EMU SGA

I. Call to Order: Ben (9:05)

II. Roll Call/Prayer: Brent prayed

Present: Benjamin Bergey, Janelle Freed, Sarah Beck, Brent Beachey, Drew Kirk, Giles Eanes, Will Morris, Heidi Bauman, Brendon Derstine, Larisa Zehr, Peyton Erb, Darian Harnish, Sara Derstine, Hans Weaver, Gabe Brunk, Katie Landis, Karissa Sauder, Ken A. Nafziger, Vi Dutcher, Amy Springer

Absent: No one.

III. Approval of Minutes

Motion 20091007-1 (Will): Approval of minutes

Second (Heidi)

Motion passed unanimously

IV. Announcements

a. 3 Musketeers in office Ben shared that MANY 3 Musketeers are being eaten. Just a reminder that we are trying to keep them for students who pop into the SGA office to talk to senators, NOT for senators themselves! Try to limit intake to one candy bar per time you work in the office.

b. Shirt sizes Katie designed our new SGA shirt logo. We passed around a sign-up sheet and Ben will order the shirts tomorrow morning.

V. Committee Reporting

a. Brendon-Bookstore Committee Brendon shared that the Bookstore is most concerned with buying back books. Brendon shared that students are selling back books outside of the bookstore, which is hurting the business a little. Is there interest in selling books and having a type of “buyback” that we help with? The bookstore is also looking into buying online books that are digital (through Café Scribe) and you can keep them permanently. They would like student feedback on this matter. Another idea was to have a book “rental” instead of actually buying the books permanently if students don’t think they’ll keep them forever. Students would pay a fee much smaller than what the book originally cost and could give the book back provided proper care was taken. Students may save up to 50% of what they would originally cost. There was general discussion about possibilities and opinions on this matter.

VI. Old Business

a. MRI Club updated, on to Pres Cab MRI updated their constitution to meet all the requirements and we have sent the recommendation to approve them as a club to the President’s Cabinet.

b. Keep encouraging spirit week Spirit week is still going so keep encouraging people to dress up and show their EMU support!

VII. New Business

a. Tim Jost event date Karissa shared that we are planning on hosting this event in Common Grounds to the first week in November.

b. Caf lockers Ben shared that there are still thefts taking place outside the cafeteria where people are leaving their bags outside to go eat. Ken shared that some ideas are to put cubbies inside the caf or have lockers outside the caf. One issue with this is we lose our “trustworthy” campus look if we have lockers outside. We talked about various reasons why people would want lockers and where to put them. There might not be any space inside the caf to add cubbies and there might not be enough lockers outside the caf for everyone. Another suggestion was to possibly put up a security camera outside the caf; however, that might present certain privacy issues. Cost is also a big issue that we need to be aware of; this may ultimately be the deciding factor.

Motion 20091007-2 (Will): Motion to acknowledge that there are thefts outside the cafeteria and we recommend that the administration look into a possible solution for this problem, whether it be a security camera, lockers, or a combination of both.

Second (Giles)

c. Motion passed unanimously.

d. Chapel time change Ben shared that the proposal is to move the chapel time to 11:00 instead of 10:30 and switch 3^rd and 4^th period. Discussion on this issue included the implications for the caf, having more 8:00 classes, and how to continue to spread out classes evenly. It was also questions whether this change will actually affect chapel attendance. We also need to be very careful to think about possible repercussions such as caf overflow and other consequences that are not immediately seen. We also need to take the student survey with a grain of salt, because voluntary surveys are not always reliable surveys of student opinion.

Motion 20091007-3 (Drew): Motion to acknowledge that we are open to this possibility, but have issues with cafeteria times, additional classes early in the morning and the fact that this might not improve chapel attendance.

Second (Will)

Motion passed unanimously

VIII. Open Floor

-Janelle shared that on October 22, there will be a Women’s empowerment webinar. Men are also invited and she will bring more information next Wednesday.

-Will shared that he and Giles talked with Peter Dula about CSA in regards to the EMU garden. At this point, to expand the garden, we need to look into finding someone who is neither EMU faculty nor a student in order to coordinate work-study and such. The part-time garden coordinator job would be paid for by the profits from the garden.

-Giles met with Doug Wandersee about his ideas for Common Grounds and generating funds. Currently, Common Grounds is losing money and does not have enough to pay for all the operating costs. This will be put on the agenda later for full discussion.

-Will met with Marvin Lorenzana about cooperation with SGA and multicultural services. This may include co-sponsoring and helping each other with events.

IX. Adjournment

Motion 20091007-4 (Darian)

Second (Sara)

Motion passed unanimously (10:06)

I. Call to Order (9:03) Benjamin Bergey

II. Roll Call/Prayer Sarah Beck

Present: Benjamin Bergey, Janelle Freed, Sarah Beck, Brent Beachy, William Morris, Drew Kirk, Karissa Sauder, Katie Landis, Brendon Derstine, Heidi Bauman, Gabe Brunk, Sara, Giles Eanes, Peyton Erb, Darian Harnish, Hans Weaver, Larisa Zehr, Vi Dutcher, Ken L. Nafziger

Absent: Amy Springer

III. Committee Reporting

Larisa shared with us about the Mural Painting committee. The art students have already been introduced to the idea of painting various surfaces around campus such as the bike shed by Cedarwood. Cost and a time frame will soon be established and reported back. Janelle suggested also a possible surface: the VERY dreary cement wall outside the basement windows in Hillside.

IV. Approval of Minutes

Motion 1-20090930 to approve the minutes: Karissa Sauder

Second: Drew Kirk

Motion passed unanimously.

V. Announcements

a. Feedback on the retreat

SGA senators shared what they got back from the retreat. We all felt that the retreat went very well and were happy with the results.

VI. Old Business

a. Retreat Committee Reports

Ben passed around a summary of the committee reports so we all could see what each committee talked about. Next on our list are the action items: those who are chairs or co-chairs should continue to motivate their group to keep moving forward and working towards the goals of the committee. When things are accomplished, make sure to come back to SGA and share with us at the next meeting! Keep that energy going!

VII. New Business

a. New club—MRI

We received a proposal for a new club: Students for Morally Responsible Investment in Israel and Palestine. Ben explained that when a new club comes with an approval to be made an official EMU club, we all must read the proposed constitution and see if we have any possible suggestions. A few suggestions for their constitution were mentioned, such as more clear membership guidelines, making sure only EMU students are members, leadership clarifications, clearing up the word “consensus,” finances and a possible treasurer role, and what happens in the event of a tie in an election.

Motion 20090930 to approve the constitution of MRI provided they make the suggested changes and then recommend them as a new club to the President’s Cabinet: Will Morris

Second: Giles Eanes

Motion passed unanimously.

b. Spirit week, chapel announcement

Janelle shared about Spirit Week, which takes place next week. She asked for volunteers to help out with Friday announcements and got everyone involved. Get creative and spirited people!

VIII. Open Floor

* Katie shared that she was asked to design a logo for SGA and was asking for possible ideas for the logo idea. Just a reminder that it can’t include a picture logo! Karissa suggested a “stamp” logo and that was met with general consensus. Katie will be working on that.

* Karissa brought up the faculty forum and asked for possible suggestions of faculty members that might be willing to be a part of it. Peter Dula, Roman Miller, Ge Baas, Cindy Gusler were all suggested as possibilities.

IX. Adjournment

Motion 3-20090930 to adjourn: Will Morris

Second: Drew Kirk

Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:55.

Call to Order (9:04): Ben

Role Call: Present: Heidi Bauman, Brent Beachy, Sarah Beck, Benjamin Bergey, Gabe Brunk, Brendon Derstine, Sara Derstine, Giles Eanes, Peyton Erb, Janelle Freed, Darian Harnish, Drew Kirk, Katie Landis, Will Morris, Karissa Sauder, Hans Weaver, Larisa Zehr, Vi Dutcher, Amy Springer

Absent: Ken

Prayer: Janelle Freed

Approval of Minutes: Motion 1-20090923: Janelle

Second: Karissa

Motion passed unanimously.

Announcements: Just a reminder that office hours have started and make sure to be in the SGA office during the time you signed up for. Nice work making the log book entertaining.

Committee Reporting: Sarah shared about the Institutional Review Board (IRB)’s first meeting on Monday. The board met to discuss the year and most dialogue will be conducted through e-mails. The committee approves various proposals that deal with human subject research and surveys that will be published for formal academic research.

Old Business:

-Institutional Committees: Karissa Sauder cannot attend the meetings for the committee she signed up for. Katie Landis agreed to switch and be on her committee.

-SGA Retreat: The retreat is this Saturday, September 26 at 9:00 am in Martin Chapel. Make sure to be there! There will be scrumptious food served and great ideas shared!

New Business:

-Tim Jost health care speaking: Karissa Sauder mentioned that Res Judicata is also working on making this happen so it may become something we work together for.

-Dean Search Committee: Dave Detrow explained the purpose of the search for a new academic undergraduate dean. Roughly 7-8 people are on the committee and they have been advertising the new position in several publications, including Mennonite publications. The committee has been asking many different people about what they would like in the new dean, and now would like to know what SGA has to say about what students would like to see in the potential dean. The dean’s job involves overall leadership of faculty to ensure students get the best education and heads up the overall undergraduate learning environment. Senate members shared qualities they liked in Marie Morris and would like to see in a new dean such as enthusiasm, global perspective, approachability, well-rounded faith perspectives, and a desire to help EMU continue to function sustainably and peaceably. Many students are also looking for a little diversity, in areas such as race, religious experience, and cross-cultural experience.

-Peace Fellowship Report: Jenny Hochstetler shared that 6 Peace Fellowship members would like to attend the MCC UN conference in New York City October 29-31. They are requesting $350 to help cover the expenses and are willing to share about their experiences to students (possibly speak to classes and/or CG event?) about what took place at the conference. After Jenny left, the SGA entered into a dialogue about it. Will wondered about the rest of the allocated money to Peace Fellowship, and Larisa said that a lot of the money is being saved for the intercollegiate conference in January. She also explained a little about what the conference does. We talked a little about how funding requests work and talked about the value in giving this much money to one organization. Most people seemed excited and thought this is a wise investment of money. Ben also suggested that this may make a great WeatherVane article if there isn’t much interest in a CG event.

Motion 2-20090923: Gabe Brunk motioned to give the Peace Fellowship $350 to go to the MCC UN event provided that they present the information to students in a way they see fit.

Second: Larisa Zehr

Motion passed unanimously.

Open Floor: Janelle brought to our attention that the SGA Exec will be updating and revising the SGA constitution, so if anyone has any ideas or suggestions, please feel free to share them with us!

Adjournment: Motion 3-20090923: Darian Harnish

Second: Will Morris

Motion passed unanimously.

Closing: (10:03)

Opening (9:05): Benjamin

Present: Benjamin Bergey, Janelle Freed, Sarah Beck, Brent Beachy, Will Morris, Drew Kirk, Giles Eanes, Larisa Zehr, Heidi Bauman, Darian Harnish, Hans Weaver, Sara Derstine, Gabe Brunk, Brendon Derstine, Peyton Erb, Karissa Sauder, Vi Dutcher, Ken L. Nafziger, Amy Springer

Absent: Katie

Announcements:

v Introductions to one another.

v Explanation of folders

-Ben gave a quick overview to the binders each SGA member received. The binders included the SGA constitution, parliamentary procedure, funding guidelines, and the 2009-10 budget. “Brief and exciting.”

v Office Hours explained and sign-up sheet was passed for senators to sign up for hours.

v Contact info was obtained from all the senators for easy communication.

Institutional Committee reporting: Ben explained what the committees are and a sign-up sheet was passed. Each committee will meet a few times a semester and at least one senator will be present. This not only bridges the gap between administration and students, but it also lets SGA know a little more about what is going on around campus. The senators will then report back to the entire SGA at the next meeting. It was brought up by Amy that the Commons Planning Committee Phase II committee might not exist anymore because they have moved on past that stage. She will check in to that and report back to SGA.

Dean Search Committee: The committee will be coming to meet with SGA to inquire about what students would like to see in an undergraduate academic dean. Fred Kniss will be here to explain what the dean does and ask what qualities we would like to see in our new dean.

SGA Retreat: Janelle and Ben introduced the SGA retreat that will take place on September 26 starting at 9:00am at Martin Chapel. They will be leading it in place of Kai, but they will also try to be active participation. This retreat is where many of the ideas for SGA to pursue over the course of the school year. The retreat is where creativity and great ideas come out! J

Agenda: Janelle explained that if any senator has anything to add to the meeting’s agenda, he or she should contact Janelle or Ben BY TUESDAY so we can get it on the agenda in time.

Luncheon: Vi talked about the faculty-student discussion about academic integrity. The meeting took place last week and 11 students attended the meeting. Many good reports came back of how informative the meeting was for the faculty to get a student perspective on this issue. Karissa also shared that the information shared was valuable to the students in attendance.

Last thought: Ben just gave a little more information on the SGA. We have 3 non-voting faculty members and the president is also a non-voting member. He and Ken just cleared a little up about the function of the people present at SGA meetings.

Motion #1-20090916: Motion to adjourn: Karissa

Second: Drew

Approved unanimously

Closing (9:47)