EMU SGA

I. Call to Order Michael (9:05)

II. Roll Call/Prayer

Present: Benjamin Bergey, Michael Spory, Janelle Freed, Sarah Beck, William Morris, Dan Sigmans, Todd Hooley, James Souder, Katie Landis, Darian Harnish, Peyton Erb, Matt Dean, Gabe Brunk, Nels Akerson, Mariah Elliott, Hannah Wenger, Amin Laboriel, Heidi Bauman Vi Dutcher, Ken L. Nafziger

Absent: Amy Springer

III. Approval of Minutes

Motion 10112010-1 to approve the minutes: Janelle

Second: Amin

Motion passed

IV. Announcements

a.       Lunch with the Board – Nov. 12: Michael shared that the lunch with the board is this Friday at 12:30.  Senators are encouraged to come!

b.      Justice Summit – Nov. 13: Michael shared that the Justice Summit is this Saturday from 1:00-6:00 at EMU.  This is a great opportunity so everyone should go—just make sure to sign-up!

c.       Faculty Forum – Nov. 16: Peyton shared that the Faculty Forum is next Tuesday from 9:00-10:00.  There are five participating faculty members; make sure to bring questions for faculty to answer!  There will be snacks.

V. Committee Reporting

a.       Undergraduate Council : Janelle shared that Undergraduate Council consists of all the department chairs and the dean of undergraduate students.  Human Resources came to ask department chairs for suggestions for a seminar coming up.  They also dropped one class that was very similar to another class and added a practicum to the language and literature program.   The council also discussed protocol for who to tell when the class is going on a field trip and what to do when a field trip extends past the class’s allotted time.

b.      Writing: Peyton shared that they reviewed a survey sent out to students regarding the writing resources they use.  They also discussed the number of hits the writing website gets.  They discussed “Turn it In” and the pros and cons to this program; they wanted to bring the question of how to introduce this program to the students.  Some senators felt a powerpoint tutorial that students can access online would be helpful; others thought it should be done during advising week.  Others thought it should be brought up in all classes, not just writing-intensive classes, so students can be clear on what the program is.  Most senators felt that students wouldn’t react negatively to this program; there may be initial backlash but after a little time, most students won’t care.

c.       Cross-Cultural Committee: Nels shared that the committee chose the four trips for Summer 2012: Ecuador/Peru, Honduras, Korea, Quebec.  This number is down from the usual five because many freshman signed up as being interested in semester-long cross-culturals.

d.      QEP: James shared that the QEP is trying to spread their movement through the EMU community (VMRC, EMHS, A Bowl of Good, etc.) and ways to do this.  They also talked about ways to incorporate sustainability into various classes/cross-culturals at EMU.  Another topic discussed was the operational outcomes; each department needs to come up with ways to implement some type of change that applies to the QEP.

VI. Old Business

a.       SGA Email Statement: Michael passed around a statement for IS that Darian put together as a response to our discussion about excessive e-mails from last week’s meeting.  The first paragraph describes why we as an SGA feel this is an issue; the second paragraph proposes suggestions for what could be done to resolve this issue.  As of right now, we think the best place to send this is IS and see if they can implement some sort of policy/guidelines regarding the number of all-student e-mails.

Motion 10112010-2 to support the draft of the SGA statement concerning all-student e-mails: Nels

Second: James

Motion passed 17-0-1

VII. New Business

a.       ZOOperstars Request: Ben shared that Phil Guengerich approached him on Monday to discuss the possibility of getting ZOOperstars, an entertainment group that performs at big games, to come to an EMU game.  They are coming to JMU on November 30 and Phil contacted them about the possibility of coming to EMU the day before or after; they are willing to come to our December 1 men’s basketball game (against Hampden-Sydney) for the VERY low price of $1500.  At the moment, CAC has committed $300, Athletic Department has committed $300, Marketing has committed $300-500, and an anonymous donor has committed $200 bringing our total amount to $1100.  We showed a clip of their performance: it was hilarious.  The exec committee feels like this falls in line with our goal of drumming up school spirit; this is a great opportunity that is really rare for a D-III college.  Many senators were excited about this possibility; we think this is awesome and would be a really neat thing to see at a basketball game.  We love ZOOperstars!

Motion 10112010-3 to approve $400 to bring ZOOperstars to EMU: Darian

Second: Nels

Motion passed

VIII. Open Floor

-Matt and Sarah shared that they met with Dave King earlier today in regards to teaming up with the Athletic Department to get t-shirts to toss out at games.  While we originally thought we would do this for the larger home games, Dave wanted to see this done at every home game.  If we throw out roughly 5 t-shirts at men’s and women’s basketball games, 3 per game at men’s volleyball games, and a few per baseball and softball game, we’re going to need roughly 144 t-shirts.  Dave offered $900 from the Athletic Department; this partnered with our $100 brings a total of $1000 to buy t-shirts to toss out to students.  Michael is in the process of creating a simple design; we now need someone interested in creating a cool way to toss these shirts out at games.  For this, Nels has a launcher.  Sweet.  One suggestion was to do something in conjunction with the pep band.  We also talked to the EMU Bookstore about getting a few items to give away at major games; we need suggestions for things to give away at games.  Senators suggested waterbottles, travel mugs, cinch sacks, keychains, t-shirts, stuffed animals, and CG gift certificates.

-Ben shared that every December there is a Monday chapel for Christmas carols; this is in lieu of a Christmas hymn sing.  Before that time, on the steps of Lehman Auditorium, people are asked to pre-carol to set the mood.  This year, SGA has been asked to sing these pre-chapel carols.  There were mixed reactions about this; however, most senators felt that this was a good, fun opportunity.  This will take place on December 13. Holler.

-Ben shared that this Monday, they’re “flipping the switch” for the new solar panels at 1:30 on the first floor of the Campus Center.  Everyone should come!

IX. Adjournment

Motion 10112010-4 to adjourn: Dan

Second: Darian

Motion passed

Meeting adjourned (9:56)

smb 11/10/10

                          I.      Call to Order Ben (9: 04)

                       II.      Roll Call/Prayer Heidi prayed

Present: Michael Spory, Benjamin Bergey, Janelle Freed, Will Morris, Sarah Beck, Amin Laboriel, Heidi Bauman, Dan Sigmans, Darian Harnish, Matt Dean, Katie Landis, Todd Hooley, Gabe Brunk, Mariah Elliot, Nels Akerson, James Souder, Hannah Wenger, Amy Springer, Ken L. Nafziger

Absent: Peyton Erb, Vi Dutcher

                     III.      Approval of Minutes

Motion 03112010-1 to approve the minutes: Gabe

Second: Janelle

Motion passed

                     IV.      Announcements

1. a.      SGA update feedback: Ben asked for feedback from the first SGA update e-mail sent out.  Senators shared that it was informative; it’s nice to let students know what we have been doing.  We will plan on sending an e-mail like this every month.

                       V.      Committee Reporting

1. a.      Safety—Michael: Michael shared that one thing the committee asked was student perception of safety on campus: what they think of security guards, safety policies, crime reporting, etc.  Eldon Kurtz reported that compared to other colleges, EMU has low incidences of sexual assault, drugs, and theft.  Go EMU safety!  They also talked about automatic defibrillators and the new emergency radio that they’re setting up.
2. b.      IRB: Hannah shared that the IRB discussed one of the problems they have with the forms; currently, students and faculty are asked if they think they’re exempt from IRB review and the committee is realizing that many students don’t know what this means.  They are considering putting a flow chart on the IRB website for students and faculty to see which category they fall under.  They are also trying to develop a form for professors to group the whole class into one form on research projects that will simply be used within the classroom context. 

                     VI.      Old Business

                  VII.      New Business

1. a.      Evaluations—Spencer Cowles: Spencer Cowles and Steve Johnson came in to represent the Faculty Senate.  One of their sub-committees has designed a new course evaluation to be done online rather than in class; they are bringing it to the SGA to get any feedback on bits we think should be changed.  The Faculty Senate had two major things in mind in this process: asking appropriate questions to match new criteria that apply to faculty when they come up for review and to ask questions that will get feedback on how courses could be improved.  They did a test with the open-ended question section and, based on that test-run, have decided to put the open-ended questions at the beginning of the evaluation since students are more likely to fill them out if they show up first.  Student feedback from the initial test-run was mostly positive; students appreciate having it online because it is easier and having a number of days to complete it.  A question brought up response rates and Steve shared that the test-run showed a 78% response rate, which is not bad.  The specific professor has the opportunity to set when the evaluation starts and will e-mail the link to the student.  One senator brought up recommending to faculty sending out evaluations in enough time to be done before finals week.  Overall, we feel that this method is easier and will give faculty better data on student responses to their courses.
2. b.      MRI statement: Mark Fenton, Jessica Sarriott, and Larisa Zehr came in to bring an MRI statement before the SGA for approval.  The statement asks EMU to officially support a policy of selective divestment from companies that actively enable and support the occupation of Palestine.  MRI has been circulating petitions online and among the student body to gather student support of their purposes; they have at least 385 signatures from EMU students (67 of which have graduated since the petition originally circulated), as well as roughly 100 online signatures and 35 faculty signatures.  MRI is going to be doing a presentation for the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees and would like to bring all the signatures and the statement backed by SGA to the Board at their next meeting.  EMU is currently invested in very few companies that have interests in the occupation; MRI ultimately wants to make a broader statement in the Mennonite community to support selective divestment.  MMA (Everence) already has been checking into positive investments.  This is not only a support of positive investments, but makes a strong political and faith-based statement that we do not support the occupation.  Once the MRI representatives left, senators discussed the policy.  Many senators agreed that this is a good way for SGA to support a great cause that almost half of the undergraduates of EMU have supported via petition.  We feel like this is something very important and something SGA should back.  Senators were impacted by the representatives’ statement that this is NOT a cultural boycott, but a way to support peace and not support a violent occupation.  One senator brought up that this point would be a good addition to the statement so EMU is very clear on this issue.  As a side note, should anyone from MRI read these minutes, we are very proud of the work done with this initiative; it’s clear a lot of hard work has gone into this and it is commendable! 

Motion 03112010-2 to approve the MRI statement asking EMU to support a policy of selective divestment: James

Second: Nels

Motion passed 13-0-2

1. c.       Email quantities (sports): Ben shared that there has been student feedback on the enormous amount of e-mails students receive from the Sports Information Director; many students have complained about this and some have even blocked those e-mails due to annoyance.  Darian shared that this was discussed in the last IS meeting; it may be a good idea to propose some sort of guidelines with “all-student” e-mails would be beneficial.  He feels like it might be beneficial for IS to have a statement from SGA addressing student feedback on this issue.  They are already working on ideas to help reduce the amount of e-mails sent.  In general, we feel the all-student e-mails can be very beneficial; however, it becomes overbearing when organizations send a large number in a short amount of time (LSA, sports, etc.)  Darian agreed to draft a statement to give to IS from the SGA.

                VIII.      Open Floor

-Ken shared that an author, Stephen Kiernan, is coming to speak at EMU on November 10 to discuss a book he wrote.  The book is called Authentic Patriotism; he has waived his normal $5000 fee to come to EMU and an outside sponsor is paying his other expenses.  Our co-sponsorship would make it so Third Way Cafe, who is helping to bring Kiernan here, would not have to pay the rental fee of the Science Center space.  Most senators felt this would interest some students on campus and is in line with the Student Lecture Series.

Motion 03112010-3 to affirm that SGA will sponsor Stephen Kiernan to come to EMU: Janelle

Second: Nels

Motion passed 14-0-1

-Amin shared that the Birthday Party committee would love to have more senators help out with the planning of the parties each month.

                     IX.      Adjournment

Motion 03112010-4 to adjourn: Hannah

Second: Janelle

Motion passed

Meeting adjourned (10:31)

smb 11/03/10

I. Call to Order Michael (9:04)

II. Roll Call/Prayer Michael prayed

Present: Michael Spory, Benjamin Bergey, Sarah Beck, Janelle Freed, Will Morris, Nels Akerson, James Souder, Katie Landis, Darian Harnish, Peyton Erb, Todd Hooley, Dan Sigmans, Gabe Brunk, Matt Dean, Mariah Elliott, Heidi Bauman, Hannah Wenger, Amy Springer, Vi Dutcher, Ken L. Nafziger

Absent: Amin Laboriel,

III. Approval of Minutes

Motion 27102010-1 to approve the minutes: Nels

Second: Dan

Motion approved

IV. Announcements

a. Senator Info sheet: Michael passed around a sheet with senator information that will go on the SGA board.  We checked our information to make sure it’s correct.

b.      Power of the People Exhibit signup: Michael shared that this photography exhibit is

coming to Common Grounds and focus on four issues in the social justice realm.  There are a lot of photos and the SGA would like to help hang these photos.  A sign-up sheet was passed around for senators to sign up for a two-hour shift to help.

c.       Fitness Center update: Ben shared that the tax we discussed last week applies to both

faculty and staff.  Ken shared that EMU would have to not allow community members to use the fitness center in order for this benefit to legally be tax-free.  There is a lot of gray area here because community members use the center frequently and we also offer discounts to EMHS students and employees.  They are going to look at ways to not tax faculty and staff while still allowing community members to use the fitness center.

V. Committee Reporting:

a. CAC: Joel DeWald shared that about 1/3 of the EMU community responded to the survey on artists they would like to see in concert at EMU.  The top response was Mumford and Sons, who due to recent success are now out of our price range, which were followed by The Wailin’ Jennies and Ingrid Michaelson.  Another popular choice was Joshua Radin.  CAC will continue to look at which of these artists will be touring on the East Coast (specifically in VA) in the spring semester and will work on finalizing a choice that works ASAP.

VI. Old Business

a.       Committee switch: Katie has a Safety Committee meeting at 10:00 tomorrow morning and she has class during that time.  Michael offered to take her spot tomorrow.

VII. New Business – Funding Requests

a.       Josh Kanagy – Peace Fellowship: Josh Kanagy shared that there are six EMU students wanting to attend the four-day MCC conference in New York this year.  The topic this year is on mining justice and how to address this issue.  These students will also get a tour of the U.N. building.  When they return from the conference, they are planning on writing an article in the WeatherVane to share their experience with the students.  They are requesting $600.00 to help cover transportation, conference registration, food, and lodging for six EMU students.  This $600.00 will not cover the entire trip but will greatly help fund the trip.  Senators discussed that this amount was a lot of money; essentially we are giving $100 per person which is a lot of money to allocate.  There was discussion on how they would present this experience back to EMU; while a WeatherVane article has been done in the past we would like to see more based on the amount of money we are now giving.  We believe it is acceptable for us to request that they have some type of forum (perhaps a CG event) in addition to an article.

Motion 27102010-2 to approve the request of $600 to Peace Fellowship with the stipulation that they will have a forum to present their experience back to the EMU community: Darian

Second: James

Motion passed unanimously

b.      Joe Hochstetler – Cycling Club: Joe shared that the Cycling Club is trying to promote

bike safety on EMU’s campus by encouraging students to wear helmets and use bike lights.  They would like to subsidize the cost of buying lights to sell to EMU students at a reduced price to encourage students to bike safely.  In addition, they are hosting an alleycat on November 5.  An alleycat is a bike scavenger hunt done at night so bike lights are essential.  The most important thing is safety on a day-to-day basis and bike lights can help that!  They’re requesting $300 to cover half of the cost of the 20 bike lights.  Senators thought that this is a great idea since we have a lot of bikers on campus and many people bike when it is dark.

Motion 27102010-3 to approve $300 to Cycling Club to subsidize the cost of buying bike lights for EMU students: Janelle

Second: Hannah

Motion passed

c.       Will Morris – Res Judicata: Will shared that Res Judicata is renting a bus to take

students to the Rally to Restore Sanity held in Washington D.C. on Saturday, October 30.  They have rented a bus which cost $860 and want to charge students $10 per person to ride up to the rally.  Right now, there are 45 students signed up and if SGA does not subsidize the cost, they will all have to pay $15.  Res Judicata is paying $250 to help with this as well, so SGA is kind of the “third” partner in this venture.  If any money is left over, it will come back to SGA first.

Motion 27102010-4 to approve $250 for Res Judicata to subsidize the cost of a bus to take students to the Rally to Restore Sanity: Gabe

Second: James

Motion passed 16-0-1

VIII. Open Floor

-Will noted that with tonight’s funding requests we have used about 20% of our yearly budget so we are still in good shape!

-James shared that his mom, who works in Alumni Office, said that our card was much appreciated by the office.  J

-Mariah shared that Take Back the Night is starting on Monday.  Todd is playing and will sound awesome so come out to hear him!  Thanks to Katie for helping design the posters!

-Janelle wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween!

-Ben affirmed the senators for all their hardwork and creativity this semester. It’s been a lot of fun so far! *claps*

-Michael shared that the EMU board meeting is happening in December and on Friday, November 12 they have a lunch with student leaders at noon.  Come out and enjoy!

IX. Adjournment

Motion 27102010-5 to adjourn: Janelle

Second: Peyton

Motion passed

Meeting adjourned (9:55)

smb 10/27/10