Student Assembly Minutes
September 21, 2009
Call to Order: 9:04 p.m.
Welcome to the new Class of 2013 representatives and 2012 Secretary/Treasurer!
a. Class of 2013 Representatives:
Knute Gailor, President; Liz Amster, Rep; Raymond Cudjoe, Rep; Michael Koester, Rep; Chip Sinton, Rep; Katy Smith, Rep; Ada Horne, Secretary/Treasurer
b. Class of 2012 Secretary/Treasurer: Denise Ghartey
Unfinished Business
a. Last week's motion, that the names of members who make statements be included in the minutes with their respective comments, was discussed.
i. Concerns were raised about the practicality of this idea, whether statements might be taken out of context, and if it would stifle open discussion. Student Assembly members often voice the concerns of other students or act as Devil's Advocates.
ii. This amendment would increase representative accountability, especially in regards to elections.
iii. It was suggested that Student Assembly agendas be submitted early to the Student Body to increase awareness of meeting topics, so that interested students could attend if they wish to see how their representatives respond to a particular issue or so they themselves could contribute to the discussion.
iv. Student Assembly is looking into the practicality of recording members' votes to keep a voting record in attempts to increase accountability.
v. The motion was laid on the table, to be resolved at the next Student Assembly meeting on 9/28.
Funding
a. Student Assembly approved the Funding Committee's report
i.
Click here for a full list of the funding decisions
ii. Organizations were asked to submit semester-long budgets and some have been asked to re-submit with more specifics added to their proposals, dates of events organizations plan on hosting are of particular importance
b. "Blue Out" at the Football team's first game of the season receives $149.56
Committee Reports
Food
iii. The committee met with Patrick Raynard last week
iv. Students who fill out comment/suggestion cards are encouraged to be more specific. If students want a response, please include an email address. Students can also email Patrick Raynard directly with concerns at praynard@hamilton.edu
v. Students are asked to return any silverware, plates, and cups they may have taken. It's okay to borrow them as needed, but please return them, as the dining halls are running low and would like them returned.
vi. Next Tuesday, Sept. 29th is Bon Appétit's EAT LOCAL CHALLENGE. All items originating locally including ham, cider, and the salt, for example. It will be served from 11:30-1:30 p.m. near Martin's Way. All other dining halls will remain open.
vii. Students can ask for deli meat or grilled chicken in McEwen
viii. New cereal options are coming to Commons
ix. Fresh-cut fruit will be kept out until 10:30, but they need to reset for lunch at 11 a.m.
x. Bon Appétit is bringing back "frost your own cookies."
xi. Local cider is going to be available over the next few weeks.
xii. McEwen congestion and long lines are due to a doubling in student usage from last year. Bon Appétit is compensating for this fact.
xiii. Students can use the meal equivalency program to get ingredients from Bon Appetit if students wish to cook a meal in their dorms. Email Patrick Raynard a week beforehand and he will take care of the arrangements.
Social Traditions
i. Fall Fest planning meeting next Wednesday in KJ 101 at 8:30 p.m.
ii. "Blue Out" section of stands at the home-opening football game this Saturday
Technology
i. Held a meeting with SK Films, which will shortly begin screening films
ii. Due to very strong student support, the Committee recommends that Cable TV be retained
Facilities
i. Broken lights previously identified by the committee are reported as being fixed
ii. The cross-walk near the KJ circle will be repainted next week
iii. Air-conditioning in KJ and the Library is being reviewed due to students' concerns of cold temperatures
iv. Campus Safety is evaluating costs and benefits of placing peepholes in student dorm doors. If any student has relevant comments, they are encouraged to contact Francis Manfredo at fmanfred@hamilton.edu
v. Continued efforts to increase composting on campus have been made, with the eventual plan for total composting
vi. Replacement markers for dry-erase boards in classrooms with weaker odors are being looked into
Student Interest
i. Meeting next Monday, September 28th at 8 p.m. in the Science Atrium
A. At this meeting members of the local business community will be speaking about ways of encouraging student interaction with the downtown businesses. Interested students are encouraged to attend, email rmaass@hamilton.edu
ii. The committee is waiting to hear from the library about expanding the library's collection of certain expensive textbooks
Diversity and Accessibility
i. There is an upcoming meeting, which will be advertised through an all-campus email
ii. This year the committee is looking to improve on its mission of accessibility, as well as expanding upon activities for small groups of students at off-campus venues.
New Business
a. It was suggested that Student Assembly address numerous students' concerns with Campus Safety. A representative of Campus Safety will likely attend a Student Assembly meeting in the next few weeks to help respond to these concerns or another means of addressing students' concerns about Campus Saftey will be explored.
Announcements
a. The Student Assembly's ad hoc committee for creating a Statement of Community Values will be meeting this Wednesday, September 23rd at 4 p.m. in KJ 104. All interested students are strongly encouraged to attend.
b. The Cultural Education Center will be hosting a forum this Tuesday, September 22nd from 4-5:30 p.m. in the KJ Red Pit. The forum will focus on the CEC's physical location and related subjects.
Meeting adjourned: 9:56 p.m.
