EMU SGA

I. Call to Order Michael (9:09)

II. Role Call/Prayer Karissa prayed

Present: Michael Spory, Karissa Sauder, Sarah Beck, Brent Beachy, Gabe Brunk, Brendan Derstine, Peyton Erb, Alli Eanes, Brandon Habron, James Souder, Katie Landis, Vi Dutcher, Amy Springer, Ken L. Nafziger

Absent: Heidi Bauman, Hans Weaver, Brook Mussleman, Darian Harnish

III. Approval of Minutes

Motion 24032010-1 to approve the minutes: Giles

Second: Brendon

Motion passed unanimously

IV. Announcements

a. SPC Meeting-Michael and Karissa: Karissa shared that the committee looked at the academic plan, which included a lot of interdisciplinary options.  Michael shared that there was also a presentation on distance (or online) learning and the future of this at EMU.  This may be geared more toward the grad program.  There was also an update on the solar project being worked on and snags that have already come up.

b. Exec elections coming up: Karissa will be handling this because Michael is running again.  Petitions are due on Friday and elections will be on Tuesday so spread the word!

c. Earthkeepers development-hand dryers: Michael shared that Josh Kanagey talked with Ken that Earthkeepers is trying to develop a project with implementing more hand dryers around campus.  These will probably be placed on campus within the next few years.

V. Old Business

a.None to report

VI. New Business

a. JMU possibilities: Michael was contacted by James Richardson, the head of the SGA at JMU, who is interested in looking at possible ways our SGAs could collaborate.  He wants to get a better idea of what other universities do for SGA and would like to have dialogue with us.  We could also have a video conference, attend a JMU SGA meeting, etc.  There was general feeling amongst the senators that this could be a really beneficial relationship.  It would also help EMU and JMU become a little closer, since we are pretty disconnected from them.  Karissa and Brandon offered to help Michael with this.

b. Lunch with Pam-April 8: Pam Comer has invited a few members from the SGA to a lunch to discuss new programs in the counseling department.  She’d like to know different ways student government could be involved in this program on depression.  Brandon and Katie volunteered to attend this lunch and discuss the new program with Pam.

VII. Open Floor

VIII. Adjournment: (9:27)

Motion 24032010-2 to adjourn: Katie

Second: Giles

Motion passed

smb 03/24/10

I. Call to Order Michael (9:10)

II. Roll Call/Prayer Sarah prayed

Present: Michael Spory, Sarah Beck, Brent Beachy, Giles Eanes, Alli Eanes, Hans Weaver, Katie Landis, Brendon Derstine, Darian Harnish, Sara Derstine, Peyton Erb, Heidi Bauman, Gabe Brunk, Brandon Habron, James Souder, Amy Springer, Ken L. Nafziger

Absent: Karissa Sauder, Brook Mussleman, Vi Dutcher

III. Approval of Minutes

Motion 17032010-1 to approve the minutes: Katie

Second: Gabe

Motion approved unanimously

IV. Announcements

a. Writing Committee Report-Darian: Darian shared that the committee talked about a potential faculty writing retreat and holding writing workshops for transfer students or first-year students who aren’t taking college writing.  These workshops would inform these students of EMU’s writing policy and would most likely take place during orientation week or in Transitions.

b. Dinner Invitation at Loren’s house: Every year, Pat and Loren Swartzendruber host the SGA at their house as a thank you.  A sheet was sent around with two potential dates for senators to indicate which date will most likely work better for them.

c. Budget Requests going out: In the next few weeks, budget requests will be going out to all the student clubs.  The club leaders will submit their requests and Ken and the exec will meet and draw up a potential budget.  This will be approved by the senate and a preliminary budget will go out to the clubs.  Club leaders then have an option to appeal their budget allocations and the senate will then determine a final budget.  Be prepared to discuss this in future meetings!

d. SGA Exec elections: Elections will be starting up soon so think about running if you’re interested!

V. Old Business

-Nothing to report.

VI. New Business

a. Common Grounds Renovation Event: Michael shared that Mark Fenton asked if SGA has any ideas for how to help plan/sponsor/be a part of this event since SGA is now pretty heavily involved with Common Grounds due to the fact that we now help fund it.  The event will take place next September as a sort of kick-off of the newly-renovated Common Grounds, so this may be a task better suited for next year’s event.  There was general agreement that the senate didn’t want to commit to anything because if will affect next year’s senate more.

b. Housing Brainstorm: Michael shared that since we are having a slight housing crisis as far as space for students, it might be a good idea for SGA to brainstorm some potential options to suggest to Res Life.  Hans stated that he has heard a lot of students interested in replacing Martin House since it will no longer be an option after this year.  Martin House will be taken off line for one year and Student/Res Life will look into options: can it be renovated or does it need to be taken down?  Ken shared that EMU is looking to get more campus housing for intentional communities; the problem with this is that most houses are zoned so that no more than 3 unrelated people can live in one house at one time.  These zoning laws will only change if the entire neighborhood agrees to it, and many of the neighbors are unwilling to do this.  Another option is to have a classroom building which would include offices for those departments that currently are in houses and those houses could be renovated for students.  This can only happen after the Science Center is complete though, so it may be several years.  Sarah suggested that EMU could buy houses close by (since one is for sale across from Hillside!) for seniors to live in, but this may end up costing the students more.  Many students felt that if Roselawn was knocked down and intentional community houses built in their place; at this point no students want to live in Roselawn and houses would be a much more appealing option.  This wouldn’t significantly alter the amount of space for students though.

VII. Open Floor

-Hans shared that he met with Information Systems this week.  Next year IS is replacing ALL of the lab computers, meaning almost everyone gets an upgrade! Awesome!  They are also reconsidering the format for Webmail since there have been many complaints; however, this won’t happen until 2011-2012.  They also discussed the vast amount of papers being printed out; this is a problem because IS pays for all the ink.  They are discussing possible options, such as students paying for printing.  We’ll hear more of this in the future.

VIII. Adjournment

Motion 17032010-2 to adjourn: Hans

Second: Giles

Motion passed unanimously

Meeting adjourned (9:46)

smb 03/17/10

I. Call to Order Michael (9:06)

II. Roll Call/Prayer Michael prayed

Present: Michael Spory, Karissa Sauder, Brent Beachy, Sarah Beck, Giles Eanes, Heidi Bauman, Hans Weaver, Katie Landis, Gabe Brunk, Darian Harnish, Peyton Erb, Sara Derstine, Brook Mussleman, Alli Eanes, Brandon Habron, James Souder, Vi Dutcher, Amy Springer, Ken L. Nafziger

Absent: Brendon Derstine

III. Approval of Minutes

Alli added a slight change that she forgot to mention Guatemala as a Spring 2013 cross-cultural in her report last week.

Motion 03032010-1 to approve the minutes with said change:Darian

Second: Peyton

Motion passed unanimously

IV. Announcements

a. The “Spirit Bus” or lack therof . . . Michael shared that there were very few student sign-

ups for the Spirit Bus last week so those who signed up ended up taking a “mini-van” which

only cost the SGA $37 instead of $300.  There was a good showing of people watching the

games in Common Grounds and the Campus Center though!

b. SACS visiting committee Michael shared that the committee is now here.  The members

have been traveling through different departments at EMU and have talked to many faculty

members and students.  They will still be here through tomorrow so be prepared to answer

questions!

c. Committee Reporting

1-Undergraduate Council-Brandon: Brandon shared that he met with the

Undergraduate Council.  He shared that there was a lengthy discussion about the WCSC

program and potential changes to the coursework; however they decided that the

program will continue.  The committee also discussed possibilities for potential make-

up days due to the snow days.

2- QEP- Brandon: Brandon shared that the QEP meeting discussed the SACS committee

coming this week and approved a powerpoint to show to all the members of the SACS

committee during their visit this week.

V. Old Business

a. STARS Constitution Review: Michael shared that STARS made changes to their

constitution; however, a question still remains regarding the article about amendments

because the wording is unclear about the process.  We will need to ask for a little more

clarification on this point.

Motion 03032010-3 to approve the constitution with said changes: Darian

Second: Alli

Motion passed unanimously

VI. New Business

a. EBIT Constitution review- Matt Ropp: Matt came to share with the SGA a proposed

constitution for a new club EBIT (Economics and Business Innovators of Tomorrow) that

would bring together the students in the business major.  He shared that many people have

expressed interest in this club, but people are hesitant to take on leadership roles.  Because

of this, he designed the constitution to be more fluid rather than follow the traditional

“president, vice-president” formula.  The club is looking to team up with MEDA

(Mennonite Economic Development Associates).  The club already has some events

scheduled for the end of the year and has generated a lot of support because the business

major is one of the largest ones on campus and there’s currently no club specifically for

this major.  Elections will occur as more of a “board” with a President, Treasurer and

Secretary that are elected board members.  While the club will be geared more towards

economic and business topics, it will be open to students with any major.  A few minor

clarifications were suggested and grammatical mistakes addressed.

Motion 03032010-2 to approve the constitution with said changes: Katie

Second: Gabe

Motion passed unanimously

b. The Shen-Andrew Jenner: The Shen representatives talked about how they will have

around $10,000 left over after this year and are unsure about whether or not those funds will

be rolled over to their account next year or where the money will go.  As far as which option

previously discussed will work better, Michael asked Andrew what the Shen staff is

recommending.  The staff felt the opt-out option will most likely include the most students

and they feel this is the best option for the Shen at this point.  Andrew shared that since then

the business office has talked about the logistics of this and this may be a major headache for

them.  This method may also decrease the amount of money that SGA would need to allocate

to the Shen.  *Clarification: This is a discussion to help the Shen staff know what to request

when it comes time to put in budget requests at the end of March.  There was general

discussion between Shen representatives and senators talking about various models and

possibilities.  The question from the Shen is if the allocation has to change from SGA because

the easiest scenario is for SGA to allocate about $15,000 which could give every senior a free

yearbook and subsidize each book purchased by other students by about $10.  Once the Shen

reps left, Ken shared that this is ultimately SGA’s decision about how the Shen should work

with this issue.  The senate members discussed the possible options and everyone really

thought that we would get the most response from the “opt-out” model.  We could then have a

booth in the registration line for students to (informed) opt-out.  Some senate suggestions

included possibly moving the photo place to either the registration line or a more central place

than Northlawn (possibly the Campus Center or right outside the Caf).  These proposals were

suggested to help out with the opt-out model.  Michael will meet with Andrew after the

meeting to discuss the SGA’s sentiment for what they should submit for their budget requests

at the end of March.  We have decided for now to agree in principle to the free senior book

within the Shen’s existing budget.  If for some reason there isn’t enough student interest for

the Shen to cover their expenses, the SGA will help them out.

VII. Open Floor

-Katie shared that Bruce got back to us on the Den transfer meal hour shift.  After Spring

Break, transfer meals will be available to students from 12-3 everyday! WHOOHOO!

-Hans shared a brief update with the concerts decided last semester.  He followed up on our

potential Christian concert this semester but the idea was pretty much shot down by the CAC

for this year and there was no forward motion with this.  Next year, the ball is kind of in

CAC’s court and they are taking the lead on this one.

-Karissa met with Brian Martin Burkholder about the Friday Announcement guidelines and

he made the proposed change so she will sign the guidelines this week!

VIII. Adjournment

Motion 03032010-4 to adjourn: Sara

Second: Darian

Motion passed unanimously

smb934 03/17/10 

1. I. Call to Order Michael (9:07)
2. II. Roll Call/Prayer Michael prayed

Present: Michael Spory, Karissa Sauder, Brent Beachy, Sarah Beck, Brendon Derstine, Heidi Bauman, Gabe Brunk, Peyton Erb, Giles Eanes, Hans Weaver, Brook Musselman, Alli Eanes, Brandon Habron, James Souder, Sara Derstine, Vi Dutcher, Ken L. Nafziger

Absent: Katie Landis

1. III. Approval of Minutes

Motion 02242010-1 to approve the minutes: James

Second: Brandon

Motion passed unanimously

1. IV. Announcements

a. the “Spirit Bus” details: Michael shared that SPC talked about having a “Spirit Bus” take students down to Salem, VA to watch the men’s tournament on Friday.  An e-mail went out today and sign-ups are open until tomorrow evening.  Michael made the executive decision to allocate $300 out of the budget to help subsidize the cost for students, which matched the CAC allocation of $300.  He opened up the floor for discussion to see if senators supported the decision and there was general support for the decision.

b. Cross-Cultural Committee – Alli: Alli shared that the committee was trying to decide on four proposals for Fall 2012 cross-culturals (Australia/Papua New Guinea, New Zealand/Figi, Ecuador/Peru, and South Africa) and the committee needed to decide on two.  The committee decided on New Zealand/Figi and South Africa.  South Africa is now planning on going every fall for three falls in a row.  There are two proposals for Spring 2013 (Middle East & Guatemala).

c. Institutional Effectiveness – Darian and Brook: Darian shared that the committee talked about the SACS visit and a little about deficiencies in the initial off-campus report.  EMU only had 8 deficiencies in comparison to an average of 25 deficiencies.  He also shared that they talked about AIERS and several new ways they are going to try to measure leadership on campus.

d. Strategic Planning Council – Michael: Michael shared that the committee talked about cross-culturals regarding immediate and distant future plans of the cross-cultural plans.  They worked to change the overall goals of cross-cultural guidelines and how to measure what a “semester-long” cross-cultural is.  The new wording for the goal of cross-culturals is that the “majority of 50% of the graduating class will have participated in semester-long cross-culturals.”  The committee also discussed potentially canceling classes so students could travel to Salem for the tournament games, but they decided not to do that.

1. V. Old Business

a. SACS visit – Tues.-Thurs. Wear your QEP shirts and be prepared to answer questions if you’re stopped by any members of the committee!

b. Shen options: We discussed potential options for the Shen next year.  In the fall, we passed a motion that added a $40 optional student fee for the yearbook with the option being to “opt in.”  Our potential options are:

• • “opt-out” method

-Pros: It’s already in the student fees so students are more likely to keep it in rather than adding it.

It can be taken care of easily in the registration line at the beginning of the year.

-Cons: Free senior book would be hard to manage because determining “senior” is difficult.

• • “opt-in” method

-Pros: Helpful to determine which seniors want the book.

-Cons: Students may be less willing to tack on another $40 to their bill.

• • hybrid model

-Pros: Easier for business office.

-Cons:

*Please bring any additional questions to Andrew Jenner next week!*

1. VI. New Business

a. Leadership conference next fall: This conference happens every two years for students currently filling leadership positions on campus (any leadership positions!) and Doug Wandersee is looking to us to help with some rough planning this semester such as speakers, events, etc.  Michael requested some senators to help with Student Life.  Brandon, James, and Michael all agreed to help out with this.  Next year’s executive committee and senate will be working on this with Student Life.

b. Friday Announcement guidelines – Karissa: Karissa shared that Campus Ministries has received various concerns about Friday Announcements, specifically regarding the length and content.  They drafted proposed Friday Announcement Guidelines for future people interested in doing this.  After reading it, Darian expressed concern with the arbitrary nature of item #5 which discusses the SGA V.P. or Friday Announcement designee will “make the final selection of announcements.”  We suggested adding that reasonable reasons should be given for those announcements not included.

Motion 02242010-2 to approve the Friday Announcements Guidelines with the proposed changes: Giles

Second: Hans

Motion passed unanimously

1. VII. Open Floor

-Ken shared that the commissioner of the O.D.A.C. is supporting a Corn Toss Championship to raise money for the Salem Rotary Club’s “Emergency Shelter Box Campaign for Haiti.”  This is happening this weekend in Salem (where the O.D.A.C. tournament is).  The idea is that each person signing up is contributing $5 to toss 8 bags (not including a 10-bag warm-up).

-Show your support for the Haiti kits tomorrow from 6-9 as kits will be assembled.

-Brendon shared that the “What we can do with the Maplewood Basement?” committee met to discuss possibilities.  Two possibilities are giving the space to the WeatherVane and Shen.  There was general consensus that this is a good idea and we can support it as an SGA.  Another possibility would be to add a small computer lab down there for people to use, but there would be other issues such as security and sharing resources with the WeatherVane.

-Brendon also shared that he talked to Bruce about the potential caf expansion and Bruce is now talking to the higher-ups.

-Brendon shared that the bookstore committee has been working on revamping the bookstore website and now they are including the ISBN numbers will also be up.  Now it will be much easier to find your books!  Book rentals also can potentially be up this fall (where students sign a contract and rent the book for a much smaller fee).  Michael brought up that the Bookstore could potentially sell student art or photo paper.  Printer items would also be a good option, as well as a photo machine.

-Motion 02232010-3 to allow Michael and Brent to allocate money to another student “spirit bus” in the event of further basketball success with a $1000 cap: Darian

Second: Alli

1. VIII. Adjournment (10:18)

Motion 02242010-3 to adjourn: Giles

Second: Darian

Motion passed unanimously

smb 02/24/10