EMU SGA

Eastern Mennonite University

SGA meeting January 18, 2012

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call/Prayer
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Announcements
   1. Distribution of Binders

i.     Erika and Hannah gave binders to new senators

1. Sign-ups

i.     Sign-up sheets were passed around for snack, office hours, etc.

1. Explanation of Documents by Exec

i.     Each of the exec members talked about various aspects of SGA to orient new senators/exec members (and as a reminder for old members).

1. Committee Reporting
   1. Sam

i.     Sam reported on the Information Systems committee. He reported that next year printing will not be free for students, but students will be able to print in color (for a fee). He also said that [possibly—pending budget approval] next year they will be putting up TV’s all over campus with alerts and events.

1. Old Business
2. New Business
   1. The spring retreat will be this Saturday, the 21^st, at 9 a.m in Common Grounds and will go until 3 p.m (at the latest). We will talk about subcommittees from last semester and things we accomplished/didn’t accomplish/still want to accomplish.
3. Open Floor
   1. Alli met with the Cross Cultural Committee on Monday. The most important item mentioned was the upcoming cross cultural/senior seminar to Turkey in May 2013. It will be a two week trip, aimed at students who already completed their CC. There will be info distributed in the next couple months/an application process before registration for fall classes.
   2. Brandon gave a brief update about the Shen. He said that they have a very large staff of great/interested people including two co-editors. The Shen still can use photographers and writers (who can get credit), but they do not have any more room for work study students. They will be doing photos of students all over campus at various events to try and catch all students (they will use student ID pictures if students don’t get their picture taken).
   3. Jacob reported on the Institutional Effectiveness Committee. They are reviewing info that all departments have submitted to assess their own achievements/progress.
   4. James reported that at the end of last semester he submitted a petition to allow people to only have a meal plan contract for one semester at a time (so that juniors who become seniors after the fall semester can drop their meal plan if they choose). Ken said that he met with Eric Codding and Pioneer—they looked at other schools and their meal prices (such as Goshen). They are going to continue to look into the request to figure out the cost/implications and get back to us.
   5. James asked about the policy implemented this semester for transfers who entered this semester to have free housing. Ken said that it was a decision based on the goal of attracting more transfers mid-year.
   6. Ken said that he is meeting tomorrow with the Campus Crisis Management Preparedness Team to talk about ways to best communicate with students when a crisis emerges. They may use the LCD screens being put in place by IS to get messages out quickly. He asked if students might find those useful. Tyler asked what the cost might look like for this endeavor. Ken said that the cost would involve more than just the screens themselves. Erika and others agreed that the LCD screens are a good idea since not everyone has texting or their phones on them. She added that they would be especially useful if alerts can be sent out immediately. Ken said that info would given out in a “timely” manner, but that accuracy would be the priority (so alerts may take longer so that they can be accurate).
4. Adjournment

Eastern Mennonite University

Student Government Association Senate

Agenda

7^th of December 2011

“The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.”

— Ralph Nichols

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call/Prayer
3. Announcements- Late Night Pancakes: Dec. 14 @ 10-11
4. Committee Reporting
   1. Library Task Force- Brandon
      1. The library staff has been having meetings about ways to make the library more accessible and updated for students. They have been visiting other libraries and getting ideas. They are currently trying to get some money secured to potentially do some renovations. Some big ideas within a 2-4 year period are creating a computer nook (where the magazines are), moving the circulation desk to the middle so that it’s located right when you walk in, make it more user-friendly, etc. They are asking for students to give them more ideas about what they’d like to see changed (ideas can be given to Brandon).
5. Old Business
   1. SGA Constitutional Amendment
      1. Sam Kauffman prepared an amendment that he would like to take to a vote. If it passes the senate (it must have a 2/3 vote of the Senate to pass), it will go on to the student body. The amendment says that the “qualifications may be waived by a two-thirds vote of the Senate” and Brandon asked if that means that people who have not served on SGA, but who want to run for president must come to the SGA with 82 signatures and a proposal. It was proposed that amendment specifies that the person has served for an entire semester (so that someone who was dismissed for too many absences/did not complete their term cannot run). Erica Babikow attended the meeting and shared that she thinks there are more negative repercussions from the proposed amendment than positives. She believes that it limits the pool of candidates quite severely. She said that perhaps we could consider adding something else, such as requiring a longer transition period between presidents. Nels has also heard the suggestion to have a presidential debate prior to elections to add credibility. Sam made a motion to vote on the following amendment proposal: “The President or Co-Presidents must have served previously on the Senate or Executive Committee” with “for at least one semester” added at the end. There was not a second so the motion was dead.
   2. Fitness Center Music
      1. Hannah Schrock and Nels have been in contact with John Wilson and Marty Edes about the music issue at the fitness center. John told Hannah that she needs to come and speak to him in person about having a sign put up in the fitness center saying that people can request a change in music (if they are offended). Hannah does not have the energy to follow up with John so she and Nels are asking if anyone else would like to this on. No one volunteered.
   3. WeatherVane & Shen Collaboration
      1. Brandon reported that a lot of people have had interest in taking pictures/helping out with the Shen. There will be a meeting on Monday at 5:30 to inform people about helping out with the Shen. James will put an announcement in the Friday announcements about the meeting.
6.               VII.     New Business
   1. Mennonite Writing Conference- Kirsten Beachy
      1. Will be held at EMU (for the first time) at the end of March (March 29-April 1). Several Mennonite dignitaries and students from other Mennonite colleges will be attending and several of the events will be public. It will also include workshops for attendees. Last year Kirsten came to SGA to ask for ideas of events for the conference and to ask about potential funding. They are expecting about 200 registrants as well as a number of people from the local area to attend. Classes will not be cancelled across the board at EMU, but some professors may require students to attend in the place of class. Kirsten presented the costs of each event and speaker and is asking for any amount of funding that SGA is willing to contribute (SGA sponsorship of an event is an option). She would like to know soon if we can help contribute funds to the Spoken Word poetry workshop speaker (Ivaco) or the coffeehouse.
         1. Senators felt like this was a very important event to support. James suggested sponsoring the Spoken Word workshop. Becca suggested funding the featured writers. Nels suggested using the funds for the Student Lecture Series ($3000) and Katie suggested cutting that in half so that there is still money left in the fund (in case SGA decides to bring someone in for the SLS). Hannah made a motion to support the SGA sponsored coffeehouse and Spoken word poetry workshop (~$500) and also give $1000 to the Mennonite Writing Conference. Joel Choi seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
7. Open Floor
8. Adjournment Dan Sigmans moved to adjourn. Katie Landis seconded.

Next Meeting: TBD, if requests come in. If we do have a meeting, it will be in UC 211/212 at 9 pm

Eastern Mennonite University

Student Government Association Senate

Agenda

30th of November 2011

You are made into the image of what you desire.

—Thomas Merton

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call/Prayer
3. Approval of Minutes passed unanimously
4. Announcements
   1. Late Night Pancakes- Dec. 14 @ 10-11
      1.  James sent around a sign up sheet for people to sign up for roles at the late night breakfast.
5. Committee Reporting
   1. QEPIT- Elias
      1.  Talked about Jim Ball who is coming to speak this week and about whether expecting sustainability to be part of courses is too much of an add-on/hassle for classes.
   2. Union of Student Organizations
      1. A Christmas bash is happening next Thursday as a collaboration of several clubs.
6. Old Business
   1. SGA Constitutional Amendment
      1. Nels said that people he talked to felt it would be elitist and that it would limit the student voice. Several others said they received words of support for such an amendment. Hannah Schrock looked up JMU’s constitution and they had no qualifications for president other than requiring them to have been at JMU for two years and to be in good academic standing. James said people he talked to had felt surprised that there wasn’t a requirement already in place for candidates for president to have served on SGA for a semester. Sam said he will write a potential amendment and will bring it to the next senate meeting to be voted on.
7. New Business
   1. Funding Request- Josh Kanagy and Christine Baer
      1. Several clubs are proposing having an all-student Christmas bash in order to promote more inter-club mingling. It’s being planned for Wednesday, Dec 7. They are requesting $100 for supplies. They are expecting a lot of people since so many clubs are involved/lots of advertising. Hannah Schrock made a motion to give Earthkeepers, SFI, Safe Space, Peace Fellowship, TCK, and the Bike Co-op the full amount requested ($100) for the Christmas Bash. Dan Sigmans seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
   2. Student Debt Forum
      1. Jacqueline Painter from Everence FCU came to talk to SGA about student debt—she would like to bring a student debt forum to EMU to discuss this issue (tell students about ways to handle debt/know their loan options/address issues, concerns). She gave out packets with various loan options such as Sally May and told us about the scholarship through Everence that is available to students. She wanted us to give her feedback about whether a forum would be of interest to the student body. Senators mostly expressed affirmation about the idea. James moved that SGA support the student debt forum. Sam Kauffman seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   3. Book Swap- Ben
      1. Ben Bailey would like to start a book swap of some kind on campus. He said advertising is very important since this kind of event will need a lot of people to attend to make it worth it. He and Katie Landis are asking for SGA to adopt this event in order to make it successful. There are already people in place willing to do the work; they mainly need publicity (posters, all-student email, etc). Katie emailed Daryl Burt, VP for Finance, and asked about the legality of this type of event and said there are no problems. Kat asked how payment would work between students. Ben said that it would be a free market place and, while they will be there to give guidance, students will mostly be able to name prices for the books they are selling. He also explained that the area would be divided up into departments to provide some organization. The proposed date is the first Tuesday of the new semester.
8. Open Floor
   1. Becca Longenecker went to an Intellectual Life Committee meeting where they discussed having a theme next year that can be tied into courses. One theme proposed was “creativity.”
   2. Ken reminded the senate about the student recognition chapel next Wednesday.
   3. Kat reported that she met with Phys Plant told them about the suggestions we’d made to improve lighting. They are going to check those places and see if they have the budget to add lighting in some of those areas. They will get back to us.
   4. Ken reported that the Crisis Management Preparedness Team met and wants some feedback on the option of having an hour-long workshop on how to avoid an assault. One of the security guards would be able to do this workshop as soon as next week. Hannah Schrock said she thinks it’s a great idea/greatly needed, but that there may not be a huge turnout if it is held next week. She suggested waiting until after break. Ken said that it is an option for there to be two workshops: one next week and one after break. Ken said he will send this information on to Eldon Kurtz.
   5. Ken said that he met with Steve Johnson about the possibility of having the Shen tied to an academic dept. The problem is that the funding would not be able to come from a dept, it would have to come from student fees. This is similar to how it used to be. It’s possible that Kirsten Beachy could oversee both the Shen and the Weather Vane, but she is only willing if SGA is willing to help find dynamic student leadership for it. The university has the funds to pay for six work-study students and two co-editors (who do not have to be work study). However, additional money (and quite a significant amount of money) would be required if a faculty member were to oversee the Shen (as opposed to an adjunct). Senators were mostly supportive of this possibility. Ken said that one change would be having everyone get their picture taken in the registration line to ensure that everyone’s picture is included. Alli Eanes made a motion to support this strategy to save the Shen and to delegate to the appropriate committee (Shen improvement committee). James seconded the motion. Motion passed.
   6. Nels proposed having a Christmas party during the second half of the meeting next week. He said that if anyone is interested in putting something together they can send him an email.
9. Adjournment Hannah Schrock made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Elias seconded.

Next Meeting: 7 December 2011 at 9 pm in UC 211/212

Eastern Mennonite University

Student Government Association Senate

Agenda

16th of November 2011

Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be.

-George Sheehan

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call/Prayer
3. Approval of Minutes approved unanimously
4.  Announcements
5. Committee Reporting
   1. Commons Council- Louise

• (A committee in charge of the commons). Talked about potentially putting security cameras in art gallery, doing something about deteriorating bball courts, issue with bikes parked in hallways (fire hazard)

1. SPC- Nels & Brandon

• Talked about enrollment goals for EMU/how to retain more students, finance situation

1. Healthy Community Council

• Louise and Becca Longenecker- today was the final summit. Organized biggest health issues into priorities by voting, had rep for each issue (teen pregnancy, obesity, healthy relationships, etc.), created action committees.

1. New Business
   1. Ultimate Frisbee Club Constitution
      1. Suggestions were made for the improvement of their constitution as they are applying to be an official club.
   2. SGA Constitution Revisions
      1. The exec noticed that senate’s current constitutions do not include the following change:
         1. For Article III Section 1E1b. The old amendment says “…at least two”, the revised amendment says “…one”
      2. The exec suggests that an amendment is added requiring someone running for president to have been on SGA for at least one semester. Discussion ensued about this proposed amendment. Most senators felt that it was a fair requirement. People said that if someone is not willing to put in the time of being on the senate for a semester then they should not run for president. Also, people feared that without a requirement right now someone could run as a joke and win. There was discussion about whether or not co-presidents should both have to meet this requirement. The discussion is being tabled so that senators can ask peers what they think of this potential amendment. We will discuss it again in two weeks.
      3. Brandon suggested that voting in elections only happens online since people can technically vote twice if they can vote in the Campus Center and online. Nels said that it is already decided that [only] online voting is going to be the process from now on.
   3. Semester projects/goals
      1. Justin suggested that we get the Washington Post back in the caf (right now it’s just the DNR). James moved to ask Bruce to bring the Washington Post back to the caf. Katie Landis seconded. Motion approved.
      2. Elias asked about getting an updated constitution up on the SGA website as well as adding a forum on the SGA website where students could write ideas/proposals/requests, etc.
      3. Hannah Patterson suggested sending out an all student email telling the students that main dorm lounges are accessible 24/day with swipe cards.
      4. Nels suggested sending a note of condolence to JMU SGA in light of the recent accident and death of a JMU student (and also for the other couple JMU students who died this semester).
      5. Katie Landis- Ben Bailey asked her to suggest having a textbook fair at the beginning of next semester. He is asking for someone on SGA to work with him to figure out logistics and/or for SGA support. Dan Sigmans said that he’d help out. Katie is going to find out if SGA can officially support this type of endeavor.
      6. Kat is meeting with some Phys plant reps about lighting on campus. Specifically the lack of lighting by the side of the library (by the stairs that go down by the CJP entrance), the lower entrance of Common Grounds, between Maplewood and Parkwood Rd., by Hillside coming up from the parking lot to the front entrance and on the sidewalk walking from Northlawn to Hillside (by the Roselawn parking lot/behind the Art Center).
2. Open Floor
   1. Hannah Patterson emailed RedBox- they said you must be a business to get a RedBox, but told her she can send in an application. (It was suggested to put one by the bookstore since it’s a business).
   2. A student asked Hannah Patterson to talk to professors about updating grades on Moodle. We told her to have that student talk to her professor directly.
   3. Ken gave stats about tuition rates at other institutions compared to EMU’s.
3. Adjournment Dan Sigmans moved to adjourn. Alli Eanes seconded.

Next Meeting: 30 November 2011 at 9 pm in UC 211/212

Eastern Mennonite University

Student Government Association Senate

Agenda

9th of November 2011

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.

-Mahatma Gandhi

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call/Prayer
3. Approval of Minutes approved
4. Announcements
   1. Executive Elections
5. Committee Reporting
   1. Campus Ministries Committee- Kari

                                                       i.     Brenda Matthews came to campus for Spiritual Life Week and they received good feedback from those chapels. Talkback spaces are not quiet enough so maybe they should be moved in the future. Keith Graber-Miller came and got conversation going on campus. They thought about the idea of a sexuality class. There was also the suggestion of a woman and man to talk about sexuality next year. And also, the persistent issue of trying to get more students to attend chapel.

1. Sam Undergrad Council

                                                       i.     Guest for the meeting was John Yoder from Lancaster campus of EMU. He talked about expanding and developing Lancaster’s undergrad programs. Most of Lancaster’s classes concentrate on Master’s and adult degree completion programs. There was also discussion about EMU and Lancaster community college and a dual enrollment program. Also there could be a dual enrollment program with Conestoga and Christopher Dock Mennonite High Schools. There is a new proposed major in writing. It is not approved yet but was recommended for approval. There is also a one credit course in wisdom with peer teachers that will happen in the spring. The group of students was very organized in their proposal for the class. Course will likely be offered in the Spring.

1. New Business
   1. Joel Nofziger- Yearbook Discussion
      1.  Joel talked about the main problem with Yearbook: lack of content. He proposed using content from WeatherVane to put content in the Yearbook. Supplementing it with that year’s pictures and cross-cultural reflections/pictures would be good.
      2. Ken said: It’s always a scramble to try to put the yearbook together in May. We need new ideas for how to incentivize people to get their pictures taken.
      3. Questions about crediting the authors/photographers were raised but Joel N. said it would be easy to take care of.
      4. Ken said a new group is forming that will take on the Yearbook for this year. The old advisor has resigned.
      5. The proposal was generally well accepted by senators. Budget for the Yearbook is lower than it was three years ago when it was under the umbrella of VACA. So there are budgetary constraints that lead to less quality and size.
      6. Katie said the main problem is not with content, it is with effort. It is really hard to care. She said that it is important to have the yearbook going throughout the year, not just at the end of the spring.
      7. Hannah P. said that her high school made a requirement that events had summaries. But Brandon said there would be logistical problems with getting people to actually do that.
      8. Jacob suggested the possibility of having VACA be enlisted to help, including academic credit in exchange for helping on Yearbook.
      9. Ken said connections to departments would be great. Those connections used to exist; now they do not. That may be a reason for its recent declining quality.
      10. Brandon made a motion that the SGA Yearbook committee will go to VACA and English departments to further investigate issues with the Shen. Hannah S. seconded.  Passed Unanimously.
   2. Competitive Cheerleaders’ Constitution

                                                       i. James handed out constitution to be reviewed by senators. Advisor is the cross-country coach’s wife. Time was taken to read over the constitution. Points of review were made at:

1. Change the word ballet to ballot under article 5
2. Consistent in punctuation of the word “co-captain.”
3. Clarification was discussed about captain and co-captain leadership roles and about the actual use of terms. Hannah S. thought that the captain should be voted on (refer to article 5 and article 4).
4. Becca said Article 2, 4^th line is unrealistic.
5. Clarification of “summer camp”.
6. Is the club open or is it skill-based? A max of 20 people?
7. They can be a club, but it is doubtful they will be able to receive SGA funding because it is based on being a club-team.
8.  It would be helpful to know what exactly they are planning on spending (with help from SGA or not).
9. Becca said: Amendments should be able to be proposed by all members.
10. James said he would pass along recommendations to the prospective club.
11. Funding Request- Peace Fellowship
    1. Peace Fellowship is organizing its annual trip to the School of Americas protest. They requested a total of $500 to cover transportation costs. Katie asked what the SOA was and Josh Kanagy gave an overview of what the organization is and what the protest is about. There are 12 students going and the group already has 2 vans to use. Hannah S. asked how PF will return the information to the campus from the protest. Kiersten said that the group will most likely write a WeatherVane article or hold a presentation in CG on the protest. Katie asked how much the individuals are going to pay. Kiersten said no more than $20 each. Ken mentioned that the group would have to spend $1800 if the group rented vans from EMU.
    2. Becca made a motion to give $500 with a suggestion to publicize the experience. Hannah S. seconded. 2 opposed. 10 approved. 1 abstained. Motion passed.
    3. Semester projects/goals- tabled
    4. Healthy Community Council Rep.
       1. Nov. 15^th @ 8- 10:30 in VMRC Detwiler Auditorium
       2.  James explained what exactly the group was, which basically came down to community development. Becca said she would be able to attend. Louise also said she would be willing to attend. James mentioned that Nels and him would also be willing to attend.
12. Open Floor
    1. Darian Harnish came in to make a motion from the student body to make an amendment to the constitution which consisted of the attached paper titled “MEMO.” The recommendation came with 89 signatures. Darian said the purpose of this would be toward student involvement and merit of candidates. Becca recommended that the posting of platforms on the voting website (whatever that might be) would be a good idea.
       1. James brought the amendment to a vote. It was passed unanimously.
       2. Ken said the motion is not yet in the constitution and mentioned the process it has to go in which can take WEEKS. Darian recommended the process be carried out in this election even though it is not technically in the constitution yet.
    2. Jacob apologized for not bringing snack.
    3. Louise reminded everyone of the Interfaith Dialogue.
13. Adjournment Brandon made a motion to adjourn. Joel Choi seconded.

Next Meeting: 16 November 2011 at 9 pm in UC 211/212

Eastern Mennonite University

Student Government Association Senate

Agenda

October 19, 2011

And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

- Micah 6:8

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call/Prayer
3. Approval of Minutes James motioned to approve minutes and Joel Choi seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Announcements Everyone received contact info.
5. Committee Reports
   1. Strategic Planning Committee
      1.  Nels, Brandon and Ken attended and increased enrollment was discussed (goal = bring enrollment up to 1,000; currently around 880). They want to bring in students from all around the country since many current students are local (from Virginia). They also aim to double the international student population.
   2. Writing Committee
      1. Joel and Vi reported. There was discussion about ungrad and grad May Writing Retreats (Kairos Place). It was reported that Kirsten Beachy and Judy Mullet lead the undergrad retreat, and grad department reps on the committee will survey the grad programs for interested students. The committee also discussed writing intensive course assessment on both the undergrad and grad levels.
6. Old Business
   1. Idea Drive- Brandon’s report Tabled
   2. Intramural concern
      1. Katie has a concern about entire teams from A league coming and also playing in B league and dominating, which she believes takes the fun out of B league. Becca Longenecker said that they are implementing a rule after fall break for upcoming intramural sports that only two A league players are allowed to be on B league teams.
7. New Business
   1. Funding Request- Third Culture Kids Club
   2. Tim Heishman and Melody Tobin presented. The club has not been in existence for about 2 years, but they are reviving it this year. They are requesting funds ($300 for the semester) so that they can have monthly meals and perhaps do some other minor events. They currently have 13 members. We suggested that they open the event up to the larger community (and do some advertising). Discussion ensued: people were concerned that the amount requested was too large and that while they are opening it to all students, many students may not go b/c it’s a meeting, rather than an event. Ken suggested that we ask them to give us more details like list all of their expenses so that we have an idea of where the money is specifically going. Louise Babikow said that she felt their intentions were pretty clear: one person will go to the grocery store and buy ingredients (and international ingredients do tend to be more expensive) and they will advertise. Hannah Patterson suggested that we ask them to advertise in a more intentional way (posters?) rather than just rely upon word of mouth. Justin Roth motioned to send a request to the Third Culture Kids Club to give us more information and details about this semester’s expenses and events. Becca Longenecker seconded. Approved: 6, against: 4, abstaining: 4. Motion #1 passed.
   3. Suicide Awareness Walk
      1. Events is scheduled for March 31^st, organized by CoachLink. There will be a meeting on Oct. 28^th from 8:30-12 and they asked for an SGA rep to attend (reps can attend part time). Katie suggested that we have one of their reps come and tell us about the event and tell us why they want SGA involvement (since the expectation for participation is pretty high). Ken explained a bit about what the event is and why it is important for the university. The goal for the walk is to have students from both EMU and JMU come together and walk in solidarity. It will be a pretty high profile event. Nels will contact CoachLink to have someone come and talk to SGA about the event next week.
   4. Weight Room Music Concern
      1. There is concern about the lyrics of some music played in the weight room (derogatory words, etc). Some senators voiced concern about the message that the music sends, which is contradictory to EMU’s values, etc. Brittney Wenger said that people can always request to change the music (and Justin Roth suggested asking the fitness center to put up a sign advertising this) and Katie Landis said that we should give specific suggestions and requests to the fitness center, rather than just sending a general complaint. Justin Roth suggested having certain types of music at specified times of day. Hannah Schrock motioned to give John the ideas that we discussed above. Katie Landis seconded the motion. Approve: 15, against: 0, abstaining: 1. Motion #2 passed.
8. Open Floor
   1. Louise Babikow and Alli Eanes have been planning an Interfaith Dialogue Panel to be held in Common Grounds in mid November and are in the process of contacting the final people to be on the panel. They currently have two student moderators and further plans are in the works.
   2. Sam Kauffman presented cards to those on the Spirit Week Committee and the Idea Drive Committee on behalf of the Encouragement Committee.
9.  Adjournment Motion to adjourn by Hannah Schrock, seconded by Brittney Wenger. Passed unanimously.

Next Meeting: 26 October 2011 at 9 pm in UC 211/212

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call/Prayer
3. Approval of Minutes Brandon Habron motioned to approve the minutes, Joel Choi seconded. Passed unanimously.
4. Announcements
   1. Board Luncheon- Nov.  11 @ 12
      1. Nels informed the SGA that everyone is invited to the Board meeting.
   2. Encouragement Table
      1. Sam Kauffman added an encouragement table outside the Post Office and encouraged people to use it.
5. Committee Reporting
   1. Institutional Review Board- Hannah Schrock
      1.  Said that it went well (she cannot say anything else since it is confidential).
   2. Bookstore Committee- Hannah Patterson
      1. The bookstore is always open to ideas from students, but there is a fine balance between what they can and cannot supply (though they want to be as helpful to students as possible and offer as much as they can).
   3. Undergraduate Council- James
      1. Budget is a bit short. Discussed how to improve retention rates for all students (and specifically for athletes and making sure they attend all classes). Talked about using cross-cultural program to draw students in (and how the fact that the lack of languages offered may hinder students from coming to EMU).
6. Old Business
   1. Spirit Week feedback
   2. Positive feedback about photos on SGA page on Facebook—increasing awareness about the SGA page. People have enjoyed the events in addition to the themes. Katie Landis needs volunteers to clean up windows advertising Spirit Week and Jacob Mack-Boll, Dan Sigmans and Sam Kauffman volunteered.
   3. Idea Drive- Brandon’s report
      1.  Brandon is still working on organizing all of the ideas he received so he asked the discussion to be tabled until next week.
7. New Business
   1. Intramural concern
      1.  A-league teams have been playing B-league teams (or A league teams are also forming B league teams) and destroying them so Katie Landis suggests setting up parameters to separate the two better. The rest of this discussion will be tabled until next week.
8. Open Floor
   1. There is concern about the yearbook not accurately representing the year it is designed for. For example, James Souder said that there were pictures of his older sister in last year’s yearbook even though she graduated several years ago. Additionally, there were photos on the theater page of a play that happened two years ago (though the page said that it happened last spring). Others said they had photos taken, yet they did not show up in the yearbook. Kat suggested having a yearbook class and Justin suggested talking to those in leadership and making some suggestions. Hannah Patterson suggested having photos for the yearbook in the caf lobby instead of in the Campus Center to be more visible. Brandon motioned to have an SGA committee for the betterment of the Shen and to add oversight and Joel Choi seconded. He added that if they do not improve their quality SGA should not continue to fund them. Motion passed unanimously.
      1.  The committee will consist of Brandon Habron, James Souder and Brittney Wenger.
   2. There will be a United Way Campaign happening at EMU this fall (starting right before fall break and going for two weeks). This will be like Coin War—pennies/dimes/nickels add points and quarters take away points—and there will be a collecting jar of some sort outside each residence hall (the winning hall gets a pizza party). They are asking for support from SGA (ideas/feedback about how to structure the campaign and also advertising) and are concerned about people stealing money so they are asking for SGA ideas about how to avoid this. Hannah Schrock suggested just labeling the jars so that people know where the money going and hopefully will be discouraged from stealing and also using a container with a small opening.
   3. Ken gave an update about Mariah Elliot: he shared that he filled her in on last week’s meeting and gave her options about potential reinstatement should she choose to seek it (she could petition the SGA to be reinstated if she wanted to and there would be another vote). At this point she has chosen to not seek reinstatement so she can focus on other priorities.
   4. Nels shared that the Strategic Planning Committee is meeting next week on Wednesday, October 19, from 1:30-4 and he needs another person to sit in on the meeting with him (and in future meetings for the rest of the semester). Brandon Habron will join him.
   5. Hannah Patterson said that she has met with Eric Codding about finding a room for the thrift room on campus and it is possible that one of the storage rooms in the basement of Maplewood can be used.
9. Adjournment Sam Kauffman motioned to adjourn. Hannah Schrock seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

Next Meeting: 19 October 2011 at 9 pm in UC 211/212

1. Call to Order at 9:02
2. Roll Call/Prayer
3. Approval of Minutes- Hannah Schrock motioned to approve minutes, Brandon second. Unanimously approved.
4. Announcements
   1. Constitution
   2.      Everyone was given constitutions and asked to read through them in free time.
   3. Committee Clear-up
      1.   Several committees still need people to sign up
   4. T-shirt design
      1.   Katie presented t-shirt ideas: purple shirts were approved.
   5. Thank-you to Bruce
      1.    Card for Bruce sent around as a thanks for providing breakfast for us at the SGA retreat (and Sam also sent around a card for Ken N.)
5. Old Business
   1. Spirit Week
      1.   A reminder for the spirit week committee to meet up after tonight’s meeting to touch base. Nels asked that they come to next week’s meeting with any ideas.
   2. Idea Drive
      1. Since Mariah is gone, the others who volunteered to help out should meet to discuss idea drive.
6. New Business
   1. Clothing Swap Room- Hannah Patterson
      1.     Hannah Patterson met with Eric Codding about this idea and brainstormed—Res Life is very open to clothing swap room. They suggested opening room in Roselawn and having room open on weekends and/or after dinners. Talked about clothing tags to organize how long clothes are there and having volunteers (enlist non-SGA members to volunteer?). Hannah is open to ideas and suggestions about other organizing strategies. Other potential room locations were suggested- Maplewood basement, for example. The idea was affirmed by senators. SGA can advertise. James suggested having other items there too, such as household items. Katie suggested specifying drop-off times so that people can’t just drop off random trash. People would not necessarily have to bring something to swap if they want to take something.
   2. OCP Meeting
      1.   Jacob and Kat attended. OCP plans to have a 10k walk/run on Oct. 29 and will provide breakfast/lunch, snacks at stops. They want each person in the event to try to raise $100 (but people will not be turned away if they cannot raise that much). There will be a costume contest. Last year they had 200 people and want to expand this year. Money will go to OCP to keep programs running. People would need to fill out forms and register in order to participate. Hannah S. suggested having the phys. Ed dept. or cross country team send out all-student email to advertise to students. Brittney Wenger suggested having OCP make posters, but having SGA hang them. SWIP will try to sponsor one person to do it. SGA would be able to sponsor the event if they so choose.
   3. Library Task Force Brandon Habron signed up for this committee.
7. Open Floor
   1. Hannah Schrock announced that Res Life approved the activation of all swipe cards for all dorm main lounges 24/day. She moved to disband (not disseminate, Nels) the “Open Doors After Open Hours” Committee and Brittney W. seconded (at 9:30). Motion approved unanimously.
   2. Sam announced that there is a new committee called the “Encouragement Committee.” Encouragement cards will be written for senators and there will be an “encouragement station” set up across from the post office in the campus center so that people can write nice notes to each other and put them in campus mail.
8. Adjournment
   1. Motion to adjourn @ 9:42 by Hannah Schrock
   2. Second- Hannah Patterson
   3. Approved unanimously

Next Meeting: 5 October 2011 at 9 pm in UC 211/212

Motion 13042011-4 to adjourn: Will

Second: Dan

Motion passed

Meeting adjourned (10:06)

smb 04/13/11