ASNAU SENATE MEETING #7
TWENTY FIFTH SESSION
OFFICIAL MINUTES
Date: October 26, 2012Number on council: 12
Date of Senate Meeting: October 25th, 2012Number present: 11
Prepared by Shelby Burton
Senate Chair Ryan Lee called the Senate meeting of the 2012-2013 Senate to order at 4:02 P.M. in the Havasupai Room A & B of the University Union.
Roll Call
The following Senators were not present at the meeting:
-Lara Creaser
Approval of Minutes
Motion: Senator Woodhouse move to approve the minutes from last week’s Senate meeting
Second: Senator Boruch
Discussion: None
Vote: Unanimous, twoweeksago’s minutes have now been approved.
Call to the Audience
President Smart explains that by passing the ASA resolution, you are supporting what ASA stands for—fighting for education—and that you are supporting the $2 fee for campaigns supporting higher education, uniting the student voice, advocating elected officials pertaining to higher education, promoting individual and group leadership, and supporting the betterment of every student in Arizona. Senator Lake suggests tabling the resolution as new information came up Wednesday and rewording parts of the resolution. He would like to make it more direct to support the organization as a whole, in addition to supporting every issue. Chairman Lee entertains a motion to add the OA for Women’s Lacrosse as item p and the resolution 25-2 in support of ASA as item q to the agenda.
Motion: Senator Fox move to put item p on the agenda and title it “OA: Women’s Lacrosse” and item o on the agenda and title it “Resolution 25-2: Support ASA”
Second: Senator Boruch
Discussion: none
Vote: Unanimous, item p is now on the agenda and titled “OA: Women’s Lacrosse” and item q is now on the agenda and titled “Resolution 25-2: Support ASA”
Engineering Capstone Project: Two engineering students that asked for funding report that they designed a bracket for a low-baring panel for a NASA space shuttle. They were able to attend a conference to present and learn other technical information. There were many PhD attendants, so it was a great experience to be around so much knowledge. They were proud to be the only undergrads at the conference. They prepared a poster and told several people about their method of using ceramic materials to uphold the panels on the shuttle because the ceramic can withstand the hot temperatures and the force. Currently, they use tiles and there are people who have to check every single tile; NASA wants something more efficient.
Unfinished Business
None
New Action Business
Motion: Senator Lake move to vote on items a and b, Club Recognition: Lambda Pi Eta and Club Recognition: Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity, and Sustainability
Second: Senator Smart
Discussion: Lamba Pi Eta has received national approval to become a chapter; it is an honors society for communications students. It fosters community and promotes scholarship, as well as provides opportunities. They would like to plan activities open to communications students, like speakers and workshops. Senator Chan asks about dues; they are $100 from the organizations and a $30 lifetime membership fee. Senator Boruch asks why the GPA requirement is a 3.25; it is because it is an honors society. The Strategies for Ecology, Education, Diversity, and Sustainability Club plans to increase education and awareness of ecology by doing projects within the community; for example, there is one project that focuses on solar irrigation for farming. There are 15 people in the club—6 of which are consistent members, 4 of which are elected officers. They want to increase outreach to a diverse range of students in each college; anyone is welcome. Senator Boruch asks if there is a GPA requirement; Chairman Lee explains that there is not but that the requirement is only needed for officers, not members. President Smart also explains that the GPA requirement must be passed through student life first, so if it was not okay it would not have made it to the senate.
Vote: Unanimous, items a and b (Club Recognition: Lamba Pi Eta; Club Recognition: Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity, and Sustainability) have been approved
Motion: Senator Lopez move to vote on item c, OA: Muslim Students Association, $500
Second: Senator McDiarmid
Discussion: This bill and OA will pay for Muslims and non-Muslims (500 people) to share their culture with other Muslims from different parts of the world; this is their second biggest event. Their objective is to share their culture and food, and to promote forgiveness. They plan to highlight people from different backgrounds and to share more understanding of Islam and what it stands for. Senator Woodhouse asks if they will be charging a few for attendants; no. Senator Lake asks if they have a budget; no, but they have receipts for Sodexo and rental agreements, but there is no set amount for fundraising. Senator Lake asks if they have an account; no, Senator Woodhouse suggests setting up a federal ID number to reimburse money. Senator Lake asks if this is their only event they will ask money for; yes, the other event was two months ago and they could not afford to do it. Senator Woodhouse asks how much they will be contributing to the event; $300. Senator Lake explains that since they do not have a budget, they will need to suspend the bylaws. Senator Cross does not think that the bylaws need to be suspended just because they do not have a budget; Senator Lake agrees that the bylaws could be interpreted two ways, so the receipts can count as a “budget.”
Vote: Unanimous, item c (OA: Muslim Students Association, $500) has been approved
Motion: Senator Chan move to vote on item d, SB 25-26: Muslim Students Association, $1522.17
Second: SenatorLopez
Discussion:Senator Lake is afraid that ASNAU is funding the entire event. Senator Fox explains that they are contributing over $200 out of pocket. There are some items that Sodexo cannot provide. It would be very difficult to put this event on without funding from ASNAU.
Vote: Unanimous, item d (SB 25-26: Muslim Students Association, $1522.17) has been approved
Motion: Senator Fox move to vote on item e, OA: Pi Sigma Epsilon, $500
Second: Senator Chan
Discussion:Pi Sigma Epsilon is a newer club on campus; three members have been to nationals in Athens, Georgia where they learned about marketing and were required to participate in at least one event (sell-a-thon, speakers competition). They met with other chapters and learned new techniques. Senator Fox asks how many people this will fund; five people, about $500 per person.
Vote: Unanimous, item e (OA: Pi Sigma Epsilon, $500) has been approved
Motion: Senator McDiarmid move to vote on item f, SB 25-27: Pi Sigma Epsilon, $1000
Second: Senator Reddig
Discussion: None
Vote: Unanimous, item f (SB 25-27: Pi Sigma Epsilon, $1000) has been approved
Motion: Senator Woodhouse move to vote on item g, OA: Theta Chi, $500
Second: Senator Boruch
Discussion:Last summer, four brothers attended the nation convention in Palm Springs, California; this was the first time NAU could attend. They learned how to run the e-board, how to budget and finance, and how to have a great brotherhood. They discussed having a national philanthropy and voting in a gran chapter. Senator Lake asks how much total it was; $2,232. Senator Smart asks if this is to cover the registration fee; yes, $320 per person for four people. Senator Woodhouse asks what they brought back to NAU; reorganization, better rush skills, bringing a brotherhood together, making lifelong friendships. Senator Lake asks if the rest came from out of pocket; yes, but the chapter reimbursed part of it by not having to pay dues.
Vote:11 in favor, 1 abstains, item g (OA: Theta Chi, $500) has been approved
Motion: Senator Fox move to vote on item h, SB 25-28: Theta Chi, $780
Second: Senator Lopez
Discussion: None
Vote:11 in favor, 1 abstains, item h (SB 25-28: Theta Chi, $780) has been approved
Motion: Senator Boruch move to vote on item i, IA: Sierra Jones, $400
Second: Senator Chan
Discussion:Sierra Jones will be representing action research teams (little groups around campus working for the community) at NAU. They strive for education reform, hands-on education, interaction with the community, and involvement. She attended a conference about education reform and met people around the country; she has been to the White House to talk about civic education. This money will pay for the representatives from each college involved to come together and build off of each other’s ideas. She is proud to represent NAU on behalf of this huge movement. Senator Fox asks how much she is contributing; $75. Senator Woodhouse asks if anyone has gone before; she explains that this is something that they (she and the four other schools involved) have organized among themselves.
Vote: Unanimous, item i (IA: Sierra Jones, $400) has been approved
Motion: Senator Woodhousemove to vote on item j, SB 25-29: Sierra Jones, $375
Second: Senator Boruch
Discussion:Senator Fox is concerned that when adding everything up, ASNAU will be paying for over 90% of the trip. Senator Lopez explains that when she went looking for other funding, the college of SBS directed her to ASNAU. Senator Fox asks about person contributions; Senator Woodhouse wonders if she can go back to the colleges and then come back to us. Chairman Lee asks when the event is; November 1st through the 4th. Chairman Lee points out that because she is so crunched with time, if amended, they would have to be sure she could get extra funding. Senator Woodhouse asks that, if decreased, could she fund the rest of the money; Ms. Jones says that she could only contribute a small portion. Senator McDiarmid explains that the money will cover hotel, flight, and transportation and that she will cover all of her own food; in the past, ASNAU has covered much more than that. Senator Smart says that four days of food is roughly $120 plus the original $75, so in perspective she is contributing much more than it seems.
Motion: Senator Cross calls to question
Second: Senator McDiarmid
Vote: 11 in favor, 1 opposed, item j (SB 25-29: Sierra Jones, $375) has been approved
Motion: Senator Lake move to vote on item k, SB 25-30: Women’s Lacrosse Club, $1175
Second: Senator Boruch
Discussion:This money will cover the tournaments in Santa Barbara and Las Vegas next semester; a total of twenty schools will be in attendance and other levels of education will be watching. This will help the girls gains experience, as it is only its second year on campus. The team has grown from 13 to 18 girls; there is a lot of potential to move up in club league teams. The dues are $500 each year for travel expenses, hotels, and gas. They have been participating in BTO and Chili’s fundraisers.
Vote: Unanimous, item k (SB 25-30: Women’s Lacrosse Club, $1175) has been approved
Motion: Senator Boruch move to vote on item l, SB 25-31: ASNAU, Polos, $800
Second: Senator Chan
Discussion:This bill will pay for the polos for ASNAU members to wear; they are $22.80 each. It will be a dry fit polo with white blocking from Pinnacle Prints. It will come from the “capital improvements” line. In comparison, the bookstore polos are $60 a piece. Chairman Lee entertains a motion to keep line items at original lines; the budget revisions will not take effect until after it is passed.
Vote: Unanimous, item l (SB 25-31: ASNAU, Polos, $800) has been approved
Motion: Senator Boruch move to vote on item m, SB 25-32: ASNAU, Open Budget Line 102
Second: Senator McDiarmid
Discussion: This bill will pay for the “Kiss My Axe” shirts; there are four designs total, two that state “Kiss My Axe” and two that do not. Based off of last year’s feedback, they do not want to offend anyone so there are options this year! They will be ordering 7,000 shirts and getting a quote soon. Last year, it was $27,000 with two orders; right now, the quote is $35,000 but they think they can get it cheaper, so the bill is written for an open line. There will be a survey with the designs next week. They will be passed out this semester at the November 17th game—the last game of the season (minus possible playoffs).
Vote: Unanimous, item m (SB 25-32: ASNAU, Open Budget Line 102) has been approved
Motion: Senator Woodhouse move to vote on item n, SB 25-33:ASNAU, Gold Axe Pins, $2000
Second: Senator Smart
Discussion:ASNAU generally funds the Gold Axe pins for distinguished seniors who went through the application process. 40 were selected that graduate in December. They are waiting for an invoice for an exact amount, which is between $1700 and $1800. Even if it passes, the remaining unused money will go towards awards anyway.
Motion: Senator Lake move to amend the bill to read “from budget line 80”
Second: Senator Woodhouse
Discussion: None
Vote: Unanimous, the bill now reads “from budget line 80”
Vote:10 in favor, item n (SB 25-33:ASNAU, Gold Axe Pins, $2000) has been approved
Motion: Senator Lake move to vote on item o, FY13 Budget Revisions $3,965.25
Second: Senator Woodhouse
Discussion:With the rollover money in, the budget needs revising. One revision is for the concert; $15,000 went to the vote line, $4,000 went to summer clerical work, and the remains will be going toward the concert so as to ensure the people’s first choice artist. They probably will not need all of the money, but they would like to have it as a back-up; the extra will be transferred back to other lines after contracting and paying. President Smart stresses that we have never been able to bring the number one choice, so technically we do not have to put it to the student’s vote because this was their voice in the first place. The original summer clerical line covered pay through July 1st, so the extra money will cover the time after July 1st but before the school year. He also realized that we no longer need a bill written for the budget, it can just be approved as a senate (like this meeting). President Smart explains that we originally borrowed $15,000 from three different lines to support the vote campaign; the rollover will put the money back where it was in the beginning. Lines 104, 106, and 107 will each be receiving the original $5,000. Senator Woodhouse inquires whether there will be any rollover money left after this; the rollover will be at $0.
Vote: Unanimous, item o (FY13 Budget Revisions $3,965.25) has been approved
Motion: Senator Woodhouse move to vote on item p, OA: Women’s Lacrosse
Second: Senator Lopez
Discussion: None
Vote: Unanimous, item p (OA: Women’s Lacrosse) has been approved
Motion: Senator Lake move to vote on item q, Resolution 25-2: Support ASA
Second: Senator Smart
Discussion:Senator Lake suggests tabling the resolution with the new information from Wednesday night. President Smart stresses the urgency. ABOR is doing their investigation immediately and will be meeting with student body presidents to talk about ASA so the opinion of the senate is crucial. Wes extends on that, stating that if you read your report, there is no factual basis for any conclusions. Senator Smart agrees that the senate should not be putting it off for any longer. Chairman Lee reminds the senate that this began a month ago, so it is time to make a decision. Senator Woodhouse asks when ABOR will begin their investigation; President Smart says that it began last night and that they will be re-meeting in November with a more finalized, informed conclusion. Senator Lake says that the email ended on a good spot to continue the conversation. Senator Boruch asks: what is one thing that was unbalanced with ASA? Taking evidence from what former ASA directors have said, there are no citations; there have been many attacks toward us. They claim to have have had “no true victories” though the tuition bill and gun law were both majorly influenced by ASA. Their evidence is not factually-based and therefore invalid. ASU claims to have brought forth eleven changes in the past two years to structuring the board, which is false. After contacting Jenn Hancock who worked for internal affairs last year for ASA, it was confirmed that only seven were brought forth and none have been brought forth this year. Senator Lake questions the ability for the task force to be unbiased. Senator McDiarmid asks President Smart how the changes were handled; Chelsea Byers explains that they were unfair proposals favoring ASU’s voice as the loudest. Some of the changes include having a board chair from a different university each year through an application process. Every change was deeply considered; nothing was ever “shot down.” Wes Enns explains that this was not a decision taken lightly and that they had legal advice to not pass the changes as ASA would be put in jeopardy. Senator Smart says that ASU does not agree with the direction of ASA but in her opinion if it does not get passed, it will give ASU the drive to go to ABOR and that ABOR will shut it down. If the resolution is not approved and it gets shut down, then we deprived them of the opportunity and denied giving ASA help, causing them to potentially become nonexistent.