Minutes

Sep 27 2009

Sep 27, 2009

Minutes for 27 September 2009 Plenary Session

Attendance

Marlo Barrera

Samantha Bass

Jules Brouillet (arrived 7:18)

Geneva Dampare

Patrick Doherty

Reshard El-Shair (facilitating)

Will Floyd

Matthew Harris

Matt Presto (arrived 7:38)

Cristina Rodriguez

Kalan Sherrard (arrived 7:55)

Sarp Yavuz

Isaac Yoder

Others Present

Tim Ballard

Dean Linda Gates

Ben Jones (Office of Communications)

Alex Posa

Luke Squire

Check In

7:10 Senators check in

Minutes and Agenda

7:12 Approved agenda and minutes tabled until next plenary session

Outside Business

7:14 Ben Jones reports on the North Professor Street Construction Project. The City of Oberlin requires every new building to have 1 parking space for every 2 beds. The new building will house 150 students and 80 parking spaces will be required. Isabelle Rosendaal made a proposal to prohibit the first-years who live in the building from bringing cars to campus. The college would need a variance in order to only build 20 spaces instead of 80. Ben Jones requests that Senate establish a referendum with language for a green pledge that incoming first-years would sign in order to live in the new building.

Questions followed as to Molly Tyson's position on this issue. Dean Gates assured Senators that Tyson was open to the idea, though she was worried that a precedent might be set concerning the use of the building for its entire existence.

Ben Jones emphasizes the need to make an emotional appeal to the City as soon as possible and that, ultimately, the City would determine how many spaces were to be built.

Samantha Bass inquires as to whether or not it would be possible to build no new spaces. Ben Jones responds that 20 spaces is a compromise that the City would probably accept.

Reshard El-Shair reiterates Ben Jones' proposal to have a referendum question about this matter by Fall Break. Luke Squire offered to meet with the newly elected Liaison after senate checks out. Jules Brouillet said that Senate would do its best to get a referendum started as soon as possible. Ben Jones acknowledges that getting a referendum started is not usually a quick process and that a week or two to get it started would be acceptable. Luke Squire points out that it took three weeks to reach quorum with the Green Edge Fun, so that it's possible to have a referendum complete by Fall Break.

7:35 Tim Ballard, of the Edge Fund, explains the Edge Fund's history and purpose and the role of the Green Liaison. The Edge Fund meets once a week, though the Green Liaison is not required to attend every meeting. Contact info: www.oberlin.edu/stuorg/edgefun and edgefund@oberlin.edu

7:39 Matt Presto and Jules Brouillet check in

7:40 Alex Posa brings to Senate's attention that the College requires shirts and shoes to be worn in the dining halls. According to his research and inquiries, state and county law do not require this. He believes that the rulebook should change its language to reflect reality and Senate should undertake that the issue of whether or not shoes and shirts should be worn in dining halls on campus.

Several Senators raise questions about the potential of hazards and liabilities, and Posa states that he has no problem with the shirt issue, and that the College would not be liable in the case of injury or other hazard. Alex Posa reiterates that he wants Rule Number 5 (which he presented to the Senate) should be repealed.

Further discussion continues about the nature of laws concerning this issue and whether or not it was the role of the Senate to undertake this dilemma. Dean Gates informs Senate that in order to change the rule, information would have to be researched by someone and then presented to Kim Davidson.

Proposal (1) by Cristina Rodriguez to establish a working group to look into dining hall codes.

Proposal (1) passes 10-1-1.

Membership: Cristina Rodriguez (chair), Alex Posa, Patrick Doherty, and Jules Brouillet

7:55 Kalan Sherrard checks in.

Office Hours

7:57 Kalan Sherrard comments that office hours should be distributed equally around campus in order to maximize exposure to the student body.

Proposal (2) by Sarp Yavuz to make a Facebook group with Office Hours listed.

Jules Brouillet comments that this should be the job of the Outreach Coordinator(s). Marlo Barrera adds that the board in Wilder should also be updated.

Proposal (3) by Marlo Barrera to have Cristina Rodriguez make a Google Calendar and invite everyone else to it.

Further discussion continues surrounding the use of Facebook and other methods of exposure to the Student Body. Jules Brouillet points out that no one medium is effective and that multiple mediums should be employed. Will Floyd adds that at least one Senator should have office hours during TGIF in Wilder Bowl.

Proposal (2) passes 13-0-0

Proposal (3) passes 13-0-0

Announcements

8:20 Matt Presto states his position as interim treasure and passes around a form for newly elected Senators to complete.

Office Hours

8:22 Cristina Rodriguez states that a student asked her why it takes so long for student organizations to get chartered. Reshard El-Shair replies that the chartering process involved multiple steps and that organizations often get stuck on one of the steps.

Kalan Sherrard states that this is an added agenda point and that it is not necessary for all Senators to report on office hours if they have nothing to report.

Jules Brouillet states that he didn't hold office hours, but that he advised several candidates as to how to run their campaigns.

Reshard El-Shair states that several students have asked about trashcans and recycling bins missing from south campus, but that he has yet to talk to Facilities.

Working Groups

8:27 Reshard El-Shair reports that none of the working groups met, but that Kyla Moore will be meeting with more personnel for the Tuition Transparency Working Group.

Jules Brouillet says that he chairs the Town-Gown working group and asks if any other Senators would like to join.

Patrick Doherty and Cristina Rodriguez join the Town-Gown working group.

Decisions

Bylaws Change:

8:35 Jules Brouillet distributes a bylaws change proposal to the Student Senate that eliminates the position of Operations Manager, among other things (exact language is at the end of the minutes).

Proposal (4) by Reshard El-Shair to appoint Senators for three weeks using the older system and proceed at that time depending on how Senators are performing their duties.

Proposal (5) by Jules Brouillet to adopt the aforementioned proposal and to rename the Appointment Liaison position to Committee Appointment Liaison.

Jules Brouillet points out that previously adopted changes to the bylaws had not been inserted into the older bylaws, and that it is important who the Senate elects as Secretary,

Proposal (5) passes 7-4-2

Proposal (4) withdrawn

City Council Forum:

8:48 Jules Brouillet announces that he would like Senate to sponsor a City Council Forum on Thursday, 29 October in either West Lecture Hall or Craig Auditorium. He points out that the forum that is already in place (12 October) is the same night as the Death Penalty Forum and that he is going to ensure that there are no more than 2 forums for the City Council candidates.

Dean Gates comments that the history of candidates' night being at First Church was to have one forum in a central location.

Proposal (6) by Jules Brouillet to sponsor the aforementioned forum.

Proposal (6) passes 13-0-0

Working Group Updates

9:00 Kalan Sherrard says that he never officially disbanded the Office Hours working group.

Linda Gates suggests that the Tuition Transparency Working Group should have a forum on tuition transparency.

9:04 Five Minute Break

9:09 Clarification of Officer Positions

Officer Position Appointments

9:28 Reshard El-Shair says that previous senators submitted reports at the end of the previous term saying how senators fulfilled their officer positions. Kalan Sherrard comments that he failed to complete his report.

Self-Nominations for Officer Positions:

Reshard El-Shair: SFC co-chair

Matthew Harris: Liaison

Jules Brouillet: Events Coordinator, Chartering Liaison, City Liaison

Sarp Yavuz: Liaison, Outreach Coordinator

Isaac Yoder: Chartering Liaison, Associate Liaison

Will Floyd: Outreach Coordinator and Committee Appointment Liaison

Cristina Rodriguez: Committee Appointment Liaison, Green Fund Liaison

Geneva Dampare: Chartering Liaison, Outreach Coordinator, and Committee Liaison

Kalan Sherrard: Liaison, Committee Appointments Coordinator

Matt Presto: Treasurer

Patrick Doherty: Outreach Coordinator, Secretary

Marlo Barrera: Outreach Coordinator, Events Coordinator

Sam Bass: Green Liaison

Liaison:

Senate hears candidate speeches and asks questions.

Senate enters executive session.

Senate exits executive session.

Kalan Sherrard is appointed Liaison.

Associate Liaison:

Senate hears candidate speeches and asks questions.

Senate enters executive session.

Senate exits executive session.

Matthew Harris is appointed Associate Liaison.

Treasurer:

Matt Presto gives speech.

Matt Presto is appointed Treasurer.

Secretary:

Patrick Doherty gives speech.

Patrick Doherty is appointed Secretary.

Technology Manager:

Proposal (7) to table this position until the next plenary session.

Proposal (7) passes 13-0-0

SFC Co-Chair:

Reshard El-Shair gives speech

Reshard El-Shair is appointed SFC Co-Chair

Chartering Liaison:

Senate hears candidate speeches and asks questions.

Process suggestion by Will Floyd to vote on whether or not to elect more than one person to this position. Jules Brouillet advocates having more than one person to edit charters. Reshard El-Shair comments that he doesn't believe that more than one person is necessary for this position.

Reshard El-Shair process suggests to move onto voting.

Proposal (8) to appoint only one Senator to the Chartering Liaison position.

Proposal (8) passes 8-1-3

10:47 Senate enters executive session.

10:51 Senate exits executive session to ask more questions of the candidates. Kalan inquires as to the interests of the candidates in other officer positions.

10:53 Senate enters executive session.

10:54 Senate exists executive session.

Isaac Yoder is appointed Chartering Liaison.

Events Coordinator:

Senate hears candidate speeches and asks questions.

Jules Brouillet requests that both Jules Brouillet and Savitri Sedlacek be appointed to this position.

Proposal (9) by Reshard El-Shair to vote on both candidates as a slate. Passes 13-0-0.

Jules Brouillet and Savitri Sedlacek are appointed Events Coordinators.

11:00 Kalan Sherrard process suggests that Outreach Coordinator be considered next. Rejected by general feelings.

11:01 Several Senators remove themselves from consideration for other officer positions.

Committee Appointments Coordinator:

Nominees: Kalan Sherrard, Cristina Rodriguez, and Will Floyd

Senate hears candidate speeches and asks questions.

Proposal (10) by Sarp Yavuz to elect three people to this position.

Proposal (11) by Will Floyd to elect two people to this position.

General discussion on the advantages and disadvantages on the number of people serving in one position and sharing duties.

Proposal (11) passes 13-0-0

Proposal (10) withdrawn

Senate enters executive session.

Senate exits executive session.

Cristina Rodriguez and Kalan Sherrard are appointed as Committee Appointment Coordinators.

Committee Liaison:

Nominees: Geneva Dampare, Will Floyd, Savitri Sedlacek

11:28 Sarp Yavuz enquires as to whether or not Senators can rescind their officer positions. Discussion on this issue and how it might be approached.

Proposal (12) by Jules Brouillet to elect two Senators to this position. Passes.

Senate hears candidate speeches and asks questions.

Senate enters executive session.

Senate exits executive session.

Will Floyd and Geneva Dampare are appointed as Committee Liaisons.

Outreach Coordinator:

Nominees: Sarp Yavuz, Patrick Doherty, Marlo Barrera, Savitri Sedlacek

Senate hears candidate speeches and asks questions.

Senate enters executive session.

Senate exits executive session.

Patrick Doherty, Marlo Barrera, Savitri Sedlacek, Sarp Yavuz are appointed as Outreach Coordinators.

City Liaison:

Jules Brouillet is nominated and gives speech.

Proposal (13) to elect Jules Brouillet as City Liaison

Proposal (13) passes 12-0-0.

Green Liaison:

Nominees: Marlo Barrera, Samantha Bass, Savitri Sedlacek

Proposal (14) by Sarp Yavuz to elect all three nominees.

Proposal (15) by Matthew Harris to elect two nominees.

Proposal (14) withdrawn.

Senate hears candidate speeches and asks questions.

Senate enters executive session.

Senate exits executive session.

Marlo Barrera and Samantha Bass are appointed as Green Liaisons.

11:53 Reshard El-Shair process suggests that a facilitator be chosen for next week's plenary session. Rejected by general feelings.

11:54 Jules Brouillet proposes that a working group be created to be called the Committee on Committees Working Group. Passes by general feelings.

Membership: Cristina Rodriguez, Kalan Sherrard, Will Floyd, Geneva Dampare

Facilitator for next week: Matt Presto

Dean Gates reminds Senators that Thursday night at 9pm there is an open forum for students hosted by the class trustees. It is an opportunity for students to talk to the trustees. She requests that suggestions for potential conversation topics be emailed to her (linda.gates@oberlin.edu) by Tuesday evening. Senators promise to oblige.

11:58 Senate Checks Out

SENATE BYLAWS AMENDMENT

V. Senate Officer Positions

a. The Senate shall elect officers at the first meeting of the full Senate and shall elect interim officers at the last meeting of the full Senate. If an office is vacated a new officer shall be elected immediately. The Senate may amend its officer positions, both in number, content, and title to best suit the individual Senate's needs at the first meeting of the full Senate, by a majority vote.

i. Liaison

1. The Liaison shall be the Senate's spokesperson with the staff, faculty, administration, Trustees of Oberlin College, and the greater Oberlin community.

2. The Liaison shall coordinate the legislative work of the Senate and send the Senate's legislation and proposals to the appropriate faculty committees or administrative offices.

3. The Liaison shall keep track of the Senate's outstanding business producing a regular report to this effect, and deliver a "State of the Senate address" once a semester, to be printed in student media. The spring semester address shall also be presented at a meeting of the General Faculty.

4. The Liaison shall serve on the General Faculty Planning Committee.

5. The Liaison shall send a thank you card to each trustee that attends the Class Trustee Forum on behalf of Senate.

6. Only one senator may serve as Liaison.

ii. Associate Liaison

1. The Associate Liaison shall work with the Liaison to coordinate the Senate's legislative work.

2. The Associate Liaison shall coordinate the network of student advocates, meetings with the administrators of Oberlin College, and serves on the Student Life Committee.

3. The Associate Liaison ensures that Senators, student committee members, and the college community are informed about campus governance. The Associate Liaison shall act as a resource for senators and students on the college governance system.

4. The Associate Liaison shall coordinate a project each year during orientation to teach new students about the campus governance system and activism.

5. Only one senator may serve as Associate Liaison.

iii. Secretary

1. The Secretary shall keep the agenda and take minutes for Senate meetings. The Secretary shall make all minutes approved by the Senate public.

2. The Secretary shall distribute copies of all passed legislation to the General Faculty through the General Faculty Council, to the Dean of Students, to the Board of Trustees, and to the Secretary of the College.

3. The Secretary shall publish the Senate bylaws and coordinate bylaw revisions, keep the Senate handbook up to date, and look into Senate reforms. The Secretary shall act as a resource on Senate's operating procedures.

4. The Secretary shall update the officer list in the Student Union office, and send the electoral code of conduct to all Senate candidates after the nominations period for a Senate election is completed.

5. The ~~Interim~~ Secretary at the beginning of each semester shall send copies of the minutes to the Oberlin College Archives.

6. An Interim Secretary shall be appointed for the duration of the absence of the Secretary.

iv. Treasurer

1. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the Senate's payroll, overseeing the internal business of the Senate, collecting Senators' work logs, individual senator accountability, and monitoring the attendance of Senators.

2. The Treasurer manages the Senate mailbox, the Senate office Senators' office hours, and distributes new time-cards to Senators.

3. The Treasurer shall write and submit a budget for the Senate to the Student Finance Committee during the annual budgeting process.

~~Operations Manager~~

4. ~~The Operations Manager shall be responsible for overseeing the internal business of the Senate, individual senator accountability, and monitor the attendance of Senators.~~

5. ~~The Operations Manager maintains lists of working groups and their memberships.~~

6. ~~The Operations Manager organizes and runs retreats for the Senate.~~

7. ~~The Operations Manager manages the Senate mailbox, the Senate office, and Senators' office hours.~~

8. The Operations Manager shall update the officer list in the Student Union office, and send the electoral code of conduct to all Senate candidates after the nominations period for a Senate election is completed.

v. Technology Manager

1. The Technology Manager shall provide technology support and manage Senate's website, e-mail account, list-server, and elections. If the Technology Manager is running for reelection, he, she, or ze shall designate and train a senator who is not running for reelection to be responsible for running the election.

vi. Student Finance Chair

1. The Student Finance Chair shall serve as chair of the Student Finance Committee (SFC).

vii. Chartering Liaison

1. The Chartering Liaison is the Senate's principal liaison to all student organizations and ensures that organizations are informed of and have the opportunity to be involved in the work of student government bodies.

2. The Chartering Liaison coordinates prompt consideration of organization charters. The Chartering Liaison is responsible for inspecting or coordinating the inspection of charters in accordance with the proper format and recommending it to the Senate for approval.

viii. Events Coordinator

1. The Events Coordinator shall coordinate Senate referenda and shall be responsible for organizing and conducting forums and other Senate-sponsored events or community-building activities.

2. The Events Coordinator shall be responsible for determining the agenda and substance of forums in coordination with the Senate.

3. The Events Coordinator organizes and runs retreats for the Senate.

~~ix.~~ ~~Committee Coordinator~~

1. The Committee Coordinator shall coordinate interviews for student committee appointments and give recommendations to the Senate regarding student committee appointments and/or removals. The Committee Coordinator serves as the liaison to student appointments.

2. ~~The Committee Coordinator shall monitor the attendance of students on faculty, administrative, and ad hoc committees.~~

ix. Committee Appointments Coordinator

1. The Appointment Liaison will recommend appointments and removals to the Senate, and will maintain a working database of student committee representatives that will be made public to the student body.

2. The Appointment Coordinator solicits and coordinates appointment interviews and ensures that at least two senators will be present at each interview. Whenever possible, the Appointment Coordinator will arrange to fill vacancies on committees before they occur.

3. The Appointment Coordinator shall arrange and coordinate interviews of candidates for committee seats. Students may be interviewed and appointed as early as one semester in advance of the beginning of their term. For example, a student may be appointed in the Spring to fill a vacancy that will not appear until the following Fall. Senate may choose to appoint a student for a term longer than one year.

x. Committee Liaison

1. The Committee Liaison will recommend appointments and removals to the Senate, and will maintain a working database of student committee representatives that will be made public to the student body.

2. The Committee Liaison will monitor the attendance and activity of student members of working groups and of student members of faculty, administrative, and ad hoc committees.

3. The Committee Liaison will present a report of student committee member activity once monthly at Senate plenary session, and make the reports public to the student body.

4. The Committee Liaison maintains lists of working groups and their memberships.

xi. Outreach Coordinator

1. The Outreach Coordinator shall be in charge of publicizing Senate activities, including but not limited to the bulletin board, newsletter, events, elections, and publicizing election results as well as additional outreach, publicity, and electronic correspondence regarding Senate information.

2. The Outreach Coordinator is in charge of communication with existing campus publications and media. The Outreach Coordinator will publicize all passed legislation to the student body.

3. The Outreach Coordinator shall update the Senate Roster and Office Hour Assignments when a new member is appointed to Student Senate and post them on the bulletin board and the Senate website.

xii. ~~College/~~City Liaison

1. The ~~College/~~City liaison is responsible for representing the Student Senate in affairs with the college to benefit the common welfare. The ~~College/~~City liaison will attend City Council and City of Oberlin meetings, as necessary, and will serve on all working groups.

2. The ~~College/~~City liaison will hold at least one forum a semester to discuss an issue pertaining to ~~College/~~City relations.

xiii. Green Liaison

2. The Green Liaison shall attend fortnightly Green Tea meetings organized by the Office of Environmental Sustainability. The Green Liaison shall report the discussion and actions by Senate regarding environment-related issues, at the Green Tea meetings. The Green Liaison shall also report issues raised at the Green Tea meetings to the Senate plenary.

3. The Green Liaison shall attend the Oberlin Student Cooperative Association (OSCA)'s Environmental Concerns Committee (ECC) weekly meetings. The Green Liaison shall report the discussions and actions by Senate regarding environmental-related issues, at the ECC meetings. The Green Liaison shall communicate the concerns and projects of the ECC to Senate.

4. The Green Liaison shall keep Senate informed about other on campus environmental events, news, and relevant information.

May 3, 2009

Senators Present

Kalan Sherrard (Facilitating)

Christina Rodriguez

Alix Siminson

Reshard el-Shair

Jules Brouillet

Luke Squire

Ben Klebanoff

Leah Pine

Shannon Ikebe

Matt Presto

Kyla Moore (left 8:06)

Jon Harmatz (late 7:30)

Justin Brogden (late 7:30)

Others present

Dean Linda Gates

Andrew Watiker

Check In

7:09 Senators check in.

Minutes and Agenda

7:14 Approved agenda and minutes amended.

Outside Business

7:16 Kaln Sherrard reported that a student asked about the possibility of donating food leftovers to a church. Dean Gates reported that Christ Episcopal Church has a hot meals program, and designed to feed the needy, Shannon Ikebe suggested that the student contact Michele Gross.

Working Group Reports

Decafe

7:18 Alix Simonson reported that she attended dining committee. At that meeting Michelle Gross presented a new proposal regarding the hours of operation of the Decafe. The Decafe would be open proving full service from 9AM-8PM, but only groceries would be available from 8PM-11PM Monday through Thursday. Decafe would provide full service on Friday's from 9AM-11PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 4PM-11PM. Alix Simsinon also reported that she will be meeting with Dean Gates on Monday to disucss the issue and highlighted that she still has not been given access to financial information regarding the volume of business done through Decafe.

SRIC

7:20 Matt Presto reported that he sent out a final draft of the charter to the Investment Committee and the full Board of Trustees. He reported that he had received some feedback on the charter from Board Chair Robert Lemlee. The Investment Committee will be voting on the charter later in May before the full meeting of the Board of Trustees in June.

Reading Period

7:21 Luke Squire reported that Calendar committee met, and the soonest that a change will be implemented in regards to the length of reading period is for 2010-2011 academic year. The committee will be meeting again next Saturday at 10AM.

Referendum

7:21 Reshard el-Shair reported that the referendum is 47 votes away from quorum and will send out a few more announcements this week. It was process suggested, and approved, that Andrew Watiker work with Reshard el-Shair to certify results of the referendum. Also process suggested, and approved, that Luke Squire report on tentative results of buy survey to transportation and other related committees overseen by the office of Sandra Hodges.

Town Gown

7:25 Jules Brouillet reported that the working group had talked with Peter Zabo about his work on the planning commission, and had also discussed main street dining issues. Jules Brouillet also reported that the East College Street project had a parking lot approved, and set an agenda for the meeting with Sandra Hodges on May 15^th. AS inquired as to the letter we offered to write with Pete Zabo to the planning commission regarding new parking lots, and Jules Brouillet reported that Pete Zabo will write the letter when the referendum reaches quorum.

Announcements

7:29 Jules Brouillet reported that there is a town gown relations meeting tomorrow at 4PM, and to RSVP with Maggie Robinson. It is specifically part of the quarterly meetings the college is having as a result of the mediation with Saul Green.

7:30 Cristina Rodriguiez reported that there is a meeting with members of the science department regarding their policies surrounding animal experimentation.

7:33 Kyla Moore announced that the working group regarding race issues resulting from the Mexican party met. She reported that the group will work to allow students to have more of a say in the hiring of certain administrators, to have educational events regarding race issues during orientation and direct students to specific trainings around race related issues, to change cultural diversity requirement so students study cultural diversity issues, and ensure that new hires receive an element of training around race and minority issues. Se also reported on the "speak out" organized by "the coalition". At this event, students expressed their reactions to events on campus, experiences with racism, and students highlighted the goals of the coalition. Kyla Moore also reported that there is pledge that students can sign in Azariah's regarding this issue. Dean Gates reported that these events were received well, and were well attended. Some senators reported that students and others have expressed concern regarding making cultural diversity requirement different and mandatory in a way so that students have to study minority issues. Senators expressed support for events that are ongoing, and Leah Pine reminded Senate that this is an long term issue that Senate should be involved with. Ben Klebanoff informed senate that students used to have to go through anti-racism training, which were viewed to be largely unsuccessful and cautions Senate to look and see what events were done in the past when planning events for the future. Reshard el-Shair informed senate of his belief that social justice institute program was largely successful because students want to be a part of the program, and suggests that making this event mandatory would make this program less successful.

7:55 Jules Brouillet reported that he met with students from Bucknell University to discuss their bike sharing program. Reported that issues surrounding parking at Bucknell are very similar to issues at Oberlin. Their bike sharing program is managed by the Bucknell student government. He asked senators who were interested to talk to him.

Decisions

Committee Appointments

Student Union Board

7:57 Leah Pine reported that she attended interviews for the Student Union Board, with Chris Baymiller, Mikayla Layton, Megan Mitchell, and Emily Wachowiak. The group came to a consensus regarding the individuals who applied. Proposal (1) by LP to appoint: Sarah Chase, Dory Trimble, Pablo McConnie-Saad, Meredith Simon-Pearson, Gabriel Stewart. Leah Pine described the qualifications of the candidates, and endorsed all of their appointments to the Board.

8:03 Voting on Proposal (1) passed, 13-0-0.

Student Finance Committee

8:03 LP reported that reappointment interviews were conducted last week, and more appointment interviews will be conducted this upcoming week. Proposal (2) by AS to table appointments until all other candidates have been interviewed.

8:05 Discussion of reappointment interviews that had been conducted. Nick Adell, Ian Seely, Ted Waddelow were interviewed. Nick Adell and Ted Waddelow had particularly strong reappointment interviews, and several senators suggested they should be reappointed immediately.

8:09 Proposal (3) by Reshard el-Shair to reappoint Nick Adell and Ted Waddelow, and make other appointments at next meeting. Many senators voiced concerns over reappointing Ian Seely. Reshard el-Shair voiced concern that with many new applicants their might be a severe lack of experience on the future SFC, and he would like to ensure there is some institutional memory.

8:15 After approval voting, it was decided to vote on Proposal (3) first, voting on Proposal (3) passed 13-0-0.

Brett Foreman points

8:19 Proposal (4) by Ben Klebanoff to censure Brett Foreman. He outlined the following specific rational for the censure: failure to distribute time cards, failure to distribute work logs, failure to fulfill promise made in a proposal at last plenary session, failure to attend general faculty meetings, failure to attend committee meetings, failure to ensure that senators get paid, and failure to attend Fagerstrom working group meetings. Leah Pine outlined belief that Senate should not issue a censure unless a senator accumulates points. Kalan Sherrard outlined the rational in the bylaws for censuring a senator includes many things beyond point accumulation. Luke Squire outlined his belief that Brett Foreman had failed to meet promises to Senate and individual senators. Jon Harmatz outlined that he was not able to do his job because of Brett Foreman's failure to distribute work logs.

8:26 Tabled the issue until Brett Formena arrived at the plenary session, or until the rest of agenda is finished.

Bottled Water Issues

8:27 Shannon Ikebe informed Senate that CDS will Establish a new water fountain in Wilder.

8:30 Proposal (5) by Shannon Ikebe that the Senate make known its support CDS' process to gradually phase out the provision of bottled water from campus and the liaison contacts Michelle Gross with this statement, and to send this statement to The Review also. Ben Klebanoff voiced his opposition to the resolution, and expressed his belief that students should be able to choose whether or not to purchase bottled water. Other senators expressed support for the proposal.

8:35 Voting on Proposal (5), roll call vote:

Kalan Sherrard-Yes

Christina Rodriguez-Yes

Alix Siminson-Abstain

Reshard el-Shair-Abstain

Jules Brouillet-Abstain

Luke Squire-Abstain

Ben Klebanoff-No

Leah Pine-Yes

Shannon Ikebe-Yes

Matt Presto-Yes

Jon Harmatz-No

Justin Brogden-Yes

6-2-4 failed due to a lack of support

It was noted that this proposal did in fact pass in accordance with the rules of the feminist process. The proposal was considered passed and acted upon.

Discussion

Internal voting procedures

8:39 Shannon Ikebe detailed that he has an issue with the fact that abstentions are not considered a non-vote. Alix Siminson voiced support for the idea that proposals be approved by a majority of the senators present. Leah Pined suggested that abstentions could reflect a senators rational for making an abstention, is a senator wants their rational reflected in the minutes, Shannon Ikebe expressed support for this idea, and suggested that senators should be able to provide rational for all votes. Ben Klebanoff expressed his belief that proposals from a body as small as senate should not pass without the majority of the entire senate.

8:45 Proposal (6) by Leah Pine to write bylaws language allowing senators to explain the rational of their vote, so that those who "abstain" can make an explanation regarding their vote to the secretary. Kalan Sherrard expressed that this might be a passive aggression action, and senators should discuss things before senate votes on an action. Shannon Ikebe reinforced his belief that their needs to be a way for a senators vote to not be counted. Some senators expressed that some senators have abused use of abstentions. Kalan Sherrard suggested that senators can functionally not vote by leaving the room. Jules Brouillet expressed support for allowing senators to explain vote especially in light of use of roll call voting, as well as support for current system. Many senators expressed disagreement with idea of re-voting on proposals.

9:05 Voting on Proposal (6) passed 10-2-0.

Reclaim Lorain

9:06 Leah Pine reported that "Reclaim Lorain" did a lot of work to register people to vote. The organization wants to coordinate a chapter to operate at Oberlin, and Laura Rios, a representative of the group, was unable to come to plenary session but wanted to discuss the idea with the rest of Senate. Leah Pine expressed hope that Senate could be involved with this group. Luke Squire wondered how Senate should involve themselves in local politics, but hopes city liaisons could work with this group.

Senate-SFC Issues

9:12 Reshard el-Shair suggested that issues between SFC and Senate are largely a result of proposals made between the organizations, without discussion between the organizations. Proposal (7) by Reshard el-Shair to create a working group that would discuss issues brought up in either area before addressed by the respective organization. He suggested that the group should look over proposals made up of members between the groups. AS suggested that this should be the responsibility of the Senate's liaison to SFC. Reshard el-Shair informed senate that SFC voted down proposal to approve of proposals from the office staff before these proposals are made to Senate. Ben Klebanoff suggested that senators were opposed to seeing things from SFC not on principle but only because that the proposals were made so that Senate was not informed that these issues would be coming on to the agenda before the meeting, and senators expressed agreement with this idea. Leah Pine suggested that creating a group would not hurt Senate. Alix Siminson expressed her belief that the creation of this working group would create a hurdle between these organizations and would not improve the relationship.

9:28 Voting on proposal (7), passed 9-2-0. Alix Siminson joined the working group.

Decisions

Brett Foreman points

9:31 Issue brought up again as per process suggestion. Proposal (4) friendly amended by Leah Pine to censure Brett Foreman additionally since he accumulated 23 points by not attending this weeks plenary.

9:34 Justin Brogden suggested that other senators deserve censure, and that perhaps senators are only voting because of individual feelings. Luke Squire outlined his belief that actions of other senators have not impeded senate's function in the same way as Brett Foreman's actions. Senators expressed agreement with this sentiment, and senators suggested that other senators could be held more accountable for their actions. Andrew Watiker suggested this issue adds to the importance of maintaining number of points senators accrue on website, and writing emails to senators who have accrued points. Jon Harmatz responded that he sent BF an email informing him of the amount of points he accrued. Other senators expressed how Brett Foreman's lack of action has resulted in lack of needed finances, and how finances provide ability to serve on Senate. Andrew Watiker mentioned that a censure will appear on Google searches.

9:54 Secret ballot vote requested on proposal (4). Voting: Yes--11, No--1, Passed.

10:03 Proposal (8) by Leah Pine that Brett Foreman provide evidence for Senate to not be censured within 24 hours, that if this done the Senate can rescind the censure via confidential online vote, and would not inform the Review of the decision. In discussion senators suggested that Senate would have nothing to be ashamed of in this action and the vote should stand, other senators expressed their belief that Brett Foreman should be allowed to respond to allegations outlined in the censure.

10:12 Voting on Proposal (8) passed 8-2-1

Calendar committee

10:13 Proposal (9) by Leah Pine to appoint Luke Squire to a full year term to the calendar committee. Passed 9-0-1

Next Plenary

10:14 Proposal (10) by KS to make next plenary session optional. Failed, 4-5-2

Facilitator for next week--Matt Presto

Check Outs

10:14 Senators check out.

Justin Brogden--to wrap up school year

Jon Harmatz--to determine what is going on with work logs so points can be fully allocated.

Matt Presto--to finish school year.

Leah Pine--to graduate college.

Ben Klebanoff--to update bylaws.

Luke Squire--to create Senate scrapbook, and develop state of the Senate address.

Jules Brouillet--to develop charter for office of student communications, to attend city council meeting, and to attend town gown meeting.

Cristina Rodriguez--to work with town gown, and discriminatory activities working groups.

Kalan Sherrard--to help ensure meetings get facilitated more effectively.

Apr 26, 2009

Senators Present

Kyla Moore (facilitating)

Brandon Gaorian

Shannon Ikebe

Matt Presto

Leah Pine

Luke Squire

Jon Harmatz

Justin Brogden

Brett Foreman

Christina Rodriguez

Alix Siminson

Jules Brouillet

Kalan Sherrard

Ben Klebanoff

Others Present

Dean Shozo Kawagucci

Dean Linda Gates

Giordano Hardy

Cindy Camacho

Holland Hamiliton

Kameli (Students of Caribbean Ancestry)

Check In

7:04 Senators check in

Approve Minutes and Agenda

7:10 Minutes and agenda approved

Outside Business

7:10 Kalan Sherrard reported that a student asked him how the College utilizes recycled paper. Specifically the student was wondering whether the college prints items on "first tier paper". Dean Gates reported that her office only uses recycled paper. Shannon Ikebe expressed interest in looking into this.

Announcements

SFC/Forum Board/Student Union Board reappointments

7:12 Alix Siminson, and Luke Squire asked committee coordinators to start process for reappointing people to committees. Ben Klebanoff offered to reach out to the Student Union Board about their reappointment process.

Vandalism

7:14 Jules Brouillet reported that he had scheduled a meeting with Sandra Hodge to discuss vandalism issues on campus for May 15^th.

Mexican Party

7:16 Cindy Camacho and Giordano Hardy reported that they had come to the plenary meeting to represent La Alianza, and support Kyla Moore's resolution (attached). Kyla Moore presented here resolution and asked senate to adopt the resolution as a proposal (proposal 1). Also reported that La Alianza and other student groups will be hosting events to discuss this and other troubling events that have occurred throughout the year.

7:21 Leah Pine facilitated this discussion. Senators expressed general support for the resolution and some suggested changes for grammatical issues. Jon Harmatz asked for clarification regarding the statement in the resolution that, "Oberlin College fosters discriminatory activities". Kyla Moore suggested that lack of reaction form the college tacitly supports racist actions, that lack of education from institution results in discriminatory actions, that this was the third time that such a party has occurred, administrative structure makes it hard for students to report these activities and makes it hard for students to actually be educated or disciplined for taking these actions, other actions of the institution make it hard for students of color to feel adequately represented and respected (ex. ResEd putting students in Afrikan Heritage house without educating students about why the house was created or informing these students of the house rules).

7:28 Alix Siminson requested an account of what occurred at the party. Cindy Camacho expressed that her organization had heard many different accounts of the party. It is generally agreed that a party that was themed "Mexico" occurred, and people who hosted the party reported that they were drunk upstairs. The party was hosted off campus last Saturday, and an unknown number of students attended. Some people in attendance were dressed up as drug dealers, and illegal immigrants. A picture of the event detailed a sheriff handcuffed to an "illegal alien". Other pictures showed individuals putting on tanning lotion to appear to have darker skin, and several latin@ students reported that they were harassed to give clothing to party. She reported that the hosts of the party were questioned by members of her organization, but attendee's were not. Kyla Moore also describes other types of events which inspired this resolution: derogatory comments on "Oberlin confessional", students in dressed in blackface for Halloween, parties with other derogatory themes: "pimps and ho's", white trash themed party.

7:35 Senators expressed support for the resolution. Some senators suggested that these events might be caused by liberal atmosphere on campus which encourages students to think their actions couldn't possibly be racist. Justin Brogden questioned the tone of the resolution towards the College and asked what attempts have been made to work with the College on this issue (suggested using OCDC to moderate dialogue). Cindy Camacho reported that their group had discussed this event with President Krislov and Dean Gates, chairs of other minority groups, and is working to create some sort of educational event for orientation next year. This year the group will be organizing a solidarity event on May 1^st. Other senators suggested the resolution was vague and only addressed race issues in terms of student interactions with the College and not with other students.

7:50 Proposal (2) by Justin Brogden to co-host an open forum with La Alianza and OCDC, and to devote a column on this issue in the next issue of the Review. There will be a forum hosted on May 2^nd by La Alianza. In discussion it was suggested that the party hosts wanted to serve "Mexican" drinks--Corona's and margarita's and that the intent of these individuals should be kept in mind when discussing the event. Other senators mentioned that the faculty statement of the College suggests that students do not have to face any form of harassment and any harassment can be disciplined by the College.

7:59 Proposal (3) by Jules Brouillet to amend the resolution (attached).

8:03 Proposal (4) by Alix Siminson to create a working group to finalize the language of the resolution using the suggestions for the resolution presented at plenary if no version of the resolution is adopted by the Senate, and examine the avenues available to students to: report issues of discrimination, and educate students about issues of diversity. Discussion regarding how the resolution and proposals reflect the interest of students, how the resolution portrays the Oberlin administration, how the event affected students, how the college can take steps to address these issues through cultural diversity requirements and orientation programs, how faculty need to be involved in these sorts of dialogue, and how students who are here because of institutional support can approach the institution with criticism.

8:41 Approval voting on the resolution proposals:

Kyla Moore--1

Brandon Gaorian-1

Shannon Ikebe-1

Matt Presto-1

Leah Pine-3

Luke Squire-3

Jon Harmatz-3

Justin Brogden-3

Brett Foreman-3

Christina Rodriguez-3

Alix Siminson-3

Jules Brouillet-3

Kalan Sherrard-abstain

Ben Klebanoff-3

8:43 Voting on Proposal (3):

Kyla Moore--No

Brandon Gaorian-No

Shannon Ikebe-Abstain

Matt Presto-No

Leah Pine-Yes

Luke Squire-Yes

Jon Harmatz-Yes

Justin Brogden-No

Brett Foreman-Yes

Christina Rodriguez-No

Alix Siminson-No

Jules Brouillet-Yes

Kalan Sherrard-No

Ben Klebanoff-No

Failed 5-8-1

8:44 Voting on Proposal (1):

Kyla Moore--Yes

Brandon Gaorian-Yes

Shannon Ikebe-Yes

Matt Presto-Yes

Leah Pine-Yes

Luke Squire-Abstain

Jon Harmatz-No

Justin Brogden-Abstain

Brett Foreman-Yes

Christina Rodriguez-Yes

Alix Siminson-No

Jules Brouillet-No

Kalan Sherrard-Yes

Ben Klebanoff-No

Passed 8-4-2

8:45 Voting on Proposal (2), passed 14-0-0. Voting on Proposal( 4), passed 13-1-0. Working group membership: Giordano Hardy, Cindy Camacho, Kyla Moore (Chair), Matt Presto, Justin Brogden, Brett Foreman, Christina Rodriguiez

Working Groups

EDGE fund fee

8:47 Luke Squire reported that the working group will be meeting this week.

Composting

8:48 Leah Pine reported that the working group met, discussed working on getting a compost themed hall in Dascomb, and are investigating composting facilities in Ohio that Oberlin could contribute to.

Socially Responsible Investment Committee

8:48 Matt Presto reported that the group met and finished a draft of their charter, which they will present this week to Marcia Miller the CIO of the College.

Communications

8:49 Jules Brouillet reported that the group met, and will be proposing to create a student funded staff position to work with office of communications. He further reported that he will work to create a charter outlining the details of this office.

Town Gown

8:50 Kyla Moore reported that group was active in several community events, firehouse is getting renovated, and reported that programs sponsored by town making it easier to renovate homes in town so homes are sustainable. Jules Brouillet reported that group will be meeting at 3:30PM tomorrow in the Senate office or on Wilder porch and will be discussing a wide array of topics.

8:58 Shannon Ikebe became facilitator as Kyla Moore had to adjourn.

Decisions

Decafe

8:59 Proposal (5) by Ben Klebanoff that Senate suggests that cuts be made so that Decafe could remain open to students for service at 1AM. Alix Siminson suggested that students can't be involved in the process to find a different way to cut costs if students can't analyze the finances of dining services. Luke Squire suggested that students need to be involved in the process in some substantial way.

9:02 Proposal (6) by Alix Siminson to create a working group to meet with Michelle Gross to try to develop a better process to handle budget cuts in dining services budget, specifically the working group requests access to the same financial information dining services has available so that Senate can be in position to make an informed recommendation to this process.

9:03 Proposal (7) by Luke Squire to adopt the statement below regarding student involvement in decision making process to close Decafe.

"We, the Student Senate, ask that discussions regarding the operation of De Café include Oberlin students. While we recognize that cuts must be made as the operational budget of the school is decreased, we do not support drastic changes to aspects of student life to be made with out solicited input, discussion, and consultation of the student body. Inasmuch, we do not support the loss of our late night grocery, dining, and social center to be implemented without a greater and more inclusive conversation to first occur with the student body."

Discussion as to Senate's role, and the need for student involvement in this process of cost cutting. Many senators expressed a belief that a more positive outcome could be reached.

9:18 Voting on Proposal (5), roll call vote requested:

Brandon Gaorian-Abstain

Shannon Ikebe-Yes

Matt Presto-Abstain

Leah Pine-No

Luke Squire-No

Jon Harmatz-No

Justin Brogden-No

Brett Foreman-Yes

Christina Rodriguez-Yes

Alix Siminson-Abstain

Jules Brouillet-Yes

Kalan Sherrard-Abstain

Ben Klebanoff-Yes

Failed, 5-4-4

9:23 Proposal (6) passed 11-1-1, Proposal (7) passed 9-2-2. Membership of the working group: Alix Siminson (Chair), Luke Squire, Brandon Gaorian, Brett Foreman, Jon Harmatz, Shannon Ikebe. It was suggested that guests from last week's senate plenary should be invited to attend meetings of this group.

Points

9:25 Ben Klebanoff inquired as to the number of points senators have accumulated. Justin Brogden and Leah Pine suggested that senators should submit work-logs to both treasurer and operations manager, so that attendance to events can be monitored more easily.

9:34 Proposal (8) by Brett Foreman that he submit a complete document of work logs by tomorrow morning. Voting on Proposal (8), passed 8-3-2.

Committee appointments

9:42 Amanda Miller interviewed for athletic committee, and has recommendation of the committee coordinators. Proposal (9) by Leah Pine to appoint Amanda Miller to Athletics Committee. Voting on Proposal (9), passed 12-0-1.

9:44 Hannah Kahn applied for the SFC alternate position, and will be voted on next week, after a more extensive presentation can be made on this topic.

9:47 Jules Brouillet applied for a seat on the dining committee. Proposal (10) by Kalan Sherrard to appoint Jules Brouillet to the committee. Voting on Proposal (10), passed, 13-0-0.

Reading period "table"

9:50 Leah Pine suggested that senate should collect letters from students complaining about the length of reading period. Proposal (11) by Leah Pine to coordinate a process to receive letters from students, allow students to sign a petition advocating for a longer reading period, and hear student concerns on this issue. Luke Squire suggested that the group might include a computer at table to allow students to vote in referendum.
9:53 Voting on Proposal (11), passed 13-0-0.

Discussions

New housing selection policy

9:57 Ben Klebanoff presented housing selection policy proposed in an advertisement in the Review. Kalan Sherrard reported that Stevenson was locked on the day of the forum to gather more student input in the process to create a new housing selection process, and Jules Brouillet reported that the forum was very small. Ben Klebanoff inquired whether Senators had any feedback regarding the process. He reported that he felt the process was a step in the right direction, but was not perfect. He also suggested that students with feedback regarding the process should also go to the forum on April 29, in Craig at 8PM that was advertised with the announcement of this process.

Facilitator for next week--Kalan Sherrard

Check outs

10:00 Senators check out

Luke Squire--get quorum on referendum.

Jules Brouillet--to work towards quorum, and hold working group meetings.

Alix Siminson--to schedule a meeting with Michelle Gross.

Kalan Sherrard--meet with faculty about SRIC, and continue committee appointments

Leah Pine--continue to fill open committee positions

Shannon Ikebe--continue to work on composting issues

Student Resolution on Discriminatory Campus Activity

Whereas, Oberlin College has adopted a student's rights and responsibilities policy that includes a faculty statement on Discriminatory harassment and racial abuse and harassment;

Whereas, Oberlin College is committed to a safe and encouraging educational and social atmosphere for all students, regardless of race, creed, ethnicity, place of origin, disability, gender, political persuasion, religion or sexual orientation;

Whereas, social gatherings on Oberlin campus have been created with discriminatory and stereotypical themes that are in violation of the student's rights and responsibilities policies;

Whereas, Oberlin College Students have engaged in discriminatory and harassment towards other students on the basis of racial identity and intimidation of the receiver thwarts reporting to proper authorities or officials;

Therefore, be it,

Resolved, that Oberlin College administration openly addresses and engages in action to swiftly correct issues of racial and other discrimination on Oberlin campus;

Resolved, that Oberlin College improve the current discussion of race, class and gender during freshmen orientation activities and informational sessions;

Resolved, Oberlin College should take responsibility for not having taken sufficient preventative measure to discourage discriminatory activities on campus, and to create an atmosphere to examine the college's proper avenues for future action.

Jules Brouillet's amendments:

Resolved, that Oberlin College administration openly addresses and engages in action to swiftly correct issues of racial and other discrimination on Oberlin campus;

Resolved, Oberlin College should foster an integrated community on campus, and create an atmosphere to examine the college's proper avenues for future action.

Apr 19, 2009

Minutes by Justin Brogden, Standing in for Recording Secretary

Agenda

Check-ins
Outside Business

-Michele Gross

-Composting

-SFC

Announcements

Working Group Reports
Decisions
- EDGE Fund Statement

- Committee Appointments

-STV
Discussion
Facilitator for Next Week

Check-outs

Attendance

Leah Pine (facilitating)

Luke Squire

Brandon Gaoiran

Alix Simonson

Jules Brouillet

Cristina Rodriguez

Jon Harmatz

Justin Brogden

Kyla Moore

Matthew Presto

Shannon Ikebe

Brett Foreman

Also attending

Linda Gates, Dean of Students

Michele Gross, Director of Dining
Sam Lee
Marlo Barerra, DeCafe Student Worker
Colin Wolfe (prospective student)
Gus Wezerek
Jonah Kaplan-Woolner, Review Staff
Sam Bass
Melissa Streng,
Cole Hershkowitz, SFC Office Staff
Pete Sabo

Minutes

Check-ins

7:06 - Senate convenes. Senators check in.

Outside Business

Change in Decafe hours

7:10-Michele Gross joined Senate to address rumors that the DeCafe would be reducing its hours for the upcoming school year. She explained that due to the economic situation dining services was asked to reduce costs, specifically the operation budget and the cost of food. CDS wanted to retain staff and quality. Oberlin has more evening program then most schools its size and so the decision was made to reduce the hours of Decafe which will not close at 8pm on weekdays and 10pm on weekends as opposed to 1am. Michele Gross pointed out that the reduced hours might be a short term solution.

7:28-Luke Squire suggested that instead of having Pastry and Coffee in the Ratskellar from 8-11 to instead continue to have the grocery portion of the Decafe available.

7:35-Senators suggested closing the Decafe at some other period of time such as in the morning. Michele Gross felt that this will be awkward to negotiate due to the schedule of the full-time staff.

7:45-Senators and students proposed a number of alternatives to closing the DeCafe, including closing other dining halls, adjusting the hours of workers and reducing the amount of food.

Composting

8:27-Melissa Streng and Sam Lee joined Senate to discuss the establishment of a compositing working group.

8:30-Proposal (1) by Melissa Streng to establish a Composting working Group.

8:32-Proposal (1) passes 14-0-0

SFC Database work

8:33-Cole Hershkowitz joined Senate to ask for a stipend to work on developing a SFC database. He explained that he had been worked on updating the Finance Committee's antiquated database over Winter Term and planned to do such

8:40-Justin Brogden that Cole Hershkowtiz's proposal was a wage and not a stipend. He suggested that a fixed stipend be established.

8:41-Luke Squire proposed that the Winter Term stipend (Proposal 2) and for his future work over the summer (Proposal 3).

8:45-Members of Senate who has served on SFC talked about the urgent need of the database.

8:47-Matthew Presto proposed (proposal 4) that Senate do incremental voting to determine the amount of the stipend and to decrease that amount by $100.

8:49-Reshard El-Shair proposed( proposal 5) that the Winter Tern Stipend and summer 2009 stipend be voted on as a package.

8:50-Leah Pine mentioned that Senate has been having difficulties determining stipends for tech work.

8:51-Proposal (6) by Shannon Ikebe to table this issue for next week.

8:55-Proposal (7) by Justin Brogden to give a set stipend of $600.

9:20-Reshard El-Shair explained that Cole Hershkowitz would not be an employee of the SFC and so he could be paid a wage.

9:22-Friendly amendment to proposal 6 for SFC to conduct an employee search.

9:30-Kalan Sherrard expressed concern over Senate's continued inefficiency.

9:53-Propsal (8) by Brandon Gaoiran to vote on the Winter Term Stipend and to table the summer stipend issue to next semester.

9:54-Proposal (9) by Cristina Rodriguez to vote on the Winter Term Stipend in incrementally.

9:56-Voting on Proposal (6) to table the issue and start a hiring search

Leah Pine-No

Luke Squire-No

Brandon Gaoiran-No

Alix Simonson-No

Jules Brouillet-No

Cristina Rodriguez-No

Jon Harmatz-Yes

Justin Brogden-Abstain

Kyla Moore-No

Matthew Presto-Abstain

Shannon Ikebe-Yes

Brett Foreman-Yes

Kalan Sherrard-Abstain

Reshard El-Shair-No

Proposal (6) fails 3-8-3

10:00-After approval voting Proposal 8 was voted on first

10:05-Proposal 8 passed 9-3-2

10:05-After incremental voting the stipend was set at $600

Parking Issue

10:06-Peter Sabo updated senate on the issue of a Parking Variance for the new college housing. He expressed his optmism about the prospects of a parking variance passing and asked that senate write a formal letter to the city's Parking Committee.

10:10-Senators expressed their satisfaction about the progress being made.

10:13-Proposal (10) by Leah Pine that the Liaison and other senators draft a letter to send to the Parking Committee and other college administration.

10:18-Proposal (10) passes 12-0-0

Announcements

10:20-Matt Presto announced that Carl Deal, Producer of the Documentary Trouble in the Water would be holding a screening and Q&A session.

10:22-Alix Simonson reminded Senate that they would be meeting with Robert Lemle, Chair of the Board of Trustees and asked for agenda items:

Agenda Items

SRIC-Socially Responsible Investment Committee

Trustee's role in City Council Relations

Financial Aid/Pell Grants
Graffiti and Vandalism

10:25-Grafitti and Vandalism cloth banner

Working Group Reports

SFC Working Group

10:28-Alix Simonson proposed (proposal 11) that the SFC Charter Working Group disband

10:28-Justin Brogden reminded that Working Groups had to submit a summary of their activities before they could be disbanded.

10:28-Proposal (11) withdrawn

Social Responsible Working Group

10:30-Jules Brouillet reported on the recent work of the Town-Gown Working Group.

Social Responsible Working Group

10:35-Jules Brouillet reported on progress with the Textbook working group and his plan to submit a resolution to the General Faculty.

Decisions

Edge Fund Statement

10:43-Luke Squire proposed (proposal 12) that Senate draft a statement that would set the Edge Fund that sets the Edge Fund at $20 a semester, which was the original intent but had been implemented at $10 a semester due to confusion.

10:47-Dean Gates expressed her concern about having a waivable fee that wasn't presented in a transparent way.

10:50-Senators discussed a way to make the ability to waive the Edge Fund more transparent.

10:53-Proposal (12) amended to include working group to address the transparency issue.

10:55-A roll call vote was requested for Proposal (12)

Luke Squire-Yes

Brandon Gaoiran-Yes

Alix Simonson-Yes

Jules Brouillet-Yes

Reshard El-Shair-Yes

Cristina Rodriguez-Abstain

Jon Harmatz-Yes

Justin Brogden-Yes

Kyla Moore-Abstain

Matthew Presto-Yes

Shannon Ikebe-Yes

Brett Foreman-Yes

Proposal (12) passes 10-0-2

Working Group Membership;

Cristina

Brett

Shannon

Jon

Luke Squire (Chair)

Committee Appointments

11:02-Tabled for until next week

STV

11:03-Shannon Ikebe proposed (proposal 13) that Katie Kuksenok be paid $500 for creating an STV system for Senate. He explained the further research into Open STV software has shown that the program would not sufficiently meet the needs of Senate.

11:10-A roll call voted was requested:

Luke Squire-Yes

Brandon Gaoiran-Abstain

Alix Simonson-Yes

Jules Brouillet-Yes

Reshard El-Shair-Yes

Cristina Rodriguez-Yes

Jon Harmatz-Yes

Justin Brogden-Yes

Kyla Moore-Yes

Matthew Presto-Yes

Shannon Ikebe-Yes

Brett Foreman-Yes

Proposal (13) passes 11-0-1

Facilitator for next week

11:12-Kyla Moore chosen to facilitate

Check-outs

11:13 - Senators check out. Senate adjourns.

Apr 12, 2009

Senators Present

Ben Klebanoff (Facilitating)

Leah Pine

Shannon Ikebe

Matt Presto

Justin Brogden

Jules Brouillet

Christina Rodriguez

Reshard el-Shair

Alix Siminson

Luke Squire

Kalan Sherrard

Brett Foreman

Others Present

Colin Koffel

Shozo Kawagucci

Rachel Beck

Sam Bass

Lizzie Kozack

Colin Jones

Nick Adell

Check Ins

7:06 Senators check in

Approve Minutes and Agenda

7:12 Approved agenda. Approved minutes from March 29^th, 2009.

Outside Business

Green Liaison Bylaws position

7:14 Shannon Ikebe presents proposal (attached) for language changes to the bylaws describing the Green Liaison Officer Position. Sam Bass expressed support for the proposal as a member of the OSCA ECC. Bass expressed that the OSCA ECC is open to more people then just members of OSCA, but that voting privileges are only reserved for OSCA members. Senators expressed support for the proposal. Sam

7:24 Proposal (1) by Shannon Ikebe to implement these changes to the bylaws. Voting, 11-1-0, passes.

Student Senate Speaker Series

7:27 Proposal (2) by Matt Presto to support visit of William Upski Wimsatt using Student Senate Speaker series funds, with an allocation $375 to cover travel and other related costs, and an honorarium to be decided incrementally by a vote of the Senate. He is an artist. Discussion as to why he required a $5,000 honorarium.

7:33 Proposal (3) by Shannon Ikebe to support the visit of Karl Deal using Student Senate Speaker series funds with an allocation of $3000. He is a movie producer. Discussion as to nature of speakers, timing of Karl Deal's visit, that Karl Deal might appeal to a cinema studies and other humanities students.

7:42 Proposal (4) by Ben Klebanoff to give William Upski Wimsatt a $2000 honorarium. Discussion as to the nature of money left in the Speaker Series fund, and how Senate is spending the money in the fund. It was noted that to date most of the funding has gone to support politically related speakers, though it was also noted that these are the speakers that students have requested support for.

7:59 Approval voting between proposal 2 and 4, roll call vote:

Ben Klebanoff-4

Leah Pine-2

Shannon Ikebe-2

Matt Presto-2

Justin Brogden-Abstain

Jules Brouillet-2

Christina Rodriguez-2

Reshard el-Shair-2

Alix Siminson-2

Luke Squire-2

Kalan Sherrard-2

Brett Foreman-2

8:00 Voting on Proposal (2), passed 11-0-1. Voting incrementally on honorarium: $5000 (6 supported), $4500 (8 supported). Honorarium will be $4500.

8:01 Voting on Proposal (3), roll call vote:

Ben Klebanoff--Yes

Leah Pine--Yes

Shannon Ikebe--Yes

Matt Presto--Yes

Justin Brogden--Yes

Jules Brouillet--Yes

Christina Rodriguez--Yes

Reshard el-Shair--Yes

Alix Siminson--Yes

Luke Squire--Yes

Kalan Sherrard--Yes

Brett Foreman--Yes

Passed, 12-0-0

SFC Drag Ball

8:02 Proposal (5) by Nick Adell for the Senate to co-sponsor a drag ball forum to talk about funding drag ball and discussing how drag ball has evolved and debrief the event, and to form a working group to plan the forum. In discussion it was suggested the forum could provide an opportunity to debrief drag ball forum could also serve as a recruiting opportunity for Drag Ball Committee. Ben Klebanoff questioned why this event isn't fully funded by the SFC, and Nick Adell mentioned that the SFC was not asked to fully fund the event. Some asked why SFC wants to hold a forum on this issue, and some concerns were also expressed regarding the status of the drag ball committee charter. Voting on proposal (5), 12-0-0 passed. Membership: Ben Klebanoff, Reshard el Shair (Chiar), Leah Pine, Nick Adell.

STV Website

8:26 Proposal (6) by Shannon Ikebe that Senate pay Katie Kuksenok $500 to build STV software, which will be implemented by September 1^st, 2009, to be requested in the Senate budget. If by next plenary a free system could be proposed which could be fully adopted by Senate then this would be adopted, and that if such a proposal cannot be made than the Senate would revert to this contract.

8:33 Proposal (7) by Leah Pine to pay Colin Koffel $200 to build a new website for the Student Senate, with money we ad-hocked for Nick which would be completed by the end of the semester. Ben Klebanoff questioned why Senate would pay $500 for software it could get for free. Shannon Ikebe suggested that the free software does not include a ability for individuals to submit an easy to understand ballot, and get their vote counted. Others including Colin Koffel suggested this might not be the case, and that the Senate might want to consider investigating the nature of this software more. Shannon Ikebe expressed that he was hesitant for the Senate to adopt a system that can't be run easily. Justin Brogden mentioned that the STV workgroup had investigated the open source software, and hadn't found a system which allowed individuals to download a file into a system. Colin Koffel reported that he had found such a system after a quick online search. Shannon Ikebe raised concerns about how a free system would be secure so that votes couldn't be manipulated.

9:08 Proposal (8) by Ben Klebanoff to table the decision to create a contract to establish independent STV software.

9:09 Voting Proposal (7), passed 11-0-0.

9:10 Approval voting between proposal 6 and 8, roll call vote:

Ben Klebanoff-8

Leah Pine-6

Shannon Ikebe-6

Matt Presto-6

Justin Brogden-8

Jules Brouillet-6

Christina Rodriguez-8

Reshard el-Shair-8

Alix Siminson-8

Luke Squire-8

Kalan Sherrard-6

Brett Foreman-Abstain

9:11 Voting on Proposal (8), roll call vote:

Ben Klebanoff--Yes

Leah Pine--No

Shannon Ikebe--No

Matt Presto--Yes

Justin Brogden--Yes

Jules Brouillet--No

Christina Rodriguez--Yes

Reshard el-Shair--Yes

Alix Siminson--Yes

Luke Squire--Yes

Kalan Sherrard--Yes

Brett Foreman--Yes

Passed, 9-3-0. Kalan Sherrard, Christina Rodriguez, and Matt Presto joined the STV workgroup.

Announcements

9:14 Kalan Sherrard informed Senate of the cost of a five hour Senate meeting, and that the Review mentioned the EPPC proposal to adjust class credits.

9:15 Alix Siminson announced that the GF meeting is this Wednesday, and Wednesday night at 10:00PM is a fourth meal with President Krislov.

Working Group Reports

Reading Period

9:15 Luke Squire reported that senators will be allowed to talk with GFC to answer questions about the proposal. Reshard el-Shair expressed interest in attending this meeting.

Student Communications

9:17 Jules Brouillet reported that though the working group did not meet there were other discussions last week at the Ben Jones meeting as to how this office would fit into structure of College.

Decisions

Charters

9:20 Proposal (10) by Ben Klebanoff to approve the charter of the Oberlin Chinese Christian Fellowship. Voting, 12-0-0, passed.

SFC Budget

9:20 Reshard el-Shair reported that the decision Senate made to increase the hourly wage is against policies of SFC. Reshard el-Shair presented a proposal which readjusted the math of the SFC budget so that office employees would effectively experience a wage increase that Senate approved at previous meeting, which would be in line with SFC polices. Proposal (11) by Reshard el-Shair to adopt the new numbers of the SFC budget. Some senators expressed support for this idea, though senators wonder whether SFC policy which prohibits wage increase could change. Reshard el-Shair reported that this policy is currently under review for next year. Some wondered why stipends have to be set in terms of minimum wage. Luke Squire mentioned that things come to Senate from SFC are believed to have to approval of the entire committee, so things that come to Senate must have the approval of the committee in the future. Luke Squre also advocated voting down this proposal as this will not effect the Senate's original allocation to the committee and that the Senate is not beholden to follow SFC allocation policies. Ben Klebanoff suggested that Senate shouldn't pass polices that advocate obfuscating numbers and that SFC should change its policy for the rest of the school.

9:36 Voting on proposal (11), 2-6-4, failed.

Committees

9:37 Maya Wax Cavarello interviewed for alternate position on SFC, and Musical Studies Double Degree Committee, and Leah Pine recommended her for the Musical Studies Double Degree Committee. Proposal (12) by Leah Pine to appoint Maya Wax Cavarello to the Musical Studies Double Degree Committee, assuming she is allowed to sit on the committee as a college student. Leah Pine also reported that SFC has a vacancy, and the SFC alternate role is also vacant. Proposal (13) by Nick Adell to appoint Maya Wax Cavarello to SFC for the remainder of the semester. Nick Adell expressed that the SFC needs a full committee as the SFC goes into the spring budgeting process, and senators express support for this idea.

9:56 Voting on proposal (12), 12-0-0.

9:57 Voting proposal (13), 10-1-1.

Discussions

SFC Charter

9:59 Ben Klebanoff inquired as to the status of the charter given the lack of a working group meeting over the past week. Reshard el-Shair reported that the SFC has a current copy of the charter and is looking through it.

Graffiti

10:02 Ben Klebanoff mentioned that graffiti is an ongoing problem as reported in the Review, and as was discussed in our recent meeting with Ben Jones. Jules Brouillet mentioned that there is an old working group that looked into this issue and that stickers could still be put up which advertise costs of graffiti. Senators suggested continuing this discussion with Kalan Sherrard and Dean Shozo Kawagucci. Christina Rodriguez mentioned ideas raised in the meeting with Ben Jones including the construction of a graffiti wall. It was also mentioned that building this wall may help some town gown issues. Leah Pine suggested setting up a meting with working groups with Sandra Hodge about this issue, and Jules Brouillet offered to do this.

Referendum

10:08 Luke Squire suggested that Senate needs to be more active in soliciting referendum responses. Ben Klebanoff suggested that senators should table advertising for the referendum--offered to coordinate this activity over the online list server.

Oberlin Appreciation Day

10:09 Proposal (12) by Ben Klebanoff to support Oberlin Appreciation day. Ben Klebanoff explained that the Senate had sponsored this event last year. The purpose of this event is twofold: to have students write letters to alumni who have made donations to the Oberlin Annual Alumni Fund, and to inform students that tuition only supports a limited amount of the Oberlin College's operating budget. Luke Squire mentioned that it is an important thing that students become informed of this issue and expressed support of the event.

10:13 Voting on proposal (12), 11-0-0, passed.

Facilitator next week--Leah Pine

Check Outs

10:14 Senators check out

Luke Squire-to get reading period resolution through GF.

Alix Siminson-to meet with SFC charter working group.

Reshard el-Shair-to get through SFC budgeting process

Christina Rodriguez-to work with SRIC working group

Jules Brouillet-to schedule meeting with Sandra Hodge and coordinate working group meetings

Justin Brogden-to help support "All Roads"

Matt Presto-to work on SRIC issues.

Shannon Ikebe-to work on composting working group

Leah Pine-to continue to fill committee positions, and table for the referendum

Brett Foreman-to go to SFC Charter working group meeting

Ben Klebanoff-table for all sorts of things

Green Liaison bylaws change

1. The Green Liaison shall serve as a full voting member of the EDGE board, with the power to bring proposals to Senate as outlined in the charter of the EDGE fund. The Green Liaison shall play a role in publicizing the EDGE fund and recruiting proposals and student participation.
2. The Green Liaison shall attend all relevant regular meetings organized by the Oberlin Student Cooperative Association (OSCA)'s Environmental Concerns Committee (ECC) and by the Office of Environmental Sustainability, and communicate Senate's discussions and actions regarding environment-related issues to the attendants of those meetings. The Green Liaison will report issues, concerns and projects discussed at these meetings during Senate plenary sessions.
3. The Green Liaison shall keep Senate informed about other on campus environmental events, news, and relevant information.

The amendment shall take effect from September 1st, 2009.

Apr 5, 2009

Senators Present

Brandon Gaorian (Facilitating)

Shannon Ikebe

Matt Presto

Leah Pine

Christina Rodriguez

Kyla Moore

Kalan Sherrard

Ben Klebanoff

Reshard el-Shair

Jules Brouillet

Luke Squire

Brett Foreman

Justin Brogden

Jon Harmatz

Others Present

Dean Linda Gates

Check Ins

7:08 Senators check in

Minutes and Agenda

7:14 Minutes from March 15, 2009 approved, and agenda approved.

Outside Business

7:15 Kalan Sherrard reported that students had asked him in office hours whether it would be possible to make it so that Stevenson would not serve meat, and whether an individuals assigned annual print quota could be transferable to pay for copy machine charges (people can use print quota for making copy costs). There was some discussion as to the role of Senate in these issues. Some expressed hesitation to get involved with meat issues at Stevenson, others expressed interest in discussing print quota issues with CIT. Jon Harmatz mentioneed that dining halls seem to waste a lot of food, and that this might be something that Senate should look into. Dean Gates and Kalan Sherrard reported that the College is taking steps to reduce waste, especially in light of the current economic crisis.

Working Group Reports

Socially responsible investment committee

7:23 Matt Presto reported that the group met with Marcia Miller and is in the process of writing up a charter for the organization. It was suggested that the working group ask the General Counsel Secretary's office for a copy of the general faculty motion which created the committee.

Student Senate Speaker Series

7:25 Luke Squire reported that several events that have been fianced through this fund are happening soon. He also reported that the working group approved an allocation for the Senate to consider which will be brought before Senate next week.

7:27 Proposal (1) by Kalan Sherrard that the Senate thank Ralph Nader for his work in issues surrounding improving the environment and society. In discussion some questioned what this action would mean for the Senate, what his actions have actually achieved in society and how Senate should go about recognizing these actions, and the precedent for this action. Voting on Proposal (1), 5-6-3, failed

Announcements

7:33 It was announced that Senate will be a lunch meeting on Wednesday with Ben Jones.

7:34 Justin Brogden reported that people organizing "All roads"--the prospective student orientation event--are interested in having Senators participate in activities they are coordinating with prospective students.

Decisions

Committee Appointments

7:35 Proposal (2) by Kalan Sherrard that Senate approve Corey Spiro to Community Based Learning Committee, Sarah Schaffer to Library Committee, Sage Aronson to Finney Lecture Committee, Francesa Krihely to the Committee on Equity and Diversity, Katie Kuksenok to Educational Technology Committee, and Adekei L. Gbadebo to the Winter term Committee.

All candidates recommended by Leah Pine and Kalan Sherrard. Other senators reported that they were impressed by the candidates. Some raised questions whether some candidates more qualified for certain committee positions because they are privileged, and asked that the Senate consider this in current and future appointment processes.

7:41 Voting on proposal (2), 14-0-0.

SFC Budget

7:42 Jake Rathjens and Reshard el-Shair present the budget for the SFC to Senate, for Senate's consideration (attached). Jake Rathjens outlined why he was requesting specific things in the budget. He reported that he wrote this budget independent of last year's budget. Luke Squire endorsed idea of giving an increase in pay to those who work in the Office of the Student Treasurer with more experience. Some expressed concerns regarding issues of theft raised in the budget. Justin Brogden and other senators expressed concerns regarding issues of compensation for an individual, rather than a position. Luke Squire mentioned that Senate does not have to be unconscious of need, nor is Senate in a position that makes it so it can't recognize the lasting contributions of individuals in this office.

Brandon Gaorian--Yes

Shannon Ikebe--Yes

Matt Presto--Yes

Leah Pine--Yes

Christina Rodriguez--Yes

Kyla Moore--Yes

Kalan Sherrard--Yes

Ben Klebanoff--Yes

Reshard el-Shair--Yes

Jules Brouillet--Yes

Luke Squire--Yes

Brett Foreman--Yes

Justin Brogden--No

Jon Harmatz--No

Retreat

8:08 The Senate retreat will be on Friday, April 17, at 6PM in Union St 268 A.

Discussions

Ben Jones Agenda

8:09 It was suggested that it might be more efficient to put together an agenda for the meeting in plenary than over the internet. Agenda: Office of Student Communications, All Roads and student organization representation, freshman orientation, and digital signage update.

SFC Charter

8:12 Ben Klebanoff asked how Senate felt about current draft of the SFC charter. Reshard el-Shair raised issues of SFC input in the process, and that SFC has not been well informed of meetings. He reported that he had proposed a time for a meeting to go over the charter, and that a meeting was scheduled at a specifically separate time. Ben Klebanoff mentioned that any process going forward from this point (besides getting immediate criticism) would have SFC's approval. If Senate has any problems with the SFC draft, SFC would have to approve any changes. No further issues with the charter or chartering process were raised.

EDGE Fund Funding

8:19 Ben Klebanoff outlined that last year the student body voted through the fall referendum to create a fee which would go to support environmentally sustainable projects. Through some communications issues with the office of the Vive President for Finance, the amount of the fee set per semester is currently $10, when it was the understanding of the Senate (based on the results of the referendum and a survey which followed) that this fee would be $20 per semester. Ben Klebanoff expressed that he would like the Senate to formally request the Vice President for Finance's office increase the fee to the amount originally requested by Oberlin students. Luke Squire reported that he and the Edge Board have a meeting scheduled with the VP for Finance's office this week.

Committee Interviews (concerning intimidation)

8:23 Matt Presto mentioned that he believes we have too many senators at interviews and committee candidates feel intimidated. Some suggested that meetings could be held in a larger room, and that senators might consider being required to attend fewer meetings. Leah Pine mentioned that the ability to speak amongst a large group of people is essential for those on a committee.

Andrea Press lecture planning

8:27 Shannon Ikebe reported that the Senate is invited to help plan Andrea Press's visit to Oberlin, an event that the Senate is sponsoring and supporting through the Speaker Series. The meeting will be announced via email. Andrea Press will deliver her lecture on Thursday April 16^th at 8:00PM.

STV Implementation and Website

8:29 Luke Squire reported that Nick Ferrara agreed to mutually terminate the proposed contract with him.

8:30 Proposal (3) by Shannon Ikebe to terminate the contract with Nick Ferrara. Some wondered why this vote was necessary, and whether the lack of progress on the website could be truly attributed entirely to Nick Ferrara.

8:40 Voting on proposal (3) 12-0-2.

8:41 In discussion it was reported that the STV working group is meeting with KK tomorrow at 1:30PM in Azariah's, who might write voting software, and develop a new website. Leah Pine mentioned that she wouldn't be able to develop this website this semester. Luke Squire reported that he talked with Colin Koffel about updating the website. Colin Koffel reported that he could not build STV software, but could build a new website by the end of the semester. Ben Klebanoff mentioned that he was under the impression that there is free STV software, and that current website was built by Colin Koffel, so wonders how easy a new website of his would be able to manage. Shannon Ikebe reported that STV software doesn't generate and easily interpreted report and that a expert in this area would be helpful. Some questioned why Colin Koffel interested in building the Senate website now, others reported that he has been interested in this for a while, and that he has a lot of experience in this area. Colin Koffel will be invited to next plenary.

Facilitator for next week--Ben Klebanoff

Check Out

8:51 Senators check out

Brandon Gaorian--to catch up on outreach and work with Justin on senate publicity.

Shannon Ikebe--to work on STV implementation, and bylaw changes for Green Liaison position.

Matt Presto--to go to speakers Senate is sponsoring this work.

Leah Pine--to solicit more committee applications.

Christina Rodriguez--working on SRIC charter

Kyla Moore--to attend community meetings related to officer positions.

Kalan Sherrard--to keep filling committee seats.

Ben Klebanoff--to bring a charter to next plenary, work on forum, having working group meetings.

Reshard el-Shair--to work on dining forum, and continue SFC budgeting.

Jules Brouillet--to work with outreach on office hours and senator photos, referendum publicity.

Luke Squire--to go to speakers, committee meetings, get in touch with Dean Decatur to ensure reading period proposal on the GF agenda, and attend administrator meetings.

Brett Foreman--to go to administrative meetings.

Justin Brogden--to go to administrative meetings and committee interviews, and work on outreach issues.

Jon Harmatz--to work on STV.

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