Student Senate meeting minutes Dec. 7

Posted By: Jo Nesler On: 2021-12-14
Posted On: 2021-12-14

Student Senate Meeting Minutes – December 7, 2021

Meeting called to order by President Elijah Williams at 7:00 p.m.
Prayer by Robert Budzius

Members Present
Mary Furlong, Joseph Schauf, Jonathan Krull, Angel Sacta Espinoza, Riley Hall, Sophia O’Neil, Elijah Williams, Allison Moysis, Oran Dornelly, Robert Budzius, Sam Carlson, Delaney Calabrese, Katie Pierpont, Maria Flynn, Seth Peterson, Maddie Wilsey, Haddy Falkman, Annie Carmean, Liam Gallup, Elise Roxas, Jordan Keeley, Josette Francois, Kristian Lindanger

Members Absent
None

Members Excused
Morgan Brown – Abby Gilliand, Destiny Walker, Lyanna Novak

Student Senate Website Inquiry and Discussion
Agenda on the website for each meeting
Having senator roles and pictures
Campus activities calendar
What is the Student Senate
Frequently Asked Questions
Deadlines for applications to run for positions, capital improvement deadlines
A place for students to vote in student senate elections

Proposed Amendments to Articles I-III and IX of the Student Senate Bylaws
Motion to bring the previously adopted Student Senate Bylaws to the Floor by Sam Carlson
Seconded by Catherine Pierpont

Article I
Motion to adopt the amendments to Article I of the Student Senate Bylaws by Sam Carlson
Seconded by Jordan Keeley
Motion passes unanimously

Article II
Motion to adopt the amendments to Article II of the Student Senate Bylaws by Seth Peterson
Seconded by Catherine Pierpont
Motion passes unanimously

Article III
Motion to adopt the amendments to Article I of the Student Senate Bylaws by Sam Carlson
Seconded by Jordan Keely
Motion passes unanimously

Article IX
Discussion Points
When do the clubs have to turn in their volunteer hours

  • A deadline of April 15 would be established

Can you reuse volunteer hours ex. Sports team volunteering?

  • No, in order to prevent double dipping this would be prohibited

How will you keep track of these hours?

  • Looking at a few options, but considering a basic google form and an excel sheet or the volunteering program Helper Helper

How do you keep the hours accountable?

  • All hours will be subject to approval by the Student Senate Finance Committee

Will clubs eventually have to ask for more money

  • No, this volunteering requirement would be implemented as a means to hold clubs accountable for the student activity funds they receive from the Student Senate

When will this be enacted

  • Next semester, but this is still in the air and any thoughts / comments will be taken under advisement

Motion to adopt the amendments to Article IX of the Student Senate Bylaws by Sam Carlson
Seconded by Delaney Calabrese
Yay: 10                       Nay: 3             Abstain: 4
Motion does not pass and will be referred to the constitution and bylaw revision special committee for reconsideration

COVID-19 Testing Event Updates

Can students get tested off campus?

  • Students are able to be tested off campus. However, regardless if you test negative or positive you must inform the wellness center so that they know you have received your test

I didn’t get a confirmation email. Will I not get my results?

  • We are unsure as to why some students are not getting a confirmation text / email, but you should still get your results. If you do not, please contact the Wellness Center and they will be glad to help you get those.

Why was insurance used?

  • This testing event was run through a separate company which required it as part of their registration process.

Executive Board Reports

Elijah Williams, President
The Student Senate will meet for the final time this semester next Tuesday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall

The Toner 14 furniture has started arriving! We are still awaiting more information about the second phase of the project and will have more information for you all next week.

Senators, please ensure you are here at the senate meetings. If you are unable to make it it is your responsibility to provide a proxy. Likewise, please reach out to Executive Assistant Sophia O’Neil if you are going to be absent.

Mary Furlong, Vice President of Academic Affairs
I met with the Dean of the College last week and we touched on advising and course evaluations. Good luck on finals!

Joseph Schauf, Vice President of Financial Affairs
Nothing to Report

Jonathon Krull, Vice President of Public Affairs
Saint Mary’s was featured in LeadMN’s “State of Student Voting Report” for the work in 2020 surrounding the Civil Discourse Initiative. You can find it on page 7 here

Meeting with State Representative Pelowski this week to discuss amending the Hunger-Free Campus Law

Capital Improvement Committee will be reviewing the submitted requests over the next two weeks

Angel Sacta Espinoza, Vice President of Campus Affairs
Nothing to report

Lyanna Novak, Vice President of Student Affairs
Nothing to report

Riley Hall, Vice President of Media and Communications
Working with Deb on the website. I am in need of senator testimonials so if you have anything positive to say about the senate and want to be quoted on the website please let me know.

I’m reaching out to Kelly Shannon about the University rebranding that is happening and hopefully will have an update next week

Destiny Walker, Vice President of Multicultural Affairs
Nothing to report

Sophia O’Neil, Executive Assistant
Nothing to report

Dr. Timothy Gossen, Advisor
Nothing to Report

Class Officer Reports
Freshman: Nothing to Report
Sophomores: Nothing to Report
Juniors: Nothing to Report
Seniors: Nothing to Report

Senator Concern
Ice on the ramp by Aquinas Hall
Water bottle fountain in the RAC, underneath the cardio room, is not working again

Adjournment

Motioned by Sam Carlson
Seconded by Annie Carmean
Motion passes unanimously
Meeting Adjourned at 7:52 p.m.