Thelomathesian Society - St. Lawrence University



Thelomathesian Society

Minutes

February 9, 2005

Call to Order

This meeting of the Thelomathesian Society was called to order in the Hannon Room of the Student Center at 7:07 by President Adam Casler.

II. Attendance

The following Senators were present, absent, or excused from the meeting on 26 January 2005:

|Residence |Name |Present, Excused, Unexcused |

|Senior Townhouses |Charlie Bour |Present |

| |Jaralie Murphy |Present |

|62 Park | |VACANT |

|Dean Eaton |Dan Allen |Present |

| |Kate Byrne |Present |

| |Kyle Davidson |Present |

| |Chris Ebinger |Present |

| |Ben Lee |Present |

| |Harold Sammis |Present |

|Gaines |Matt Brender |Present |

|Hulett |Hector Campbell |Present |

| |Steve Cotton |Present |

|Jenks | |VACANT |

| | |VACANT |

|Lee |Chad Burbank |Present |

| |Emily Denham |Present |

| |Sarah Gomer |Present |

| |Andrew Ruhs |Present |

| |Sarah Stalter |Present |

|Off-Campus |Kate Farrell |Present |

| |Elizabeth Mudie |Present |

|Priest |Drew Crawford |Present |

|Rebert |Jessi Burg |Present |

| |Ashley Cutler |Present |

| |Shannon Freire |Present |

| |Rachel Hall |Present |

| |Chance Johnson |Present |

|Reiff | |VACANT |

|Sykes |Karoline Chrzanowski |Present |

| |William Hughes |Present |

| |Noelle O’Brien |Excused |

| |Robert Glover |Present |

| |Ryan Prenger |Present |

| |Ben Sears |Present |

|Theme Cottages |Caitlyn Carlson |Present |

| |Elizabeth Pimentel |Present |

| |Aly Courtemanch |Present |

|Whitman |Mandie Barney |Present |

| |Chelsea Davidson |Present |

| |Jess Faiella |Excused |

| |Andy Cook |Present |

| |Simon Mawson |Present |

|On Campus Live in Greek |Tim Deckman |Present |

| |Jason Eisenhuth |Present |

| |Molly Ryan |Present |

|FYC |Tabitha Ferrer |Present |

| |Jake Ryder |Present |

|Sophomore Class | |Present |

| |Mike Wieneke |Present |

|Junior Class |Carla Hunter |Present |

| |Mia Hutchins-Cabibi |Present |

|Senior Class |Pam Hughes |Present |

| | |VACANT |

|Senator At Large |Jon Cardinal |Present |

| |Brian Chorley |Present |

| |Kirk Donovan |Present |

| |Kristina Grube |Present |

| |Joseph Kondratowicz |Present |

| |Tim Kilimo |Present |

| |Samuel Latour |Present |

| |Erica Peterson |Present |

| |Rolando Pintos |Excused |

| |Domenico Pirrotta |Excused |

| |Laura Rabinow |Present |

| |John Slattery |Present |

| |Jon Solomon |Present |

| |Dimitar Velikov |Present |

| |Jesse Wingate | |

| | | | |Present |

| | | | |Present |

Jessica Parrillo of Counseling Services

Assistant Director of Counseling Services Jessica Parrillo said that her main job is individual counseling and to run the advocate program. She thought that is would be best to educate Thelmo about the Advocates Program and then it would spread to the community. She would like feedback and questions. She asked if everyone in Thelmo knew who the advocates were. She then defined them, saying that they are students, faculty, and staff who volunteer to be trained as supporters for sexual assault and domestic violence advocates. Ideally, said Ms. Parrillo, students would come to Counseling Services, but they might feel more comfortable with another student. Ms. Parrillo then passed out a list of services. President Casler announced that everyone would get one of the lists in Thelmo’s campus wide mailing this week. Ms. Parrillo said there is a lack of awareness and utilization by student body. There is someone on call everyday from the Advocates program; who are there for crisis intervention and the options listed on the sheet. The advocates go through a lot of training to deal with these issues, and it is essential for a victim to get help immediately, in any of the ways listed on the sheet.

Senator Farrell proposed an idea to reach more students by putting the contact information on bathroom stall doors, saying that there are old CAVA stickers there.

Senator Ferrer asked if the CA’s do this advocate training.

Ms. Parrillo said that they do touch upon it, but CA’s are not advocates without the specific training that accompanies it.

Senator Rabinow asked about advocates doing a presentation in FYP.

Ms. Parrillo said that this was a good idea.

There is a list of advocates in the Larry as well.

Senator Ferrer said that sexual assault is a serious problem on campus, as many people do not even know the definition of rape, especially with alcohol involved. There is a distortion of our idea of rape.

Ms. Parrillo said that she totally agreed that people do not know what the legal definition of rape. She also said that this program is not about blaming men, but helping men and women to learn to communicate differently.

Senator Burg said that another issue that is tied in to this subject is that people do not know what resources are available in this area, as far as medical needs, Planned Parenthood, Cava, Health Center, etc.

Ms. Parrillo said that Counseling Services have talked to Health Center about being open for a few hours on weekends just for such reasons.

Senator Cotton asked if it were possible to put a leaflet in everyone’s mailbox, because some people are nervous about talking about this issue in a public setting.

Ms. Parrillo said that a campus mailing and spreading pamphlets would help.

Senator Deckman asked if Counseling Services has a site or link on Website.

Ms. Parrillo said that there was a link off the registrar’s webpage, but it is a good idea to get one of their own, so that students can get answers to questions and find information.

Senator Hunter asked why the link was off the registrar’s page.

Ms. Parrillo answered that when perspective students and parents called with questions the registrar asked for a link to help with answering questions.

Senator Cabibi said that the Website would be good for getting definition of rape out to all students.

Senator Chorley asked about how Security handles these cases.

Ms. Parrillo answered by saying that they are always concerned and sensitive to the situations they are called to, but that Counseling Services would like more provide more training, like role playing scenarios.

Senator Hughes said that, as someone who works for security, they just hired 2 new women, both of which have extensive training in CAVA and other organizations.

Senator Slattery said that, as we all go to class, if an advocate could go to classes and use classes as a way to get to everyone it would help.

Ms. Parrillo said that Counseling Services has tried that. And she knows that they need to be patient with it, but they have gone to only 2 classes so far.

Senator Slattery asked how come it couldn’t be mandatory if it is such a big issue.

Ms. Parrillo said she would love for it to be so and we need to work toward it.

Senator Mudie asked if Counseling Services could publicize their numbers of cases more, to help get this out to the community.

Ms. Parrillo said that they try to report all incidents, but only 1/3 of victims seek out help. It does get reported to Rance Davis though.

Senator Peterson asked if they could include the female security officers in the campus mailing to make them more visible to students.

Senator Hunter asked Ms. Parrillo to explain the informational difference and the definitions of rape.

Ms. Parrillo said one of the major misconceptions is that people do not know that when a woman is drunk or incapacitated it is legally considered rape.

Senator Hunter said that the numbers posted on the security Website did not match up to incidents she knew of and asked for an explanation.

President Casler explained that such discrepancies are the reason that the University updated to the bias system; so all complaints are registered, no matter the outcome.

Ms. Parrillo ended by saying that there is a misconception of what rape is and that victims blame themselves. She asked the Senate to please spread the word in case people are not aware of the Advocates. Counseling Services can be reached at X5391 or by calling Security X5555.

I. Officer Reports

Vice President of University Relations – Simba Pasipanodya

Vice President Pasipanodya Vice President Pasipanodya announced that there were more positions available in the University Committee System still. The available committees are:

Student Appeals

Conservation Council

Cultural Affairs

Educational Technologies

Library Committee

Multifield Committee

Residential Programs

Spiritual and Religious Life

Summerterm advisory

Multicultural Affairs

International Education

He urged members of the Senate to sign up for one, and to urge their constituents to do the same.

A. Vice President of Senate Affairs – Randy Olivo

Vice President of Senate Affairs Randy Olivo reminded the Senate that President Sullivan and Russ Merrill, VP for Information Technology, would be coming to Thelmo on February 16th. He asked that if the Senate had any questions or concerns to please come prepared to address them on said date. He also reminded

the Senate to read the Thelmo Website before coming to the meetings. Lastly, he told the Senate that if they are to be absent that they must contact him at least 2 hours prior to that week's Thelmo meeting, and that if someone will substitute for them that he must also get notice of it before the meeting, unless prior agreement is reached.

C. Secretary – Brigette Smith

Secretary Smith asked the Senate to be aware of the procedure in the Senate so as not to repeat and to stay on task throughout the meeting. She also asked for anyone not receiving the minutes to give her their email after the meeting.

IV. Student Delegate Report

A. Student Delegate to the Board of Trustees –Heather Thomas

Student Delegate to the Board of Trustees Heather Thomas welcomed the Senate.   Student Delegate Thomas stated she met with President Sullivan yesterday and, amongst other things, they discussed the Acceptable Use Policy.  She also stated that she would provide more information regarding the policy during New Business.   Student Delegate Thomas stated that the Buildings and Grounds University Committee met today.   The two main issues that the committee is dealing with surround the Annual Capital Budget expenditures and the science facilities. She noted that no decision has been made as of yet regarding the start date for the project. Student Delegate Thomas stated that the final decision would be made in a few weeks when the trustees return to campus.  She mentioned that the Board of Trustees winter meetings would be held from February 24 to 26. Student Delegate Thomas stated that she and President Casler met last week to discuss some of the pressing issues that the

Senate and the community have been dealing with. She also asked the Senate to contact her with comments and concerns that both individual senators and their constituents may have so that, as she prepares her formal report for the Board, she has student input regarding what students think are the most pressing issues.

V. Committee Chair Reports

A. SLUSAF Central Treasurer- Saurabh Gupta

B. Academic Affairs Chair – Elizabeth Boyd

Chairperson Boyd stated that the Academic Affairs committee met to discuss the updates on passing the .25 grading scale change policy through faculty council. This proposal is going to the full faculty council this week. We also discussed the two-tier distinction system and continuing work with the .5 credit issue. We also discussed some ideas on helping Dr. Flores with a possible community leadership program for SLU. She added that any new ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Chairperson Boyd also mentioned that the first meeting of the University Committee on Academic Affairs had its first meeting of the semester this afternoon, and the committee viewed a presentation on Academic Advising courtesy of Dr. Elizabeth Regosin, Director of Academic Advising.

C. Priorities and Planning Chair – Alison Eusden

Chairperson Eusden announced that she and assistant chair Jon Cardinal had met with Kate McCaffrey to discuss the revisions that should be implemented to the St. Lawrence alcohol policy. The discussion included a time frame for the revisions, recommendations for punishment if the policy is abused, and how to address the problem of the alcohol culture that had developed on campus, leading to high risk drinking.

D. Student Life Chair – Jamie Maswick

The Student Life committee had its first meeting of the year this past Thursday. Student Life is concentrating on wrapping up a few projects from last semester before diving in to some new ones. Along those lines, a listserv email will again be going out regarding the location of computer labs on campus. Student Life is currently updating the list and making a few corrections. If you noticed any mistakes on the last one, please let Senator Dan Allen know. Dballe02@stlawu.edu

Members of the committee also met with Cindy Atkins of Dining Services who answered a bunch of our questions. There is too much to go over right now, but an article will appear in the Hill News sometime soon detailing answers to questions. Highlights include: the ability for students to call in an order to the pub or Time Out Café in Augsbury, the probability that board will increase next semester, a shift of a greater amount of board to students for the actual purchase of food next semester, as well as taking the first steps to being able to use your meal card at off campus establishments. Again, details will be available in an upcoming Hill News article.

Student Life had our first Coffee Talk with Dean Petty on Friday morning. It was a successful meeting and will continue this week at 8:30 with Rance Davis as the administrator of the week. Again, it will be an open forum where students should bring questions, concerns, or ideas to Rance. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Again, 8:30am Friday at the fireplace on the first floor of the student center.

The committee and Interim Director of Security Pat Gagnon are still working on a time to meet, and once that meeting occurs I will provide updates to any questions. If you have any concerns for him, please let Chair Jamey Maswick know. Jlmasw02@stlawu.edu

E. Public Relations Chair – Katie McGinty

Public Relations Chair reported that most of the week was spent working on the campus wide mailing that should be in student's CMRs on Thursday or Friday.   Additionally, she noted that upcoming projects include senator name tags and senator door tags -- hopefully completed by next week.  Also, she mentioned that we are collaborating with Clarkson University in order to create televised Thelmo meetings, a Thelmo CSPAN if you will.  She concluded by requesting to meet with her committee after the meeting.

F. Conservation Council Liaison - Charlie Bour

Senator Bour announced that meetings are Monday morning at 9 in Room 333 in the Student Center.

VI. President’s Report – Adam Casler

President Casler began his report with an apology regarding an error he made during the Senate meeting on 2 February. He stated that he had said that the Student Organization Guidelines applied only to groups requesting organizational status. He stated that this was incorrect and those guidelines do apply to club status requests as well. He added that with that in mind, the Student Alumni Association has withdrawn their request for club status and will be back in the near future after revisions are made. President Casler asked for two motions from the Senate; the first would be to postpone all items of New Business of 16 February and the second would be to lift the dress code for the meeting on 16 February. He stated that these requests were to accommodate guests from the Clarkson University Student Association who would be joining Thelmo Senators for a function following the meeting on 16 February. Both motions received approval from the Senate. President Casler reminded everyone that President Sullivan and Vice President Merrill would be attending Thelmo on 16 February and to come with questions. He also announced that the Faculty Council had approved and endorsed Thelmo’s initiative to change the grading scale to a .25 scale. He stated that the proposal now moves on to the full faculty, for its final vote. President Casler stated that he had a meeting with Dr. Ron Flores, the Director of Community-Based Learning Programs, which revolved around ways of incorporating CBL Programs into every academic department, as a way of meeting the .5 credit gap that many students have trouble filling. President Casler asked the Senate for an informal vote on whether or not he should pursue pushing for more CBL courses. Almost everyone agreed. He also asked what other ways Thelmo could try to address the .5 credit gap. Some of the responses included; having student organizations count for course credit, having athletic teams count for credit, exercise classes, music ensembles, language labs, and abroad programs. President Casler said he would mention these ideas to Dean Cornwell at his next meeting with him. President Casler again stated that if any student has any issue they would like to see him bring before the Board of Trustees,

VII. Old Business

1. Approval of new J Board Members

Alex Bacon, Chief Justice was returning for Second Approval of the new Candidates.

Questions:

Debate

For: Senator Chorley argued that there were four abstentions in the last vote, and asked Senators to please explain as to why this is.

Against: Senator Ryder said that he knows one of these people, and that the short description provided is not enough to judge the candidates on.

For: Senator: The Senate needs to trust the Justices in this matter, as they were the ones who interviewed the candidates.

Against:

Call

2. SLUMUN Contingency Request

Jaralie Murphy was back for second approval, saying that 16 students and 1 advisor are going to Boston for the conference. SLUMUN was asking for $316.38.

Questions:

Senator Chorley asked if the groups had received all the grant money they asked for.

Senator Murphy replied that yes, they had either received it or it was in the process of being transferred by the Business Office.

Debate:

For:

Against:

For:

Against:

Call

Passed

VIII. New Business

1. Acceptable Use Policy, A Long, S Gupta and B Chorley

Treasurer Gupta said that they are submitting this resolution because most people do not know about the changes to the Acceptable Use Policy and there was a sweeping change that was made with no consultation. There are serious objections to language used in the document, as it is vague, broad, and insufficient in explanation of the specific situations in which the policies would apply. Thelmo should, therefore, require that President Sullivan clarify the changes.

President Casler then announced that President Sullivan had drafted the revisions policy because of objections from students and faculty. Senator Chorley said that none of these revisions are clarifications to the parts of the document that are in questions here. Treasurer Gupta said that this change in policy affects all of us, and only a few people in Administration know what the exact meaning of the changes are.

Point of Information: Senator Hunter said that she asked President Sullivan, and he said that senior staff had been meeting with Faculty Council since 2002 about the AUP. She also said that there was an article by Senator Burg in Left Side of the Hill in which the President said he misspoke, he has amended his previous statement, saying that a personal hard drive will never be accessed unless there is a subpoena. She explained that IT will only look at what type of file is on the network and they monitor it to check for viruses to keep server secure. She also stated that it is impossible for us to monitor it on current server.

Treasurer Gupta responded that Faculty Council never approved of or endorsed the new AUP, and if it is only for viruses then the document needs to say so clearly.

Questions:

Senator Ryan asked would it not be better to talk about this after the Senate has talked to President Sullivan.

Treasurer Gupta responded by saying that the President had the responsibility to tell us before, not clarify after the fact.

Student Delegate Thomas said that what we are all looking for is more info, especially from the source and what the implications of this document are. She said that Thelmo did invite President Sullivan to join them tonight, but he and Merrill will be here next week.

Senator Burg asked if it is only that clause in the document that is objectionable, or is there more.

Senator Chorley replied that they object to its vague parts, saying that only the law has the authority to search computer files.

Treasurer Gupta added that they want the President to know it was wrong to make such sweeping changes in such a way.

Senator Wieneke stated that as Dr. Merrill is the VP of Information Technology, he moves to postpone this resolution until when President Sullivan and Vice President Merrill will be here. He argued that with such conflicting information it would be better to wait until they are here to answer questions directly.

Questions:

Debate:

For: Senator Ryan argued that this is important and to pass this correctly the Senate needs to hear this correctly.

Against: Senator Hughes stated that this resolution is about the policy that is now on paper, what someone says about it is about is not necessarily what it is about. This is not a right or wrong or guilt, but what the policy says.

Point Of Clarification: Senator Ryan said that, according to the presenters, this was about right and wrong.

For: Senator Cabibi said that, according to the information given to the Senate, this document is not the final version of the AUP, and as it will change, to debate this would be obsolete. President Sullivan is the one the Senate needs to discuss this with; we need full understanding before we can judge.

Point Of Information: Senator Burg said that what is on the Website is in effect, the revisions will not go into effect immediately.

Point Of Information: Student Delegate Thomas said that Treasurer Gupta asked if this was done without the consent of the Board of Trustees, President Sullivan does not need permission from the Board as he was appointed by the board.

Treasurer Gupta pointed out that discussion should occur before something goes into effect and the basic objection still stands; it is too vague, we need a definition of the circumstances in which it can be used.

Against: Senator Slattery said he agrees with Senator Chorley and Treasurer Gupta, and as he does not own a computer and he is not too concerned, but had our constituents known, they would have objected, and therefore the Senate needs to discuss this.

For: Senator Sammis said it is a great thing to have this resolution before the Senate, but we need to talk to the community and get their opinions before we can vote.

Senator Campbell said that this resolution was posted last week on the Website and we had time to talk with constituents. As for needing the other perspective on this issue, the other side of the story is written in the AUP, and the revisions are not in there. He also argued that without the complaints there would not have been any revisions. The Senate needs to continue to push on this issue.

For: Senator Chrzanowski said that the Senate cannot question the document; therefore we need to question President Sullivan.

Against: Senator Bour said that this is resolution is simply a way to formally ask President Sullivan to tell us what he would tell us anyway.

For: Senator Wieneke made a motion to amend the resolution, as Bour just said, to state that the Senate wants this clarified, by removing the last sentence of the resolution.

Treasurer Gupta argued that they want President Sullivan to see that the Senate is behind this to demand for clarification.

Against: Senator Hughes said that we are debating the vote of postponement, not a new amendment.

For: Point Of Information: Senator Hunter said that President Sullivan does not require student input on these policies and this resolution should be tabled because it demands questions be answered and we need the answers for an accurate decisions.

Against: Senator Cotton said that what the Senate is arguing is: do they want a breakdown of what the clarification is, and do they want a written clarification.

For: Senator Prenger said that he agrees with the Senators who are debating against this postponement, but the Senate needs to come prepared next week, and if they do that, and then those questions are not clarified then the Senate comes back with something like this resolution.

Against: Senator Deckman said that there is no new business next week and it is a casual meeting, so would this not be necessary to be debated tonight.

President Casler clarified that yes, all that is true, but this will be the acceptation because it is the main topic of the discussion with President Sullivan.

For: Senator Hunter said that it is inappropriate to debate irrelevant policies that are going to be changed soon.

Against: Senator Cabibi said that the changes to the AUP will not be in effect right away and this policy is in effect right now, therefore Thelmo needs to deal with this tonight and she supports the amendment. President Sullivan needs to be held accountable.

CALL

Motion does not pass

Questions:

Senator Wieneke proposed a Friendly Amendment: after the word “guidelines,” all would be erased, because we are looking for clarification, nothing else.

Senator Hunter said she move to make this a change on the document.

Second: Senator Wieneke

Questions:

Senator Wieneke asked if the date, Dec 22, 2004 to make sure which policies we are objecting to.

Senator Campbell asked, with the amended resolution, would it require written clarification. If President Sullivan left, we would need to know what the intent was.

Treasurer Gupta agreed to add “written clarification” to the resolution.

Senator Barney asked if the resolution passes, does this have to be taken out.

President Casler replied that it will be in the resolution.

Senator Ryan asked if the passage is something the group wants to remove?

The group responded that it was not in favor of the change.

Senator Cabibi asked if the presenters were not being equally vague in their own wording. She also asked if President Sullivan would provide this written clarification by next meeting.

Treasurer Gupta replied that this resolution cannot make the President do anything. The old policy said that he can intervene only with a judicial order; this one does not require that.

Senator Chorley said the resolution objects to both the vagueness and the lack of the need of a judicial subpoena.

Senator Ryan asked if the Administration can decide to do this anyway.

Senator Chorley said that yes, they can, but the student body needs to voice our objection to this.

Student Delegate Thomas said that there were 4 points that warranted the use of this authority. Some of the violations do not fall under the legal jurisdiction, but may violate SLU rules, hence their necessity.

Senator Chorley responded that it also says that it is not limited to just those examples.

Point Of Information: Senator Hunter said that in order to search your email, they still need a court order.

Debate:

For:

Against: Senator Hughes said that the point of this is “please do not look through our stuff,” and that is the point of the line in question, and its removal castrates the resolution.

For: Senator said that the last line is double barreled, and its removal will allow more people to be comfortable voting for this resolution.

Against: Senator said that taking this out would go against the group’s intention.

For: Senator Cardinal said that the whole conversation has been about clarification, and if we take this out and just demand clarification, both oral and written, and then vote for the last part, it would be better in general.

Against: Senator Burg said that a big goal of the resolution is to make people respect privacy more and the last clause directs the clarifications to this purpose.

For: Senator Cotton said that taking the last part out is important because this is not about privacy, but safety, there are legitimate reasons for the changes to the AUP.

Against: Senator Campbell presented a document that compares computer files to physical files, and people would demand a warrant for those to be searched, so the same should apply to computer files.

For: Point Of Information: Senator Cardinal asked if this is a personal computer or network files issue.

Senator Burg said it is both.

Senator Solomon said that your personal computer is not included in this policy, only files on the school’s network.

Senator Burg said that President Sullivan said that he misspoke when she interviewed him. He gave the example of proof of academic dishonesty as a reason for using the new policy.

Point Of Information: Senator Cabibi said that the analogy of a briefcase does not apply, as we agreed when we came to SLU. Students say the University owns them and that student’s rooms can be searched too.

CALL

Motion does not pass,

Debate:

For: Senator Hughes argued that it is the Senate’s duty to say that they have a problem with this invasion of privacy. Do you think you constituents are fine with this invasion of privacy without a reason?

Against: Senator Wieneke said that we, as Thelmo, are saying that President Sullivan needs a court order to look at anything on the network. If someone went missing, this information needs to be accessed. This is not necessary; there are situations where the President needs to be able to access this information.

Treasurer Gupta responded that if someone went missing, they would need Canton PD and a court order anyway.

For: Senator Ferrer said that she thought it should be easy to get a court order in such instances as were needed. And there are mistakes that can be made with the invasion of privacy.

Against: Senator Cardinal said that the student body needs clarification on whether it is just the server that can be searched or if our personal computers are included in this policy. The University has a right to search the server, but our personal computers are not included in that.

Point Of Information: Student Delegate Thomas said that President Sullivan said that he misspoke, and that the University will never attempt to access our personal computers without a legal subpoena.

Call

Passed

2. VIP Club- Club Status Request

Rita Asiedu, the Vice President of the group, defined VIP as a talent show that will allow people without a large enough group to constitute a club of their own to perform with others in a larger setting. Their goal is to have two performances a semester. They include everything from expressive dance to hip-hop, but they need a larger venue consistently to encourage more performers.

Questions:

Senator Brender asked how many people are interested in VIP.

Ms. Asiedu said over 30, and there is a list on the screen.

Senator Chorley said that their constitution says that advisors are involved in selection process, can you remove that, as it violates the Thelmo constitution.

Ms. Asiedu said that the advisors are not involved and all students and talents are welcome. The advisors are there to help with the processes.

Senator Ryan said that the group mentioned different facets, and asked how they intend to spread to different groups.

Mr. Peraza replied that they have a variety of performers and always open to expansion.

Senator Allen asked if they are applying for club or Organization status.

The group responded that they are requesting club status.

Senator Wieneke asked where the group meets and when.

Ms. Asiedu said that they are trying to get a room permanently and want to use Gulick or the Laurentian room for performances.

Mr. Peraza added that they have had three organized meetings already this semester.

Senator Hughes asked if there is a difference between member and performer in the group.

Ms. Asiedu said no, auditions simply determine what performance group they can put a member in.

Senator Campbell asked why there is no supremacy clause.

Ms. Asiedu said that it will added in right now.

Debate

For: Senator Burg said that this is a great idea for a new club.

Against:.

For: Senator Sammis also said that this was a great idea with lots of members that are interested.

Against:

Call

Passed, unanimous

3. Swinging Saints- Organizational status request

Amy McQuigge, President, said that they feel we will not be able to grow without organizational status. They have danced in the Fall Show Case and attended the Jive Wires concert, where they helped out a lot.

Questions:

Senator Rabinow asked why the group needs organizational status.

Ms. McQuigge said that they need a budget because they want to hold swing dances, go on trips (as there are few good swing bands here), and maybe have an instructor come to campus to teach them.

Senator Deckman asked how many people came in the spring.

Ms. McQuigge said there were 40 to 50 people there.

Debate

For:

Against:

For:

Against:

Call

IX. Member’s Time

• Senator Chorley said that he was shocked that the Executive Board met with President Sullivan and how people have the administrations’ ear.

• President Casler announced that he had gotten his information that day at noon and was not sure it could be shared until hours later.

• Senator Hunter said that since Senator Chorley’s comment was directed at her, she would respond by saying that all students can have such individual attention and she encourages all students to go ask the administration for answers.

• Senator Hughes said that there has been a long process to change the grading policy to .25 system, and he believes that we made a mistake in doing so. He has been discussing it with Professors, and Dr Lock says that the vast majority of her classes grades went down when she used the .25 scale to grade. This is a concern because some scholarship people need the high grades and announced that the Senate can express their doubts to professors and then the Faculty will vote on the 16th.

• President Casler said that there was an editorial last week in the Hill News and it announced that the grades will drop on average, but the new system will be more accurate. He also added that he would support a change to point .1 scale if we could, but that is not possible at this time.

• Student Delegate Thomas said that a person’s GPA is not a measure of their self worth, it is an average of class work and the grades in classes will vary on subject and teacher.

• Senator Ryan said that she does not think this was wrong, as students asked for that change.

• Senator Cotton said that most of our constituents did not know their grades would go down, and that maybe Thelmo should ask the faculty to look at how they grade and vote accordingly.

• Senator Cardinal stated that whether or not your grades go down, you should want accurate grades, and if you do not deserve the scholarship then you lose it.

• Treasurer Gupta said that the University should have an accurate system, but that Hughes was saying that we need more common standards in class grades, especially in sections of the same class.

• Senator Byrne said that while this discussion was great, there is nothing that can be done, and we have homework and we are students first.

• Senator Ferrer announced that the FYC is selling carnations in Student Center from 10 to 2, for Valentines Day.

• Senator Eisenhuth told the Senate that they were still in session because of circular arguments and people talking out of place.

• Secretary Smith announced that the History Society and the History Department will be having a major’s dinner in Eben Holden next Tuesday at 6. All students interested are welcome.

• Vice President Olivo apologized for the VIP constitution not having a Supremacy clause. He said that the change had been made, but that he uploaded the wrong version onto the big screen. Then he remind everyone that as senators they must check the website and look at everything, asking them to please do this for next week and also to please let him know about absences and substitutions at least two hours in advance.

• Senator Burg announced that the Vagina Monologues will be performed this weekend and that there are still tickets available for Saturday night.

• Senator Solomon said that there had been an open forum tonight before meeting and he was disappointed that only one non-Thelmo person came to it.

• Senator Burg announced that this week in the Hill News, there will be an article about the AUP, and reading it will avoid circular arguments in the next meeting.

• President Casler complimented the Senate on their great discussion on the AUP, saying that the Senate is getting to the core of the issue and reminded them to please prepare for next week’s meeting with President Sullivan.

X. Adjournment

Motion to Adjourn: Senator Hughes

Second: Senator Grube

Meeting was adjourned at 9:43p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Brigette C Smith

Thelomathesian Society

Secretary

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