SENATE MEETING MINUTES
31st LEGISLAURE
MARCH 11, 2008
I. Call to Order
Roll Call
II. Approval of the Agenda
A. President Brady motions to approve the minutes. Senator Kennedy so moved.
B. President Brady motions to approve the agenda. Senator Manz so moved.
III. President Brady Report:
A. UPD Chief Carey is recognized to give an update. Chief Carey states that Officer McKeon was arrested for 2nd degree murder on a woman he was living with. President Howard issued a statement to the campus community; he has been suspended without pay. Our department has been cooperating with Orleans County police. Any questions on that point? Senator Cawthon states that some students have been concerned about future incidents like this, what is UPD going to do? Chief Carey states that this incident had nothing to do with his employment at UPD or training, service or level of protection. This incident occurred off duty and off campus it was a personnel domestic dispute, and there is not much the College can do in these regards. Senator Cawthon says this was just brought to me by students, talking about safety, and I just wanted to bring this up. Should we be concerned about our safety with the police force, has the police force taken some measure to reflect this incident and intervene in personal affairs? Chief Carey states you are correct and it is a logical question for someone to ask. We are all very upset and saddened by this, and it puts a blemish on our department. What we do is that when an employee is exhibiting problems, they are referred to therapy and employee assistance program. There was no evidence of Officer McKeon’s behavior to warrant this. We are very concerned with how this event affects our image on campus, and we want to rectify this and reassure you all that we are here to protect you and keep you safe. I hope we are given an opportunity to do this. The next topic is the burglaries in the Residence Halls, particularly in Tower 4 and Tower 1. I’ll give you a brief rundown of what has happened. Tower 4 was robbed January 22nd, items stolen from common suite areas where the rooms were unlocked. We took those reports and continued our investigations, and I know some of the students were unhappy with what was perceived to be our response. Our investigation led to the arrest of the suspect in both Tower 4 and Tower 1 burglaries, and we are taking appropriate action. In the Tower 1 larceny a student chased the suspect out of his suite, and we got a description. With the description we were able to, with the help of the victim, identified the suspect. He was living in Tower 1 unauthorized with his brother where we found the stolen items. We are now attempting to identify the owners of these items, and return them to them. He was arrested March 5th. We don’t always catch someone, but when a crime does occur and we investigate it, we can not release details, and that was why there was such a lack of details. We would have compromised our investigation and the suspect would have fled from the area. I understand the concerns with Officer McKeon, we share in your sentiments, and he does not reflect on our department. If there are in fact any problems, bring them to my attention, it’s the only way we can make positive change. Senator Cawthon says thank you for your support and answers. I would like to suggest if students could organize and help prevent things like burglaries, what can we do? Chief Carey says we have the UPSA’s, RA’s, the best thing any student can do is to safeguard your property. Secure your things in your room do not leave your valuable items in the common rooms. The best thing students can do is to protect your property and yourselves, make sure things are always locked. Senator Desimone states you said he was living in Tower 1, correct? Chief Carey says yes. Senator Desimone asks how he got into Tower 4. Chief Carey says we do not know; my bet would be that since he was a former student his friends let him in. Senator Dobney asks what about the surveillance equipment? Chief Carey says that is handled by the Res Life and the Dean of Students, and the system that is in place is pretty adequate, but I can’t speak on it specifically as it is run by Student Life. Senator Dobney asks has it been brought up to hopefully update the equipment. I understand that it is not in the hallways, but why not the stairwells? Anything could happen in those hallways, and no one would know. Chief Carey states not to my knowledge, but I will bring it up to Kris Kaufman and Tim Ecklund and make sure you get a response. Treasurer Gabriel asks if it was brought Tim Ecklund’s attention, but the issue at the moment is the cost. My question for Officer Carey is how is UPD now helping promote awareness of safety? Chief Carey states we created a larceny prevention flyer, which I was to told was distributed to all the resident students. We did Operation identification in Tower 4, and increased patrols of UPSA. We can only do so much; the students need to help us by protecting themselves as well. Senator Desimone just wants to state for the record that I am the chair of that committee, and I will be scheduling a meeting with you about other safety concerns. We also met and spoke about the camera system, and will be discussing that further. Chief Carey says we don’t monitor the cameras, and we don’t have the staffing to monitor all of these cameras. To use these pro-actively you need monitors, and that is another consideration when it comes to price. Senator Manz asks was it made known to the campus who the people are and is there a list of people’s names on who is not allowed into the buildings. Chief Carey states we can give you a list but without the knowledge or mug shots it will not be any good to you. We can only give out the name nothing else. Senator Cawthon says in regards to the cameras we have to keep in mind the privacy issues involved when it comes to these kinds of things, we can use less and just them in a strategic fashion. With all due respect, Senator Desimone, I’m just wondering why these reforms can’t be made now as opposed to fall 2008. President Brady asks if there are any more questions or comments and there are none.
B. Student Assembly, everyone knows, SA is the representative body of all SUNY institutions. We have two voting delegates, which are EVP Perez and myself. We can take non-voting delegates which will attend workshops on SUNY issues. The date is April 25th to the 27th and it will be in Auburn, N.Y. I will have more information on this in the following weeks.
C. Judicial update - on Feb 2008, Ed Manz vs USG took place. (Reads the verdict) see attached.
IV. EVP Perez Report:
A. Committee - the Academic Committee will be tabling tomorrow around 11 am. We usually breakdown around 1:30 but if no one is able to stay I will be breaking down at 12:00 because I have class. I’m still waiting for schedules from a few of you.
B. Springfest and Banquet Committees - this is the last call to get involved and help decided on a theme and other ideas such as food choice. I am mostly looking for ideas
C. USG Banquet gives awards at the end of the year. Meritorious award, USG Instructor of the Year, Senator of the Year, USG AVP of the Year and this can include Senator Pro-Tem and Rules Chair. There is also the Marie L. Bullock award for best USG Organization of the Year. We discussed this in our E-Board meeting and I am bringing the names to the Senate for you to choose one. The Asian American Organization, Pan African Organization, WBNY, Black Active Minds, Evergreen, Psychology and the Record. These were based on their improvement during the year, their programming and communication. Next are the USG Hall of Fame which is awarded to any one individual who had devoted a life long meritorious service to the college and USG. The organization who becomes the ultimate winner of the USG Olympics will receive an award. I am asking you to please bring this back to me by Friday at the latest. Student at Larges can also win the award.
D. The Banner competition - the winners are as follows: 1st prize Asian American Organization, 2nd place Evergreen and 3rd place is Pride Alliance. There were 10 organizations in total and 15 spots to hang them so everyone’s banner will be hung in the Game Room.
V. Treasurer Gabriel Report:
A. The Budget process will be done by tomorrow. Next week budget hearings will start and the Senate shall receive the budget to review in 2 - 3 weeks. Senator Manz asks if people can sit in on the hearings. Treasurer Gabriel says she will get back to him but most likely yes.
VI. Senator Pro Tem Nunez Report:
A. Liaison reports - I am passing out the sheets they are due on April 8th. Just a reminder to attach the minutes and attendance sheets.
B. Food Service Committee meeting update. The credit card machines are now working and they are thinking about putting a smart option in between the Grill so it will increase veggie options. Posters will be put up so students are aware of what there options are. Stanchions and line dividers are now in place to helpfully relieve the long line issue. Jump is not that popular it is declining. Sub Connections and Strutters are the most popular and they are looking for into more options. Complaints of cold food at the Grill will be looked into; food should only be out for a certain amount of time. Workers attitudes are being looked into; there’s been talk of adding cameras in the workstation so they can be watched. I will update you further after our next meeting. Cameras will also help, hopefully, stop theft. Veggie options are also expanding and we need suggestions for them. Construction of the new Residence dining is under way, the walls are being knocked down, and it will be on time. New dining options are out and you can feel free to ask for them. A new kiosk will be up in Rockwell like the one in the Science building. Our next meeting is the 18th at 1 pm in the Game Room Conference room 105H. Senator Manz asks with the decline in Jump, will it be replaced. Senator Pro Tem Nunez states it was looked at, but they want to look into making it more worthwhile and they want to work on the quality of the food. Senator Yazicilar states they were talking about kosher food in the Social Hall is too expensive, how can people get their kosher options or religious options? Senator Pro Tem Nunez states it will be brought up at the next meeting. Senator Yazicilar states that the kosher food has to be made in a separate kitchen, just so you know. Senator Cawthon states in regards to the cameras and workers attitudes, I’ve worked in food service a lot and I don’t think cameras will help the situation. If we want to improve their attitudes you have to go to the workers and ask them why they are acting like that in the first place. Senator Pro Tem Nunez states that the main point of the cameras is to help with theft; the side benefit was hopefully their attitude. I know a lot of people complain about it, but one thing to help the issue is to get their name and tell a manager so they can deal with it immediately. Senator Dobney asks who is paying for the cameras. Senator Pro Tem Nunez states she will find out at the next meeting. Senator Cawthon states that he wasn’t so much talking about the cameras; he was proposing that we start a dialog between the workers and the committee and avoiding the management. To solve the problem we must truly understand it, find out why it’s happening then prevent that in the future.
VII. Standing Committee Reports
A. AVP Jueckstock Communications Report:
- Union Bash is this Friday at 8:00 pm. The theme is Miami Red Carpet Affair. Set up is at 8 o'clock, and instead of going with the red carpet affair we want to go with a beach theme.
- Cake Decorating is on the 18th in the lower lobby. Tops is donating their cakes again, please remind your organizations to provide their own decorations and come decorate a cake. The event starts at 12:30 and volunteers would be great.
- I am passing out the carnival proposal for you to review for a week, we will not vote on this tonight. I broke down the budget as best as possible for you, I just wanted to show you the rides available. We're thinking of getting wristbands for students so the students could ride for free, we will be checking Ids. The games are listed, and prizes will be out this year. We will only pay for what we use this year. The food is debatable and listed for you, and extra tickets for the food and games will be purchased. We will have to be paying for UPD as well, keep that in mind. NTSO is also contributing $2500 for the event.
- Springfest PR committee is getting started but I want to get the hype out now so they canexpect to hear about it ahead of time. Anyone that wants to help is more than welcomed.
- Scavenger hunt is April 19th this year and we are looking for help for this as well. I need a lot of people. The Senator’s will act as guides for the organizations who qualify. It is in the process of being made. Sign ups will still be available so please talk to me.
- Tabling schedules have been sent out once again, everyone should have one. Tabling is now mandatory after a unanimous E-Board vote, if you let the AVP know they will work it out. We aren’t out to get you, but no one is showing up for tabling and this is an important duty of the Senate. Senator Kennedy asks in regards to the carnival where is the money coming from? AVP Jueckstock states from a combination of lines. I will have Treasurer Gabriel explains this. Treasurer Gabriel states once we finalize the rides, food, games, etc, then we can figure out exactly where the money will come from. Senator Kennedy states I know we passed the Hot Seat game, what will happen with the money from that? Treasurer Gabriel states as of right now we are still contemplating the game. Senator O'Grady asks are you expecting this to cost more or less than last year. AVP Jueckstock states less, because we are only paying for what we use this year, and we are expecting more income than last year as well. Senator Manz asks if tabling is mandatory for the AVP’s. AVP Jueckstock states yes.
B. AVP Hassan Community Affairs Report:
- Adopt a Highway - my committee had a meeting about it and we hope to get more information out soon. We hope to the back the 198 and Grant section.
- Bengal 5K - if you could sign up for what you would like walking, running or volunteering. If you are volunteering you need to be there at 7 am.
- Greek Feud is March 19th at 7 pm in the Student Lobby.
C. Rules & Regulation Greco Report:
- Re-recognition - Every three years USG organizations undergo the re-recognition process just as a check up of sorts. The Rules Committee would like to consider the re-recognition of Men’s Rugby, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and the Fashion Student Association (FSA). President Brady asks if the representatives of the organizations could please stand, state your name, position and your organization. (Organizations stand up and represent themselves) Floor is open for questions. Senator Manz asks if they are all funded. Rules & Regulations Greco states yes. Senator Cawthon asks what do you think you contribute to the campus community and how you are a service to the community? Men’s Rugby representative states we bring a lot of high school kids from the area and show them the college community, training and teaching them to be the best they can. Three years now we have gone from 15 to almost 50 members. We do autism fundraisers, and we do the best we can to represent Buffalo State. PRSSA representative states we are a big advocate in helping the communications majors, we are part of a national organization that helps students network, and we help with job skills and interviews. We've been making visits to the Ronald McDonald house and continue to do our community service. FSA representative states being that the fashion department is as small as it is, we do our best to enrich the Buffalo State campus in fashion and the students. We had a buying event last semester where it helped promote local vendors and businesses to promote. We are trying to get some community services together. Senator O'Grady asks FSA why you have only spent $150 dollars out of a $2000 dollar line, have you asked for more money, and how would you justify that? FSA states that a lot of us are new and with the guidance of the E-Board we have gotten together and now know how to use our budget. We are asking for a second chance now that we have direction and goals. Senator Mirsky asks what you are doing to recruit members and educate the Buffalo State community. Men’s Rugby representative states we go to orientation and talk to prospective members. FSA representative states that the way we affect students is during our GIs we try to do things that can attract people who aren’t fashion students like resume builders and portfolios. PRSSA representative states that they are here to serve the student body. We do promotions for other organizations and hold events for the entire student body, where we bring in professionals to advise students interested in that field. We've been working with a lot of professors to push the importance of being a group that’s part of a national organization with connections. Senator Cawthon asks if they ever considered your abilities and specialties to cooperate with each other, like PRSSA helping FSA with their recruiting problem and PR problems, or FSA helping Rugby make uniforms, why not unite. Treasurer Gabriel states on behalf of these organizations, they are all very productive and do an extensive amount of programming. With our guidance they are on a good path, these are three great organizations. Senator Yazicilar states that she supports all of these organizations as well, and I think you all appeal to different students. I recommend everyone votes yes to these organizations and I think the campus needs these organizations, keep up the good work. Senator Dobney states that she has had a few fashion students interested in the organization, so please get out to them. Also, what programs do you have planned for the rest of the year? FSA states make up night, pillow night for charity, and a banquet so that we can recognize the students interested in the club. President Brady asks if there are any more questions seeing that there is none we will now go into vote. President Brady states we will vote to re-recognize Public Relations Student Society of America. Vote it taken and passes 22 yeas, 0 nays and 0 abstentions. President Brady states we will vote to re-recognize Men’s Rugby and passes 21 yeas, 0 nays and 1 abstention. President Brady states we will vote to re-recognize Fashion Student Association and passes 20 yeas, 0 nays and 2 abstentions.
- Un-recognition - Rules & Regulations Greco motions to remove recognition from the Golf Club, Water Polo, and Ultimate Frisbee. Golf Club and Water Polo are funded but have not touched a single penny of their budget, all contact with organizations has failed. All three organizations did not submit new forms, or attend any mandatory meetings. On these grounds the Rules Committee thought we could take this money and use it for things to better benefit students. President Brady states floor is open for debate. SenatorCawthon states that in regards to their left over funding, I understand and agree, and I’m a big proponent of redistributing funding for better uses. I don’t think we should deprive them. These students obviously wanted this, and we shouldn’t take it away from them. Rules & Regulations Greco states that he has tried to explain this to them, but when organizations don’t exist and there is no one to talk to, there is no way we can help them. Senator Manz asks if the money is available for use if we un-recognize them now. President Brady recognizes Program Coordinator Lynn Korn. Lynn states that it goes back into the USG budget if there is a shortage it will help but it can’t be reallocated to something else. Senator Hirsch motions to previous question. Vote is taken and passes 21 yeas, 1 nay and 0 abstentions. President Brady states we will vote to un-recognize the Golf Club and vote passes 22 yeas, 0 nays and 0 abstentions. Vote is taken to unrecognized Water Polo and passes 22 yeas, 0 nays and 0 abstentions. Vote is taken to unrecognized Ultimate Frisbee and passes 22 yeas, 0 nays and 0 abstentions.
- Elections Roster - Rules & Regulations Greco states that Dr. Niman was unable to come tonight to submit the elections committee roster. Rules & Regulations Greco states that the following people are on the elections committee: David Rivas, Meg Knowles, Gary Marotta, Robert Jormusz, Elizabeth Adams, Frank Greco and Michael Niman. I would like to motion to approve the committee members. President Brady states the floor is open for discussion. Seeing there is no discussion we will move in to vote to approve the elections committee rooster. Vote is taken and passes 22 yeas, 0 nays and 0 abstentions. Senator Dobney asks if the organizations we unrecognized files be available for later reference. Rules & Regulations Greco states yes. Senator Cawthon states that he agrees that we need to save these files so students in the future can use them to bring the organization back should they be interested.
VIII. Old Business
A. President Brady recognizes AVP Jueckstock to talk about Violence Against Women. AVP Jueckstock states that she wants to talk about the grant renewal for the Violence Against Women committee. President Brady and I both signed onto the grant, many organizations and faculty also signed on. There are new initiatives on the grant, such as training for faculty, students, athletes, etc. I do have copies of the grant if you were interested. My committee will be helping Tammy Kresge with promotions for Take Back the Night; it starts April 11th at 6 pm. She would like for us to work with the Greek organizations to make a quilt, so please help us in that effort. Anyone interested in the committee please see me.
B. Senator Cawthon that he has proposed a bill that would help students in their procurement of their textbooks and other things. It is self evident that we need to address our own problems, since the leaders in the federal and local government do not care. Some will say this bill will focus on the few, that it will cost too much money, or is a waste of our energy and resources. I feel however it is our duty to defend the wants and needs of the student; I hope all of you would help me with not only this but other student issues in USG and beyond. Thank you for your time and consideration. President Brady states that anything that has to do with fiscal processing has to first go to the Budget Committee. Senator Dobney states that she would like to commend Senator Cawthon in your effort and I wish more people would be as passionate as you are. I do have concerns however, how will ten dollars help? Who will put forth the time and energy to find out who has these vouchers, who gets them, and how will we be fair? You are right that it is not fair the government doesn’t care, but it’s also not fair that so few benefit from this and it will increase every academic year. I would rather see money put towards cameras and safety, while I think this is a great proposal I think we should have other priorities. Senator Manz states that he also thinks this is a good idea, but I don’t think ten dollars would help as much as our efforts are spent elsewhere. I also have a problem with limiting it to a few students since it is coming out of our student activity fee. If it comes from the fee that everyone pays, then it shouldn’t be limited to a certain group of people. Senator Desimone isn’t NYPIRG looking into doing something with online books. Erin (from NYPIRG) states it is already in effect. Senator Desimone states that the library can also get books from other colleges for free, so please put that to use. I also spoke to other students and they weren’t really interested because its such a small voucher. Maybe we could have a drawing where one student gets free books every semester, that way its open to everyone and equal. Senator Cawthon states that he appreciates all of the feedback and the support. That is at the heart of the bill, to at least raise awareness of this issue. I think we should also look into and address all of the other issues brought forth by Senators. This bill is simply a response to a national problem, where students can’ afford school and books. It is good to know what other students think and hopefully we can work towards a better solution. This is something we do have to address as a student government. In regards to the accessibility of this voucher, I think the drawing idea would be financially irresponsible as someone that gets their books covered could still enter. Not all books are accessible online, some are necessary, some aren’t, and we all know book buy backs are a rip off.
IX. Constituent Questions/Announcements
A. President Brady recognizes Senator Desimone. Senator Desimone states that she met with Mike Heflin, he is the Associate Director for Student and Staff Development, the only person to come with me was Justice Zomerfeld. This is in regards to the Tower 4 burglaries and I am Chair of the Campus Safety Committee. What we have right now is that UPD is going to all resident dorms and checking that they are locked; if they are not locked they will lock them for you. As of now for the fall semester they are going to be changing our entry system to card swipe machines. They are also updating the surveillance equipment with more modern cameras. The claim forms from Student Life will only reimburse a student if they can prove that the item was lost due to the fault of a state employee. If anyone had a problem receiving their case files Mike Heflin will help petition on the behalf of the student. We want to change the designs of ideas to show which building you live in, to better identify students. Also, we want to bring more lighting to the Towers area. We talked about educational programs through orientation and how to protect your self. It was suggested that NY Alert should be active for wide scale thefts. Please let me know your concerns or questions. Make sure UPSA are checking Ids; get their names if they are not doing their jobs. If you call UPD and if they are rude to you or won’t help, ask for the officers name and check to see what time you called. Contact Chief Carey and give him this information so they can deal with it directly. President Brady asks if it is a swipe card couldn’t anyone walk in with the person swiping the card. Senator Desimone states it would be a swipe card for your suite. Senator Dobney asks if there is going to be some kind of punishment for people not locking their door after three times. Senator Desimone states that she will make a recommendation. Senator Manz states if you are locked out of your room and get a RA’s help three times you are written up and will get community service time. Senator Mirsky states that we shouldn’t be trying to punish UPSA or other students because some students got robbed. We can’t be going on a witch hunt because some students messed up. UPSA’s work really hard and are dedicated. If people want to leave their door unlocked that is their choice, it is personal responsibility. Senator Desimone states that she was never going on a witch hunt for UPSA, but UPSA was a problem, because no one was stationed there. It is not the UPSA’s responsibility, but I am saying that they should do a better job of checking Ids. It is their job and UPSA has recognized this as a real issue. Senator Dobney states that when I said to punish them, I didn’t mean anything harsh. But the fact is people need to be able to sleep knowing their doors are locked. We have to hold people responsible for their actions. After three times your suite needs to meet and figure out who is not locking your doors, which is what I meant. Senator Desimone mentions to join the Face Book Group and please share input, let me know your concerns, my meetings are open and I encourage all of you to show up.
B. Senator Hirsch asks Senator Cawthon when his bill will actually come to vote, we have been debating on this for three Senate meetings. Senator Cawthon states he is bringing this up to the Budget Committee tomorrow so hopefully it will be brought up at the next Senate meeting.
C. Senator Stone comments that Rules Chair Greco and I went to Ceramic Night, and it was a good time. Keep an eye out for more Ceramic Club events.
D. Senator Yazicilar announces that the International Fiesta is this Saturday at 6 pm. I will be performing a Turkish song, its going to be a lot of fun. There will be International food, and it will be a worthwhile event, please come. This Thursday during Bengal Pause I want to get my surveys filled out, my goal is 1000, so please help me help the students.
E. Senator Kennedy announces on the topic of safety to remember to lock your cars as well
F. Senator Dobney thanks the Senate for their support during her mother’s surgery.
G. Erin from NYPIRG is recognized to give an update. Erin states that there is a lot of stuff going with Higher Education. One of the things we are working on is to make textbooks cheaper, we are surveying Faculty to see what kind of books they use and what they are doing to make them cheaper for students. We have a press conference in late April to release the state wide results from this survey. These are Higher Education post cards that we are asking students to fill out. There are two different colors, one for Senator Bruno and the other for Speaker Silver. We are asking them to support Higher Education, TAP, and Higher Education costs. Please take one and sign it then return back to me. On St. Patrick’s Day we are having a press conference about the endowment plan; we have student organizations and businesses signing on to the plan. On Thursday we will be meeting with Sam Hoyt and advocating for increasing funding of TAP, SUNY and CUNY, and getting more fulltime staff. We collected letters advocating for our bigger better bottle bill. We are also looking to get letters signed to Senator Thompson for these issues. Hunger and Homeless dinner will be soon, and we will be doing the peanut butter and jelly jam, I’ll get back to you with the dates.
H. PRSSA states that they want the Senate to know that we will help any small organizations with publicity for their events, please let us know.
I. Tikia McBean (CSO) asks Rules & Regulations Greco and the Senate when they will know the status of their Caribash application. President Brady states that she called Tikia around 8 pm today to let her know that the alcohol agreement was voted down by the Rules Committee today. Tikia directs her question to Rules & Regulations Greco on what grounds was our application voted down? Rules & Regulations Greco states that he is not a voting member of my Committee, but the Committees reason was that the USG funds would be going to an event where alcohol was being served, and there was concern over the on campus agreement. Giscard Chery states that I heard you were going to vote for Organization of the Year, but how can you do that when you aren’t going to CSO, AASO and PASO meetings? President Brady states that the E-Board voted on the Organizations of the Year and then brought them to the Senate. Huewayne Watson asks the Senate how can you be making decisions for the student body when you aren’t in touch with the student body? President Brady states all of these Senators were elected by the student body or appointed by the elected officials of USG, who were elected by the students. Huewayne asks why aren’t the Senators reaching out to the student body, and why can’t CSO have their event off campus, it seems like the Senate is making decisions without thinking of the repercussions. President Brady states that she will respond at first, and then the Senate can respond as well. I firmly believe our Senators are reaching out and doing their jobs of representing both large and small organizations. CSO member states that we know you all understand the importance of promotion in order to have a successful event. How do you think we can have a successful event when we are being hindered? Ibrahim says we asking for the liquor license to be signed to have the event off campus. How can we, as an organization, even have a successful event without the funding? This program has been successful in the past, and we are not rebels, and we do not want to cause issues, but we will stand up for what we want. How can the Rules Committee represent the full concern of the student body? Senator O'Grady Point of Information, does it not say in the Constitution that all alcohol related documents go through the Rules Committee first? Senator Manz says if you are worried about money for programs; why not collaborate with other student organizations for it? If you knew you were at the cap you should have budgeted better. I don’t know how many of you were here when I was sworn in, but one thing I swore to do was to serve, protect and defend the United Student Government Constitution, and that’s what I do. If you think what we're doing is wrong then run for positions in USG and make a change. If you don’t think I’m doing my job then don’t vote for me next semester. Senator Yazicilar states that she is glad you came to the meeting, but as a Senator and part of the Budget Committee, I’m not going to talk for every Senator here, but I think everyone here is doing their job. I think there’s miscommunication, but I think we're doing the best to fix that and go out to all of the students. I’m sorry about what is going on with Caribash, and I feel that every Senator here is doing their job, but if we keep attacking each other we will never get anything done. Instead we need to come to a compromise and work together, I would like to learn more about CSO and help CSO, I always try to go out, and please go and support our organizations. Let’s put all of the arguing and attacking behind us and do our respective jobs and help the student body. Senator O'Grady motions to adjourn. Senator Manz 2nd. President Brady states there is a motion on the table to adjourn the meeting. Vote is taken and does not pass 8 yeas, 10 nays and 3 abstentions. President Brady asks if there are anymore questions or announcements. Senator Yazicilar asks if we really answer their questions. President Brady states that they had their time to respond.
J. Senator Carrasquillo asks when do these Committees meet and how are they assigned? EVP Perez states in your application you check off which Committee you are interested in. Unless a AVP drops out or there is some kind of change, then you will be reassigned. You are welcomed to go to Committee meetings however, you simply can’t vote and have to be recognized to speak.
K. Senator Cawthon states that he agrees with Senator Yazicilar there needs to be order and we are doing everything we can. Senator Dobney states when she transferred here my sophomore year one of reasons I came was for CSO, and I think you are doing a great job. I went to events and programs last year, and I really feel this is a feud between USG and CSO. CSO only shows up when they are mad about something, and you guys need to be here other than that. I put a lot of my time into this, and all of this arguing is so pointless, come talk to us, come talk to me. When you know ahead of time your budget you need to budget for things that is why it is called a budget. Senator Mirsky state that he wants to give a few tips to CSO, and I wanted to commend them for being here. But on the same token, if you wanted us to attend your meetings, we would like you to attend ours. Sometimes things simply do take three weeks to finish. I know there may be problems with money constraints on campus, but there are just as many issues off campus like transportation and access to students. I’m sure you spoke about those issues however. I have a mailbox, leave me questions, the Senate is here to help you not hurt you, and every committee has a job to do. Senator Kennedy asks if the alcohol agreement is the same that was passed for Dollar Jam earlier this year. President Brady recognizes Lynn Korn (USG Program Coordinator). Lynn states yes it is the same. Senator Kennedy states that she feels like this is a personal vendetta against CSO, I’m not trying to attack anyone. I’ve never been to this event or any of their other events, but I know what they do and I’ve heard about their programs. It would be nice if CSO came to our meetings, not only when they have a problem. This is not a personal attack, and this feud needs to stop because it is affecting so many people. Senator O'Grady states as for the personal attack, I don’t personally know anyone from CSO, so how could I possibly have a vendetta? We were sworn to defend the Constitution and that is what we did. Senator Desimone states that as far as blaming the Senate, we actually passed your money, and the unconstitutionality was deemed by Judicial, it was the Senate that voted yes, so your problem is elsewhere. AVP Jueckstock states that she agrees with Senator Kennedy and everything she said. I guess my question is, if the Rules Committee passed it first time, then why did you deny it the second time? Senator O'Grady states that the motion was voted against for a couple of reasons. We were made aware of that even if we agreed on the liquor license in the end the Administration makes the final call. Looking at what we decided on was a serious catch-22. Allowing it to pass would have jeopardized production lines for Springfest, Fallfest, and Caribash, we need that help to put on our shows. No matter what, someone would have been disappointed, and I’m sorry that it had to be CSO. It was not an easy choice to make but we had to make it. Senator Stone states that he wasn’t going to ruin two events for one event. Also, CSO had already taken money out of their line for Caribash and they weren’t willing to compromise by cancelling one or two of their programs. Senator Hamilton states that he voted to give CSO the license, and felt USG should have given it to them since we have a larger budget and rearranged ours to make Springfest happen. Senator Kennedy asks why four people get to decide whether or not an event happens. We didn’t know that by voting no to give CSO the $3,500 we would jeopardize other USG events. Senator Manz asks has it been said that they can’t have their event. President Brady says no. Senator Kennedy states that this isn’t fair because we voted not to give them the money. It is not fair for us to decide that because they are tapped out they can’t do the event. Senator Manz asks if CSO is out of money. President Brady states no. Senator Kennedy says its come to the point where they need to have the event. President Brady states that all that was voted down was the liquor agreement, not the event. Senator Hemingway makes a motion to adjourn. Senator Hirsch 2nd. President Brady states there is a motion on the table to adjourn the meeting. Vote is taken and passes unanimously.
X. Meeting adjourned.