By Kenzie Smith, Staff Writer
Monday’s Student Senate meeting included the passing of policy regarding Senate funding and budget requests and a discussion on the expected conduct of members during meetings.
Officer Reports
President Miranda Zamora ’23 started the meeting by reminding members to be respectful during discussions. She also informed members that they received an email about nominating a senior for the Franklin Moore Award.
Treasurer Hannah Repole ’25 gave the seventeenth budget update for the 2022-2023 year. She explained that there is $12,301.31 remaining in the budget so far, and $74,535.89 has been spent.
Committee Reports
College Life Advisory shared that they met with the executive director of Campus Safety Alex Wiltz to discuss student concerns about parking availability. Wiltz said there will be no additional parking spots added, and Stone Lot will not be opened due to inadequate lighting, frequent flooding, vehicle break-ins, and the maintenance costs associated with this lot.
The College Life Advisory also discussed the increased police presence on campus with Wiltz and the worries surrounding the aggression of one officer. The committee hopes to create a presentation with Wiltz and public policy professor Anne Douds titled “Know Your Rights” to inform students of the legal rights they have during encounters with the police.
Old and New Business
Policy from last week’s meeting was brought to the floor, including policy concerning Senate’s funding. The policy that the Senate will not provide funds to cover the cost of gas for non-college vehicles passed. Another policy that was discussed encourages, yet does not require, clubs to disclose, when submitting a budget request, the number of attendees who need financial assistance to attend events or trips. This policy was passed. This is meant to create more transparency; however, clubs who choose to not submit this information will not be penalized.
Senate discussed a proposed policy to temporarily or permanently suspend members from committee meetings if they interfere with the proper order of business. Though, some argued that the policy was too vague. This policy was sent back to the committee.
A new policy brought to the floor included a policy that decreases the amount BMC can allocate to a club without bringing it to a general meeting from $800 to $500. This policy was tabled.
In response to the disorder that occurred during last week’s meeting, Zamora opened the floor for members to share their expectations for each other during meetings and what respectful conduct encompasses. Zamora is going to put these expectations in a Google Doc and display them at the beginning of every meeting.
“I want to make sure everyone is comfortable in this room. I want to make sure everyone feels good talking and being able to say their viewpoints. I think that’s important,” Zamora said.
Zamora also proposed the idea of having a discussion mediated by senate advisor and director of Student Activities and Greek Life Jon Allen to alleviate the tension that has been present during Senate meetings. This discussion is planned to take place in a closed executive session after next week’s Senate meeting.
Zamora explained that she wants to confront and resolve these issues around respect and meeting conduct so that Senate can achieve its goals.
“So moving forward we can get back to what Senate is meant to do: fixing these campus issues, representing the student body,” Zamora said.
The Student Senate will meet again on Feb. 20.
