38th Student Senate

1st Session

Minutes for May 4, 2017

  1. Call to Order

a.Called to order at 4:31pm.

  1. Roll Call

a.Quorum is present.

  1. Approval of the Agenda

a.Motion made by Senator Abel to strike Point 2 – “Undersecretary for Local Government & Community Relations”

  1. Motion passed
  1. Oath of Office
  2. Bills Returned by the President
  3. Old Business
  4. New Business

a.Election of Senate Leadership

  1. Speaker of the 38th Student Senate
  2. Nominations
  3. Senator Genoese-Zerbi- accepts the nomination
  4. Senator Lively accepts the nomination
  5. Candidate Remarks:
  6. Genoese-Zerbi
  7. I am well versed in Roberts rules. I have the experience to know what rules apply to various situations that may arise during Senate meetings. I also have experience in this Senate as well, being that I have served since Spring 2016.
  8. Lively
  9. I want to make newly elected senators transitions easier. As a new senator last year, it took me a long time to become acclimated to the culture of Senate, and what one can and cannot do as a Senator. I want to eliminate the confusion during this transition for all new members.
  10. Questions
  11. Senator Pettine
  12. What are your strengths?
  13. Senator Lively: My openness, my past leadership within SG, my ability to lead.
  14. Senator Genoese-Zerbi: Although I have only been Vice Chair, I have an understanding for order and know what needs to be done.
  15. Senator Shaat
  16. Lively mentioned having an orientation for new Senators, what would that entail?
  17. Senator Lively: Basic procedures within Senate, how to write legislation
  18. Senator Genoese-Zerbi: Parliamentary Procedure, Team building
  19. Senator Pettine
  20. What do you consider to be your biggest weakness?
  21. Senator Lively: I’m brutally honest and it can sometime be seen as too direct or cold
  22. Senator Genoese-Zerbi: I’m very passionate about SG and at times I don’t know when to let things go.
  23. Discussion and Debate:
  24. Senator Weiser
  25. I support Senator Lively, she is inclusive and has the experience necessary to complete the job.
  26. Senator Johnson
  27. I support Senator Lively.
  28. Senator Shaat
  29. Support Genoese-Zerbi because he knows Roberts Rules.
  30. Senator Pettine
  31. I support Lively because of her past experience.
  32. Senator Lively becomes Speaker of the 38th Student Senate.
  33. Speaker Pro-Tempore for the 38th Student Senate
  34. Nominations
  35. Senator Sullivan accepts the nomination
  36. Senator Fisch accepts the nomination
  37. Senator Johnson respectfully declines the nomination
  38. Senator Genoese-Zerbi accepts the nomination
  39. Senator Shaat respectfully declines the nomination
  40. Passing of the gavel
  41. Candidate Remarks:
  42. Senator Sullivan
  43. Very involved, numerous activities, was previous clerk, second year senator, served almost whole year as clerk, cares about organization, worked closely with past leadership, payed close attention, feels confident in taking role. He is a people person, wants to get to know fellow senators as people. Wants to work on having a CPR seminar, wants to foster change.
  44. Senator Fisch
  45. He cares, wants people to know he cares and wants to be here. Diversity is what Mason prides itself on, it comes down to do people feel like they’re cared for. He cares about all of us, and wants to know what students care about. Open door policy, accessible, wants to help with new ideas. Was a Ra, gave him a lot of experience, he grew while he helped residents grow. Wants to get to know everyone on personal level and apply it, wants to change culture.
  46. Senator Genoese-Zerbi
  47. Pro Temp is vice speaker, don’t want to rehash the speech, speaker pro temp is parliamentarian, I explain Robert Rules to people who don’t understand, I can help by being second in charge, I have demonstrated a willingness to do this, I memorized the oath of office. I think the qualities that would’ve made me a good speaker will make me a good Pro-Temp.
  48. Questions
  49. Senator Lei – How would you resolve conflict in senate?
  50. Senator Sullivan
  51. Understands how to clarify miscommunication for people in a diplomatic way.
  52. Senator Fisch
  53. Each senator should know Roberts Rules, should keep everyone’s knowledge up, The RA mediation skills I have learned would help resolve conflict, as well.
  54. Senator Genoese-Zerbi
  55. As a communications major, I am able to find where disconnect happens. I presented Roberts Rules fun facts each week in the last senate, which helped senators become familiar with the rules. I would look to continue that for this senate, as well.
  56. Discussion and Debate
  57. Senator Shaat
  58. Senator Fisch and that’s it.
  59. Senator Pettine
  60. Personally, I think Senator Sullivan knows a lot about how to be Speaker Pro-Temp. Is very dedicated to Student Government. Sullivan’s needs best suited here. Senator Genoese-Zerbi and Senator Fisch were both Vice Chairs while Sullivan was Clerk. I feel that Genoese-Zerbi and Senator Fisch would be best suited elsewhere.
  61. Senator Weiser
  62. I think most unbiased person running is Brendan Sullivan. He is one of the least controversial people I know. He always nonpartisan and always plays mediator. Our senate could value this.
  63. Voting Procedures
  64. Senator Sullivan has been confirmed by a vote of 11-5-1-2 (Sullivan – Fisch – Genoese-Zerbi – Abstain)

b.Election of the Clerk of the 38th Student Senate

  1. Nominations
  2. Senator Nielsen accepts the nomination
  3. Opening Statement:
  4. I can do a good job. I have had a good eye for clerical errors in legislation throughout the year, and can correct them quickly.

c.Discussion and Debate:

  1. Senator Pettine
  2. He can do a good job, he’s proven himself in committee meetings that he has what it takes

d.Voting Procedures

  1. Senator Nielsen has been confirmed by a vote of 18-0-1
  1. Appointments of the Executive Cabinet

a.Department of Administrative and Financial Affairs

  1. Secretary of Administrative and Financial Affairs
  2. Obum Egolum
  3. Candidate

*5-Minute Recess 6:32pm*

*Called Back to Order 6:37pm*

*The election of the Speaker and Pro-Tempore called into question based on the number of votes cast for each candidate. (Did not reach requisite number) *

*Senator Sullivan presiding*

  1. Election of the Speaker – Part II

a.Discussion and Debate

  1. Senator Fisch
  2. Senator Genoese-Zerbi was the only one who knew that we made a mistake. Vote for Senator Genoese-Zerbi
  3. Senator Johnson
  4. Urge senators to vote for Senator Lively
  5. Senator Pettine
  6. Position not about Parliamentary Pro, one candidate is running that where the other is a more well-rounded candidate. Go with your gut.
  7. Motion to Vote

b.Voting Procedures for Speaker

  1. Senator Genoese-Zerbi Removes his Candidacy
  2. Senator Lively is confirmed as Speaker of the Senate

*Speaker Lively Presiding*

*Senator Shaat: Motion to Suspend the Rules (Withdrawn)*

*Senator Sullivan: Motion to Move the Speaker Pro Temp to Last Item on Agenda (Withdrawn)*

  1. Election of the Speaker Pro-Temp – Part II

a.Discussion and Debate

  1. Senator Pettine
  2. Senator Sullivan is qualified

b.Voting Procedures

  1. Senator Genoese-Zerbi Removes his candidacy
  2. Senator Fisch Removes his Candidacy
  3. Senator Sullivan is confirmed as the Speaker Pro-Tempore of the Senate
  1. Executive Cabinet

a.Dept. of Admin and Financial Affairs

  1. Secretary of Administrative and Financial Affairs
  2. Obum Egolum
  3. Opening Remarks
  4. *Made before the recess*
  5. President’s Report
  6. President Kanos
  7. Full vote of confidence behind this candidate
  8. Voting Procedures
  9. Confirmed by a vote of 18-0-2

b.Department of University Services

  1. Secretary of Services
  2. Ryan Carver
  3. Opening Remarks
  4. Concerned over the quality of Food Services on Campus
  5. Questions on Opening Remarks
  6. Senator Genoese-Zerbi
  7. Isn’t Ike’s a 24/7 location.
  8. I don’t know.
  9. Senator Johnson
  10. Do you have the time energy and connections to complete this job?
  11. Yes, I’m a dedicated person. Time will not be an issue.
  12. Senator Weiser
  13. Do you have any connections with the Administration?
  14. Yes, I have strong connections with OSI and the Honors College, I will get to know the Administration.
  15. President’s Report
  16. President Kanos
  17. Dedicated “Go Getter”, Great Leader, full confidence in this candidate
  18. Discussion and Debate
  19. Senator Johnson
  20. Believes in this candidate, as he is a hard-working candidate; Vote Yes
  21. Senator Genoese-Zerbi
  22. Have reservations about this candidate; Don’t believe in this candidate because he is not in touch with what the Student’s need
  23. Speaker Pro-Tempore Sullivan
  24. Has reservations but he has full confidence he will learn.
  25. Voting Prodecures
  26. Confirmed by a vote of 18-1-1
  27. Undersecretary of University Services for Sustainability
  28. Sonam Ahluwalia
  29. Johnson: Fantastic Candidate

*Motion to Vote in Block on the Rest of the Department: Passed*

  1. Opening Remarks
  2. President Kanos
  3. Speaking on behalf of Gomez, Seon, Shelley, Washington; Highly recommends all of these candidates
  4. Senator Johnson
  5. Motion to suspend the rules to allow for President to Read the Candidate Statement (Frye): Passed
  6. President Kanos
  7. Read full statement on Frye
  8. Hasan: Can relate to the Students
  9. Move to Questions on all candidates:
  10. Senator Fisch
  11. Clarification about Frye’s speech
  12. Senator Sexauer
  13. Willing to work with Services but also with the Diversity Committee?
  14. Cone: Yes of course
  15. Senator Johnson
  16. Time to attend all required meetings?
  17. Cone: Of course
  18. Senator Johnson
  19. Confused about Frye’s Speech to Kanos; asked for Kanos’ opinion on the Candidate
  20. President Kanos: Extremely qualified, but needs good guidance by the senators
  21. Senator Johnson
  22. Willing to work with RSA?
  23. President Kanos: No doubt
  24. Discussion and Debate on the candidates
  25. Senator Johnson
  26. Support these candidates; Kanos eased reservations about these candidates
  27. Senator Weiser
  28. Concerned with candidate Frye and the scope of her ideas
  29. Move to move candidate Frye to next meeting: Passed
  30. Voting Procedures
  31. Department of University Services (without Carver, Ahluwalia, and Frye) passes 18-0-1

c.Dept. of Diversity and Multi-Cultural Affairs

  1. Move to Hear Urquhart’s Candidate Statement Fully
  2. The motion passed
  3. Opening Remarks
  4. President Kanos
  5. Spoke on Behalf of Urquhart, Guergaf, and Spence
  6. Questions:
  7. Senator Pettine
  8. Were you the person who interviewed these candidates?
  9. President Kanos: Yes
  10. Will the candidate form a relationship with the Senate?
  11. President Kanos: She has to be cogniscent of the relationship with the Chair
  12. What does Urqhart want to implement?
  13. President Kanos: Stronger relationships with ODIME, Learning about what needs to be done with these Diversity Groups, Believes in her leadership skills.
  14. Senator Shali
  15. How long has Urqhart been involved in SG?
  16. President Kanos: She resigned. Has she made efforts to contact these orgs? K: I don’t know
  17. Senator Weiser
  18. Do you think this is the best candidate, because of the candidates history?
  19. President Kanos: I believe that you don’t have to be best friends in order to work together. This candidate can get things done and will be monitored for conflicts.
  20. You are sure?
  21. President Kanos: Yes
  22. Senator Johnson
  23. Who were the other candidates?
  24. President Kanos: Not disclosing this info.
  25. Do you think that it is possible to have a smooth sailing year?
  26. President Kanos: We are prepared to take action against this candidate should this candidate create issues?
  27. Senator Shali
  28. What is the reasoning for this choice?
  29. President Kanos: Do believe that candidate will relate with orgs, and will get things done.
  30. Can the candidate mitigate conflict?
  31. President Kanos: I believe so.
  32. Motion to postpone the vote of the Secretary of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs
  33. Motion Passed
  34. Senator Sexauer – Point of Personal Privilege
  35. I received a text from candidate, “We need to have a serious talk, this is not going to be a nice meeting…” I urge you all to think about your vote on this Secretary very seriously. We owe it to ourselves to be respectful of each other, this candidate is not trusted by me.
  36. Senator Genoese-Zerbi
  37. Reconsider Vote on all candidates except the Secretary
  38. Motion to remove Sec. of Diversity from the Block
  39. Motion Passed
  40. Presidential Report on the Department
  41. President Kanos
  42. No report on the department
  43. Discussion and Debateon the Department
  44. Senator Fisch
  45. Trusts President Kanos and his evaluations of the candidates
  46. Voting Procedures on the Department
  47. The candidates are confirmed 18-0-1
  48. Presidential Report on Secretary of Diversity
  49. We want to move forward from the past and create a new working relationship.
  50. Discussion and Debate on the Secretary
  51. Senator Pettine
  52. Diversity Committee is difficult; Safe to say that this candidate is not the wisest choice. This isn’t just personal issues; Cannot support this candidate but does have experience.
  53. Senator Sexauer
  54. We owe it to ourselves to elect people who respect each other. This candidates past relationships are not tolerable.
  55. Senator Genoese-Zerbi
  56. Never had negative interactions with candidate; tendency to be confrontational based on what has been said; Talking about hiring this candidate believes that this candidate is not the best for the job.
  57. Senator Lei: Cannot come to conclusion about this candidate.
  58. Voting Procedures on Secretary of Diversity
  59. The candidate failed 0-10-9

d.Department of University Life

  1. Opening Remarks
  2. Grady: Spoke on his own behalf
  3. Murphy: Spoke on his own behalf
  4. Mudlaff: Spoke on his own behalf
  5. Jaramillo: Spoke on her own behalf
  6. Questions on Opening Remarks
  7. Senator Lei
  8. Mr. Grady, what have you achieved through serving as chair?
  9. Grady: End of Feb. became chair, PIA, Mental Health and Well-Being, Partnering with Mason LIFE more
  10. Senator Lei
  11. Mr. Murphy
  12. Murphy: Get people excited about being here at Mason
  13. Presidential Report
  14. President Kanos
  15. No reservations about these candidates
  16. Discussion and Debate
  17. Senator Weiser
  18. All of these candidates are enthusiastic, Pat has done a great job, Mudlaff involved with SG; Full support
  19. Senator Johnson
  20. Fully support these candidates
  21. Voting Procedures
  22. The department was confirmed by a vote of 19-0-1

e.Department of Government and Community Relations

  1. Opening Remarks
  2. Secretary of Government and Community Relations
  3. Sam Petto
  4. President Kanos spoke on behalf of candidate
  5. Undersecretary for State and Gov’t Affairs
  6. Devyn Goldstein
  7. President Kanos spoke on behalf of candidate
  8. Undersecretary for Federal Affairs
  9. Ben Olsen
  10. The candidate spoke on his own behalf; referred to the City Council Dinner he planned, mentioned how much he loves Government and Community Relations, which led him to seek the position
  11. External Partnerships & VA 21
  12. Jacob Joyner
  13. President Kanos spoke on behalf of candidate; Interned for Congressman, worked with Parrish and Comstock
  14. Questions
  15. Senator Genoese-Zerbi
  16. Mr. President, having been the former Chair of Government and Community Relations, why was Mr. Olsen selected as the undersecretary for Federal Affairs?
  17. President Kanos: We want Ben to work on Fed. Affairs because he will revive the position; Initiatives with the Fed. Gov’t
  18. Senator Weiser
  19. Has the candidate for VA21 been made aware of what the VA21 organization does?
  20. President Kanos: I don’t think he has. Looked at teamwork when picking Departments
  21. Presidential Report
  22. President Kanos
  23. Strengths and Dynamics of these candidates are the best; Fully confident in these candidates
  24. Discussion and Debate
  25. Senator Pettine
  26. Are these candidates in the right place? Issues with VA21 and Olsen in his position
  27. Senator Genoese-Zerbi
  28. These candidates are not in the right spots. At the end of the day, the gov’t works with Exec. Nominating within the constraints; Support these candidates
  29. Senator Sexauer
  30. I have an issue with Goldstein and her longevity within the organization.
  31. Speaker Pro-Tempore Sullivan
  32. I know Joyner, I understand that experience is necessary, but this candidate is adaptable. Yielded to Kanos to speak on Weiser’s point.
  33. President Kanos: Graduating in 2018.
  34. Senator Weiser
  35. We will be establishing a VA 21 chapter here, Ben Olsen has attended VA21, Fed. Affairs doesn’t really do anything. I believe that Olsen would be an incredible person for any of the other positions, not well utilized personnel decisions.
  36. Senator Genoese-Zerbi
  37. We don’t get to just shuffle the cabinet. Approve the department.
  38. Voting Procedures
  39. The department was confirmed by a vote of 14-2-1

f.Department of University Academics

  1. Opening Remarks
  2. Syed Mustafa Hassan
  3. Spoke on his own behalf
  4. Questions
  5. Senator Genoese-Zerbi
  6. You were elected to the Senate and then resigned, how can I be sure that you will not resign when another position may or may not become available?
  7. Hassan: I do not see myself as writing legislation.
  8. Senator Weiser
  9. I’ve changed the Academics committee. What do you think that the purpose of the University Academics committee is?
  10. Hassan: Something was not clear to him, wants to work on how the students feedback is being heard, Grad. Student no connection between Grad. And Undergrads. Primary focus of the secretary is a Liaison, should we be communicating with Admin. on academic policy or provide things for the students? Both are important, but my focus would be on policy.
  11. Presidential Report
  12. President Kanos
  13. No report
  14. Discussion and Debate
  15. Speaker Pro-Tempore Sullivan
  16. He is a bright individual, fortunate to have him in SG, his willingness to learn the process and do the necessary research first is admirable.
  17. Voting Procedures
  18. The candidate is confirmed by a vote of 19-0-1

g.Department of Public Relations

  1. Opening Remarks
  2. President Kanos spoke on behalf of these candidates: Tatiana Peralta and Phillip Williams
  3. Erik Troung
  4. Bring success to PR and outreach of SG; Management Skills
  5. Questions for the Candidates
  6. None
  7. Presidential Report
  8. President Kanos
  9. They are all great candidates that he has full confidence in.
  10. Discussion and Debate
  11. Senator Sexauer
  12. Peralta a great candidate with experience in the organization.
  13. Voting Procedures
  14. The department was confirmed 19-0-1

h.Appointments of the Elections & Disputes Commission

  1. Opening Remarks
  2. Nathan Pittman
  3. Spoke on his own behalf; make sure the elections are fair and just.
  4. Kinda Ahmed
  5. Kanos spoke on Candidates behalf; Calm, cool and collected
  6. Victoria Rudd: Kanos spoke on Candidates behalf; A lot of interning, impartial, work well with the rest of the EDC
  7. Questions
  8. Speaker Pro-Tempore Sullivan
  9. How many members of the EDC will be stepping down?
  10. President Kanos: I know only two people will be stepping down for sure.
  11. Senator Lei
  12. Seeing that Rudd disqualified from last election; is this candidate able to fulfill these duties to the EDC fairly?
  13. President Kanos: Going forward, she has a personal story to tell about the rules and the EDC, and will be sure to be familiar with all rules concerning elections.
  14. Discussion and Debate
  15. Senator Sexauer
  16. These candidates will do very well. Full confidence in all the candidates.
  17. Voting Procedures
  1. Election of the Senate Committee Leadership

a.Chair of the Administrative & Financial Affairs Committee