if you see them overflowing, to notify your HC to get them cleared out.

Jimmy Gillan said that he feels disconnected from outside world going to Oxy, and expressed concern about not having the option to read paper or watch CNN in the morning. He feels that cable television would benefit him as well as the community in terms of reconnecting us with the outside world. He said that if the situation becomes a "pick-and-choose thing", choosing between the kitchens or cable television, he would be for renovating the televisions in the common rooms because they are in disrepair. John Wilson added that he knows Boston College has cable television and that they coordinate with the professors so the students can tune in and watch for academic purposes, but in the long run, television is kind of increasingly irrelevant. He is more for the investment in the internet, saying more money for better broadband connection would solve the problem of using the internet.

Daniel Landesman talked about the common room televisions, asking if an outside contractor could come in to fix them. He said that people who do not have a working television have been vocal about it, but that the repairs are taking too long. Kecia answered that the students' needs are being met, and she also wanted to interject that she is concerned about people who are purposely wrecking the televisions to get new ones, and hoped that it would not be happening.

Jason Curtis brought up the distinction between the Direct TV problem and the cable problem. He said that we can't just put in a work order because there are scheduling issues. He said that it is not something that facilities can take care of on campus so it does take longer, because it is not a work order. Amanda Atkinson suggested contacting the Housing Office with questions. The number is up on the information boards in the dorms and she said this way students can let people know that something needs to be done about it as soon as possible. Serenity Blauvelt added that in terms of maintenance, please don’t remove cables from the televisions, which was an issue in Haines. Cords are pulled out and problems occur, so she suggested that students take better care in keeping them in good condition.

Andrew DeBlock went back to the issued previously raised by Meagan Colvin about the need for more recycling bins, saying things that should not be are getting thrown away. Jackie Keeley a few minutes later brought up the issue of having too many recycling bins in Newcomb Hall, not enough trash cans. Because of this, students have to go the bathroom to throw things away, and it becomes very gross. Kecia suggested that students talk with their RHA rep's as well, and that there are advocates for recycling in each building, which would be the perfect opportunity for them to get involved in.

Brittany Sanders brought up an issued about Air Conditioning, saying that not having AC can truly be a safety hazard. She said that in the summer in Stearns Hall doors were propped open, and intruders (both people and animals) are/were able to come in, and that something needs to be done about it, maybe only in the warmest months of the year, like May through September. Kecia answered that she looking into it and that she knows that it is necessary.

Kyle Bruin said that it seems that process has changed in going through our Area Coordinator's, and that it would be helpful if a system could be devised to know the status of a work order. He knows that it has been looked at and is being worked on. He added a personal example of when he wanted to get a curtain rod installed - it would have been helpful to know his work order status. Kecia said that Facilities has changed its system, and that she knows we all want a system that works in which Kyle mentioned. She said Residence Life is working closely with Facilities to find a way to make it work in a more timely fashion.

Doug Locke asked about the sliding door in his closet and what to do because it is broken. He was informed by several guests to talk to his AC.

Kyle Bruin said that he was curious about communication between Residence Life and Facilities, saying that we as students are not getting news about when things are updated or replaced, and that he would like information about what the school has in store, and asked about a type of notification possibly in the Oxy Digest Kecia answered that she would like that as well, that they are working on it, and that she would specifically look into posting in the Oxy Digest.

Riley Steiner interjected, switching gears, to talking more about First Year Only Halls as well as the Alcohol Policy here at Occidental.

Matt Kuzio asked if Kecia could talk about the referred to "new" Alcohol Policy, asking how it has changed. Kecia answered that the policy hasn't changed, and that she was not sure why it was labeled as being "new." Dean Avery said to Kecia that she should talk about how the system has been implemented. Kecia said that there has been a tightening of the old system. When students are found in violation of the policy, they are notified through email by Serenity, and they go on to have a talk with a Hearing Officer to talk over incident report and to talk about responsibility and being irresponsible. Sanctions are then given out, which emphasizes the system's lean towards being more educational than punitive. She said that she has talked to Holly Nieto in Campus Safety about fines as an immediate sanction going away, and that she would like to have more sessions on explaining the whole judicial situation. Jonathan O'Brien added that first time violations that involve alcohol poisoning and a visit to hospital have a less punitive dealing. A private meeting is set up, which ends up with him in the Dean's office, and has the student look at their behavior and a way to change it. He added that the experience itself is as good as a sanction.

Ashley Lim wanted to know about when a student is found in violation and wanted what the process is. She asked after how many violations does it show up on a student's transcripts or academic record? Kecia answered that nothing comes up on academic record unless the student is suspended from the college. She again talked about the emphasis the system puts on being educational, not punitive. She said that it is not a lecture, it is about taking accountability and trying to treat the students like adults. She added that if a student chooses to violate the policy, the student chooses to face the consequences. Jonathan O'Brien added that there is a difference between sanctions, and that there is probation that keeps them from studying abroad and participating in athletics, which is distinctly different that what goes on a student's academic record.

Meagan Colvin asked about pictures of students that are posted on Facebook, and asked how realistic the "freaking out" about pictures of drugs and/or drinking is for the students. Kecia said that it is not realistic. She said that they don’t have the time to go through and find violations of the alcohol policy on Facebook. Amanda Atkinson said that she went to a conference specifically about Facebook, and said that a student won't get job interviews in the future if there are pictures of you doing a keg-stand on Facebook or Myspace. She said that if students are looking for jobs or internships, they should clean up what is posted on the internet of them. Kecia added that in a judicial case, not that it wouldn’t be used, but there is not currently a case about it.

Laura Smith-Heimer asked about if students are caught and/or written up but over the age of 18 if the parents are informed. Kecia answered that Resident Advisor's document the situation, not write up, but if the student is over 18 that no, the parents are not notified, but if alcohol transports are involved as mentioned by Jonathan O'Brien, parents informed because for the student's safety. Jonathan O'Brien said that the Family Education Rights and Policy act here at Oxy, and that it doesn't apply if someone is found responsible for violation in general, that they can potentially do it, but would rather not, they would rather just follow up.

Kyle Bruin said that he is aware of changes wanting to be made/discussion over the alcohol policy, and wanted to know if there are any policies that can affect residential halls that will be in motion soon. Kecia said no, there are not, and Serenity added that just in terms of hazing there is a policy at colleges in general most recently.

Kyle Bruin asked about enforcement role RA's are asked to take, and was wondering if it is still a healthy thing for the campus as well as the community. Kecia said that she has a personal issue with that, saying that she doesn't want the residence halls to look like a policed area. She said that things are documented, and then it's over for them. Also, part of being an RA is enforcing policy, and she knows that it is a tough job, but that the RA's are supported. As a community and true supporters of fellow Oxy community members, students shouldn't put the RA's in the position to have to deal with the students' violations.

Jessica Lobl asked where does the money from alcohol policy violation fines for students go, and Kecia answered that there is no fine.

Riley Steiner interjected once again, switching gears, to discussion of programming in the residence halls, FYRE night, etc.

Jimmy Gillan said that he has talked with some of the RA's, and doesn't understand what the first year residence hall promotes exactly. He said that when there is no relation with older people, which is a tool for becoming more comfortable and connected on campus, the first years are missing out. The example of an older student is only being set by the RA or HC. He asked about how we should we better that situation. Kecia said that she encourages people to go visit first year residence halls to remove the stereotype of them being "bad."

Nathalie Morrison said that she lives in Braun Hall, the first year residence hall, and said that there are Pro's and Con's to living there. She said that she has friends who don't live in first year residence hall who feel sort of isolated because not around as many first years. As far as Braun being "out of control," as it has been described, she acknowledged that sometimes things have gotten a little out of control, but that it's part of being a first year. She added that if the first years get involved with activities outside of your residence hall, then they're not restricted, which made transition for her a lot easier.

Lauren Keyes - Upper Campus Coordinator, said that ultimately, though people think Braun is wild and crazy, all first years do the same sorts of things even if they're not all living in the same building. She said that she gets the vibe that people love Braun, and that people who don't live there should give it more of an opportunity. Amanda Atkinson - Assistant Director of Residence Life, added that she always gets requests for people to move into Braun, and that there are different notions out there FYRE night and the first year program in general. Doug Locke said that he thinks the program is good that way it is. He said that he lives in E. Norris Hall, and likes having the option to live in an all first year residence hall. He said that he doesn't think it should be killed, but thinks everyone should have the option to not live in an all first year dorm Laura Smith-Heimer also agreed with Doug that students should be given the option to live in all frosh dorm, but also another living option.

Kecia said that she is looking into accommodations for next year, and is looking into dedicating more staff to those particular areas for transition. She is already looking into more flexible situations for CSP and Living and Learning Communities. She also said that she is aware that people do leave Braun, and students do go over and meet them there too. She knows that the president and Dean Avery are working on more common room space as well.

Jessica Lobl added on to what was mentioned of the first years leaving Braun, saying that as an RA, she thinks that Braun is trying to get over the stereotype of "crazy Braun" by Braun people coming over to other dorms and getting sick there and putting pressure on RA's of other dorms, like herself in Haines. Kecia said that her department is working on those issues, and though they don't have a solution today for it and that they can't tell people what not to do, but that they will look into alcohol abuse rules in other dorms rather than solely in a student's own dorm. She also said that further opportunities for expression will be available in the future.

Riley Steiner informed the GA that they may email RHA@oxy.edu with more questions or concerns, and suggested also contacting their RHA representatives.

Patrice and Katie moved discussion on to resolutions, and opened the first resolution to Sophia Smith.

Sophia Smith, a first year from Portland, Oregon, introduced herself as a choreographer for dance production and expressed concern for the credit for dance production. She said that as a choreographer, she knows that a lot of time goes into planning dances, which adds up anywhere between 9-11 hours a week. She said that it is like a sport commitment, thus she feels it deserves to be awarded a credit. (See Dance Production Resolution).

Katie Orme explained to the GA that the resolution needs to sit now for a week, but if anyone interested for next week. More than five people raised their hands.

Robert Theofanis talked about his resolution as well, concerning climate change in renewable energy at oxy. Interest in its continuation to next week was supported by more than five people.

Robert Theofanis' Resolution Document:

Occidental College Climate Change and Renewable Energy Initiative

Intent: to demonstrate student support for actions to reduce Occidental’s climate change impacts.

Whereas reversing Climate Change is one of the defining challenges of our generation;

Whereas a scientific consensus exists that Climate Change will have significant negative effects on human societies and ecosystems unless action is taken now to reduce emissions of global warming gases;

Whereas colleges and universities, as institutions of higher learning and as major consumers of energy, have an obligation to show leadership in reducing their Climate Change impacts;

Whereas action to reverse Climate Change is more and more a part of “leadership in an increasingly complex, interdependent and pluralistic world;”

Whereas the college, in adopting a new Campus Master Plan, has declared that sustainability is one of the key principles that will guide Occidental’s future development and has recommended that new and refurbished buildings generate at least part of their power from photovoltaic cells;

Whereas actions taken on campus to reduce Occidental’s Climate Change impacts, including use of Renewable Energy, will enhance the educational experience of students at the College;

Whereas generation of power from renewable sources is a wise financial investment that will save the College money over the mid to long term;

Whereas leadership in addressing Climate Change and using Renewable Energy will enhance the visibility and reputation of the College;

Whereas alumni and other potential donors will likely find Climate Change reduction actions and Renewable Energy investments an attractive way to support the College.

We, the ASOC, resolve to help launch the Occidental College Climate Change and Renewable Energy Initiative.

We resolve to request the Administration to place solar panels on an appropriate location on campus, such as the roof of a major building or a parking lot.

We resolve to request that the Administration prepare an audit of Occidental’s greenhouse gas emissions, with, where appropriate, student research assistance.

We resolve to request that, upon completion of the audit, the College should commit to a greenhouse gas reduction target and identify a plan for reducing Occidental’s Climate Change impacts.

We resolve, in order to demonstrate student-body commitment to this Initiative, to explore the possibility of holding a referendum seeking student approval to raise student activity fees by $5 per semester with the proceeds going to a dedicated Climate Change Action and Campus Greening Fund.

Patrice reminded students to sign in and email asocga@oxy.edu if students have more comments or questions.

Meeting adjourned at 1:15 PM