Student Senate Minutes
March 18, 2007

I. General meeting of the Student Senate was called to order by Speaker Kelchen at 6:00 PM.
	A. Absent from the meeting were members: 
	B. Also attending the meeting was: Amanda Thomas, Kyle Hill, and the Crawford family. 
II. Preliminary Items
	A. Roll Call
	B. Corrections/Approval of the minutes
	C. Gallery introductions/business
	D. Guests of Honor: State Representative Rebecca McClanahan, Dr. McManis (SPAC)
		McClanahan- Serving in house of reps for 2 months now. Challenges related to higher education are significant. She sits on the higher education committee and they have had numerous 			hearings on bills specifically OMNIBUS/MOHELA. Would like to hit the highlights of bills that are under consideration presently. Truman has a great reputation in the capitol. Its intern 			program is considered the best in the state. James Lang (english/art major) is an intern in her office. 7PM friday Kirksville Arts Association Building closing reception for art showcases 			sponsered by Il Spazio. All welcome to attend. Decided to run for representative office last year. Loved teaching at truman for almost 31 years. Thought she could have influence in 			Jefferson City to help Truman and other universities. Thinks higher education is under seige in Missouri and other states around the US. Funding for higher ed is at 1998 levels when			inflation is taken into account. This is effecting all schools.Truman will not be able to further their mission without sufficient funding. Higher ed, public schools, and healthcare have 			eroding funding. If Missouri is going to compete as a state and attract people from other states we need to focus on the long term investment of higher education. OMNIBUS includes 			MOHELA provision would call for a 4.2% increase in funding over the next 3 years. This bill would also double the amount of the bright flight scholarship from $2,000 to $4,000. It is 			still at its initial starting point when it was created in 1987. Truman has the highest proportion of bright flight scholars in state of Missouri. Would increase other need based scholarships 			dramatically. Missouri ranks third in the amount of money they award to needs based scholarships. Finds it interesting that more money is  being placed into an area where MO is 			already doing well instead of areas where help is needed. 72 million dollar allocation 50% will go to needs based students going to private schools. Part of OMNIBUS will sell off 			assests of MOHELA. Some believe this would not be legal. Consulting group was hired and were concerned that selling assets would put MOHELA programs at risk. Senator Wes 			Shoemeyer participated in a filibuster against SB ... Senator Shoemeyer suggested bonding over selling. The hope is to keep all projects that were considered on the table. 				McClanahan has been following HB 613 (student vote on BOG) and has been supportive all along even though some universities BOGs are not supportive. She believes that students 			are the ultimate consumers of higher education and believes students should have a vote as well as a voice. There has been discussion that no one under the age of 24 should have a 			vote on BOG. HB 532 would require all freshman students to have a 3  hour course in American history or AP credit. Believes this would stop universities from designing creative 			courses and would allow the legislature to decide/design the curriculum over faculty and universities. HB 213 The Intellectual Diversity Act "intellectual adversity bill" according to 			McClanahan. Student Emily Burker was required to write a letter to her representative in support of gay/lesbian foster families even though it was against her beliefs. MSU has offered 			her to finish her masters free of charge as compensation for being assigned an inappropriate assignment. Bill would require that universities report to the house about their intellectual 			diversity each year. McClanahan believes this would be a nusance to universities. As a professor she was never asked her stance on political issues. Faculty and students should feel 			free to explore a variety of ideological views. If the university is required to monitor these activities, this would hinder education. There is a good possibility that this will be debated on 			the floor after spring break. Discussion ensued.
				Kiddoo - Access MO Scholarship, under the impression that this will increase funding for both public and private institutions. As a student, what should our stance be?
				McClanahan - It would increase the amount of needs based scholarships in all schools but dramatically more for private institutions.
				Wiley - If loans are cut in half, where are students supposed to gain access loans? Have you talked to any students that have worked with private loan companies ie Sally Mae
				McClanahan - We are unaware of the financial implications because most depends on the market. 
				Szewcyzk - Could you please elaborate on MOHELA bonding?
				McClanahan - The bonds would be purchased so all of the money would be available up front for capital improvement. One concern about the MOHELA proposal is that only 				80% will be available immediately and then we would have to wait and see if the other 20% becomes available.  1.5%  of MOHELA assets each year will help to repay.
				Kiddoo - OMNIBUS, if anything passes the senate will a new bill be considered in the house?
				McClanahan - Looks like there will be some degree of bonding. OMNIBUS would cap tuition increases based on midwest Consumer Price Index (CPI). The tightest cap that 				can be placed on tuition. There are concerns that if this is passed with tuition caps and then funding falls out, institutions could find themselves strapped for funding.
				Khan - Are you concerned about tuition caps?
				McClanahan - Tution caps are dangerous. Tuition should be affordable. Funding institutions should be a priority and leave scholarships to the universities to distribute. 
				Khan - How much imput do representative actually get from students?
				McClanahan - Not enough. She has students come and speak with her but has only really heard about student vote on BOG. When HB 532 was brought up there was no 				testimony against it. More students should become involved. Most people she has heard from in higher education are higher education administrators. Students and faculty 				should be the most involved in deciding issues of higher education. 
				Khan - As a former professor, how should students keep up with higher education legislation?
				McClanahan - Stay in contact with members of the higher education committee. Email her, call her office. We could have an email list and if something big happens in higher 				education she can email everyone.
				Kerr- How will MOHELA affect current student loans. 
				McClanahan - Some loans have already been sold to Sally Mae. Anytime your loan is sold from one provider to another there may be changes in your interest rate. Her email 				rebecca.mcclanahan@house.mo.gov
		Dr. McManis - Thanks Senate for the opportunity to speak. He is cochair of the SPAC committee with Garry Gordon. Have been working on this for a year and a half with numerous public 			forums. The document was featured at University Conference Day. At this stage, they are seeking a final round of suggestions and support from student senate. Happy to answer any 			questions. The document contains goals and initiatives of the university and the broad vision (America's premiere liberal arts and sciences university). 
				Wiley - Representing students who have concerns about environment and it not being mentioned in the SPAC document. Truman has not taken a stance on environmental 				stability. 
				Kirtland - Brought these concerns to the committee and discussed them at length. Thought it was important to provide students with affordable education. Anytime there is an 				opportunity to save money the university will. Has not seen a global support for a totally sustainable campus.
				Wiley - If it is not focused on, environmental concerns could be passed over for the next 3 years. 
				Kirtland - Education and classrooms are a high priority and the university is already going toward most efficient possibilities. Such as better windows in MO Hall that meet 				LEED standards without paying to have a LEED certified building. 
				Wiley - You cannot be the premiere liberal arts and sciences university if you are not at the level of other universities that support environmentally stable campuses. 
				Poindexter - Attended some forums. Noticed that some faculty believed it was not taken too far and some that thought it was taken too far.
				McManis - SPAC has met many times and gone over every word of the document. There is division among faculty members. Some believe it is pushing too much change. 				What you have in front of you is what the group has come up with as a whole. Not everyone agrees with every word but this is not possible.
				Russel - If something is valued it should be written down and formalized. For future people working on this to know what should be written and followed. If it is not written it is 				an empty promise and means nothing.
				McManis - The intent of the committee and the direction of the president is to focus on what is needed to be done other than what is already ongoing. To say that if it is not 				written down then it is not valued is an incorrect interpretation. This document states that we should continue with the traditions of the university. 
				Phelps - Likes focusing on learning outcomes, service learning, and volunteerism. Would like to see graduates leave with an idea of environmental ethic. Part of being an 				engaged citizen is having background on environmental issues. There are also more ways to be environmentally ethical than just focusing on building issues. By encouraging 				environmental studies we can work towards environmental ethic.
				Wisa - Point 3C. What qualifies as an under-represented group of students.
				McManis - Students of color.
				Wisa - do you think students from gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender group will be 
				McManis - Truman is and will continue to be a very open and welcoming campus.
				Wisa - Will truman be lowering its amount of non-need based scholarships?
				McManis - No. However, the amount of money being spent on all scholarships is accelerating at unsustainable levels. This proposal is saying we should review our policies and 				find ways to focus on aide and make it more effective.
				Esfeld - On curriculum commission. Concerned about how there will be wide based support.
				McManis - has been working to get community imput. Visiting with faculty senate to gauge the amount of support on campus. If anyone needs more information contact Dr. 				McManis.
	E. Membership Issues
	F. Appointments/Administration of the Oath
		A. Crawford - As a slate ... Amanda Thomas (Hillel), Kellen Ashford (Lambda Chi Alpha), Danielle Leveston (Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Inc.)
	G. Changes/Approval of the agenda
III. Executive Reports
	A. Secretary
	B. Treasurer - Cleaned the office this week. Keep it that way.
	C. President - We have to approve a constitution to go on our ballot. Additionally, we have the tech committee review and the FAC slate in the coming weeks. Elections are going to be crazy but 	please make sure you attend your committee meetings so we can get things done and moving forward. Be thinking about end of the year reports. Stay on top of things and address all aspects of our 	projects so they can continue next year. If you have been here for a while, and know that end of the year reports are missing try and put reports together. Please make sure you are in the office during 	your office hour. We are working on a new office hour sign up. A link on the senate website so you can sign in when you come in for your office hour.
IV. Auxiliary Reports
	A. Faculty Advisor - no report
	B. Staff Advisor - Wanted to follow up on end of the year report. You have a responsibility to the students today and in the future. You need to leave behind information for future leaders. As you are 	getting ready for elections please make sure it stays out of this room. If you are planning on running for a major position please talk to Kay or Scott. If you are wanting a committee chair position 	please talk to the current chair to get an idea of what you will need to be doing.
	C. BOG - 
	D. Speaker - Sorry for the confusion with the agenda. Sent out a master committee list last week. If you are not on the list let him know. If you are interested in being speaker please speak to Robert. 	If you will not be attending a meeting please let Robert know in addition to the secretary for quorum issues. If every senator could submit a paragraph on the good/bad/ugly about senate this year. We 	will most likely have a short meeting on monday April 9.
V. Committee Reports
	A. Academic Affairs - interesting UGC meeting last week. There will be a new major in athletic training. They approved the early warning systems bill. There will be either grades, the form, or both but 	it will not be required. There was a long discussion on the attendance policy. Going to start looking at revisions for the study abroad handbook. 
	B. External Affairs Chairwoman - There will be an information campaign within the next 2 weeks. Hopes today was informative about how legislature impacts higher education. Consider whether or 	not you support a resolution before you have a committe write one.
	C. Student Affairs - Researching phone fee for next year. There has been a suggestion that there be a scholarship for a phone line for people who cannot afford the $60 or a cell phone. Looking into a 	forum where students can buy and cell items to students who live off campus. David is working on chairs in the library and possibly replacing them with more comfortable sturdier chairs. 
		i. Campus Diversity - It is diversity week! Table tents on tuesday and wednesday. In communication with organizations to make sure they don't need anything else for their events.
		ii. Campus Environment - Still working on the recycling survey
	D. Technology - no report
	E. Other Reports
		i. Historian
		ii. Communications Director - Hopefully you saw our newsletter in the Index. If you have things you want in the April edition, send them to Becky ASAP. Suggesting that we put it in the Index 		again. Vision Outreach wednesday 6-8 in the SUB Lounge. Dress is business casual. If you are going to be doing any kind of publicity for the rest of the year please talk to Becky. We have 		been waiting too long to start publicizing. For all of our publicity we need to have the Senate logo on it. 
		iii. Webmaster - The OAF report is up online under the constitution and standing rules link. It should not be too difficult to have the office hours link up on the website by tomorrow. Working 		at generating a report on the traffic received on the Student Senate website by next week.
		iv. Ethics Justice
		v. Recruitment
		vi. Legislative Director
		vii. Constitutional Review
		viii. EOY - finalists have been chosen. This week and next week EOY members will be sitting in on classes. Sunday April 1st, a finalist will be chosen.
		ix. Scholarship - Should be getting underway within the next few weeks. 
VI. Old Business
	A. Kirtland - moves resolution 071.002 He has made improvements on appointment procedures. 
		Siebert - Likes the resolution
		Schulte - Can we make the formatting the same all the way through?
		Anderson - Can you add page numbers from Arete?
		Passes 18-0-0
VII. Money Motions
	A. Hadley - moves that no more than $150 be spent on publicity for the "Recycling is Sexy" campaign. This money shall be spent no later than April 1, 2007. 
		Hill - Use both side of the sheet of paper. The Edge has a PSA announcent about recycling.
		Crawford - Anyone who wants to be a part of the campaign photo shoot.
		Wisa - Tshirts would be great. 
		Passes
	B. Mozaffar - moves $200 for the campus diversity progressive dinner to be spent no later than April 1, 2007. Dobson Hall SAs are putting on the progressive dinner. There is still money in the 	budget. The dinner will be this Friday March 23.
		Passes.
	C. Hadley - moves that no more than $290 be spent on a full page ad in the Index for election petitions and election information. This will give students the info ahead of time and encourage them to 	vote.
		Passes.
VIII. First Readings
	A. Crawford - moves the Resolution Endorsing the Strategic Planning Documents for a first reading. We will not be endorsing every line but instead the overall idea. The resolutions suggests we 	support the mission because it lines up closely with Senate's mission.
		Kirtland - This SPAC document mirrors Arete closer than any other planning document recently. During committee meetings members quoted Arete when making decisions. Students are in 		support. Personally brought in wording supporting sustainability but was rejected by the committee. It deserves our support.
	B. Khan - moves a first reading on the smoking ordinance resolution.
		Wisa - moves to strike lines 40-41 Does not feel we should compare other cities bans to kirksville. For example, in Columbia the ban was put in place without voter support but was passed 		by the city council.
			Kirtland - Are any of these actually voted on city ordinances? (Arnold and Columbia was by city council the others are unsure about)
			Szewczyk - Most of Kansas City suburbs were voted on by voters.
			Amendment passes. 
		Schulte - Thanks lina and the EA committee for bringing this before senate. Would like to go back to the discussion about what we can do in addition to passing a resolution. Possibly an 		informational campaign.
		Siebert - Moves that this item be postponed indefinitely. Believes this inappropriate. Senate should not pass a resolution either in support or against the smoking ban. This will further the divide 		the Senate from the community and the student body.
			Wiley - As representatives of the student body, it is our duty to hold a stance on this issue.
			Szewczyk - Agrees with Matt Siebert. There are many unhappy people in Columbia. Currently there is a problem with businesses because there are undercover police officers that are 			issueing tickets to people who smoke in public places. This is what people in Kirksville will be faced at. If we want to bring a resolution, we should have a forum to gain public opinion. 
			Poindexter - A number of students are not in support of this bill. We do not need to take a stance on this just because it is being brought to a public vote. It is not our place to say what 			the student opinion is because each student has the opportunity to go to vote based on their own opinions.
			Wisa - Agrees that this should be postponed indefinitely. Whats to stop us from bringing resolutions on other controversial issues. We should not start setting the precedent for passing 			resolutions about things going on the ballot that divide student opinion. He cannot support this without further information.
			Khan- The only reason that this was brought forward is because student senated voted to bring a resolution. A forum would not be very effective. There is not enough time for a 			survey. 
			Siebert - Negative aspects: this will deepen the divide between the students and senate. This is an inappropriate use of student senate's voice and will alienate a large part of the student 			association that is against the smoking ban. 
			Hill - This resolution suggests that this is the opinion of the entire student body to the community. Could adversly affect those not registered to vote in Adair County.
			Crawford - There is no way to suggest that our resolutions represent the entire student body. There will always be people that are against what we support.
			Kirtland - We need to be debating whether the smoking ordinance is a good idea or not rather than a philosophical debate about whether or not senate should be in support of 				controversial issues.
			Kerr - Brought this proposed ordinance in front of her sorority and the majority agreed with it.
			Schulte - Most students have just as much information as we do at this point.
			Mozaffar - Thanks Lina and the EA committee for bringing the resolution. Even though they encouraged people to come and discuss the ban at EA it was overwhelmed by those who 			support the bill and those who are opposed are being severely under represented.
			Poindexter - This is something that students can vote on individually. We should not pass a resolution supporting a political statement that does not directly effect the university/campus.
			Wisa - If we are not careful this could start a cascading effect and eventually create a partisan body concerned primarily with political issues rather than campus basede issues.
			Hadley - Against taking a stand. The campus is too split. We need to educate students on the smoking ban before taking a stance. Going to vote no.
			Khan - Did not know much about the smoking ban when it was first brought up. We do not have enough student opinion. We did not seek the opinion of those agains the ban.
			Postponed indefinitely.
IX. Discussion Items
	A. Hadley - OAF meets and puts together a report that discussion SAB, FAC, and Student Senate. If their requirements are not met, funding can be cut. Two springs ago OAF debated lowering our 	fee. They put Senate on probation. If they decide to lower our fee we cannot debate it. There is a laundry list of things that we should be doing. Roll over should be under 15% of budget. We should 	have a one page report for every UGC meeting that a senator attends. If we do not get our stuff together this will effect the '08-'09 senate.
		Seibert - If OAF wants to lower our budget he will trust their judgement. We need to regain control of the collegiate readership program. We should investigate getting a fourth newspaper.
		Poindexter - We should not be compared to FAC and SAB because our missions are totally different than theirs.
		Hadley - SAB is supposed to entertain, FAC fund organizations, we represent the average student. We should have good communication with the student body. All of their recommendations 		are acceptable and are able to be accomplished. FAC and SAB also had recommendations to take care of. She sent out an email on Friday March 16.
		Wiley - Just because we have to have less than 15% rollover we should not spend frivilously.
		Anderson - The student senate 2.5 years ago should have been embarrassed by not having anything to take to OAF. Senate was so angry that no one realized they were working but had no 		way of being accountable for their work. Would hate to see Senate in the same situation next year.
		Kessler - All goals are potentially attainable. Does not feel the 15% roll over is attainable. We have only spent $10,000 out of our $34,000 budget. 
		Kirtland - Not worried because anything brought up by OAF has to be voted on by the student body. Yes it is a problem but do not worry that we will lose our budget. We should form a 		committee to prepare for OAF next spring. 
		Poindexter - Thinks we could have less of a budget. In a report for OAF we should include what we are doing and this is the budget we need. 
		Kelchen - Was chair of the committee. The three organizations did not give accurate records of spending over the previous three years. The committee voted to cut the senate's funding by 25 		cents a semester. Instead of cutting the budget, recommendations were made for the next three years. 
		Kirtland - moves that the executive committee create a resolution to define a committee to prepare for the OAF report. Wants a committee to address these concerns and work on meeting 		requirements.
			Crawford - President can create committees and get the executive committees input on who they want on the committee.
			Kirtland - removes the motion.
X. Other New Business
XI. Announcements
	A. recycle papers.
	B. No AA meeting this week.
	C. Go to Diversity week events!
	D. Sending out email about Recycling is Sexy tshirts.
	E. If you are interested in posing for recycling is sexy posters let angie and becky know.
	F. Vagina Monologues this weekend! Go see Becky!!
	G. Promo lobby day is next wednesday. If you are interested in going talk to Greg.
	H. Campaiging in the quad next week about elections

Adjourned at 8:46 PM

Respectfully submitted by Secretary Piel on