Student Government Association

I. Call to Order 5:33PM

II. Roll Call
A. Present
1. Speaker Gabe Rettaliata
2. Assistant Speaker Jen Kent
3. Sunaina Khandelwal
4. Whitney Torchia
5. Neketa Kakar
6. Brian Frazee
7. Amber Spry
8. Rahilla Tarfa
B. Absent
1. Tascha Ebhomielen
2. Chidinma Ukonne
3. Aditi Srivastav

III. Approval of Minutes

A. Minutes approved by general consent

IV. Open Discussion

A. Review of the past week
1. RSA
a. Sunaina Khandelwal: RSA is planning the block party. They’re doing a lot of advertisement. They approved a new constitution for the honorary RSA. They also did a new budget.
2. Gabe Rettaliata: Anybody else do anything this week?
a. Rahilla Tarfa: Commons Advisory Board Meeting. Renovate art on the 3rd floor. Pamphlet about recycling in the commons. You can recycle glass, plastic, etc. They want to work with residential halls with that project as well
b. Jen Kent: The new student book experience last week. There were 50 nominations. We knocked off half already. Our goal is 150 nominations and we had 134 last year. If you know anybody who wants to nominate a book, go to the office of undergrad.
i. Sunaina Khandelwal: What’s the decision process?
ii. Jen Kent: There’s a criteria. It has to be no more than 125 pages. Stay away from a memoir because it’s been like that for the past 2 years. Supposed to be something a lot of people can relate to and hasn’t been read in high school. No recent movie about it. Those are the basic things. Then after that, it’s just an open discussion.
c. Aditi Srivastav: We’re getting an alumni magazine. Sending it to alumni 2009. We are the only university that offers PhD that doesn’t have a magazine. Talked about different things that we want and don’t want to see. Alumni scholarship. See what recipients are doing. Video montage… this is what I’m doing, my major, etc. I’m going to be working closely with the community president and want to speak with us on a Monday. I’m trying to coordinate that right now.

V. Project Updates

A. Increased Library Hours
1. Neketa Kakar: We’re meeting Friday.
2. Sunaina Khandelwal: We’re trying to figure out what’s already been done.

B. Stress Free Zone Revamp
1. Jen Kent: Meeting this Thursday. I sent an email about it. That’s pretty much just to see what ideas people have.

C. Reaching out to International Students
1. Chidi Ukonne: I spoke to the International Education Advisor. They have the international event coming up. They’re supposed to send me an email of what they need help with. They’re going to have a fair in the commons main street in November. I let them know that SGA can help them out with it

D. Digital Campus Sign
1. Whitney Torchia: I had done a lot of research on it previously. Basically from all that we’ve found, we’ve seen other people doing it. You need 3 proposals, and I called 3 places. Average is $25,000. For only 2 people, landscaping, etc. there’s not really a place we can put up where it’s good for all the entrances. Gabe was at the meeting, and we thought we could redirect our project to the colors and the signage on campus. Plain welcome sign, etc. without the digital sign for events and do something more doable for us.
a. Gabe Rettaliata: Do you have a meeting set up?
b. Whitney Torchia: We just met last Thursday so we’re setting up another meeting sometime soon.

VI. Special Guest- Josh Michael, Student Regent
1. Josh Michael: What I’m trying to do is to come to each SGA in the system. Basically what I’ve been doing in other institutions is talk about my role and the relationship I want to have with them. Statewide issues and trends that we’re going to see. And then open it up to see how better I can serve you. I’m here at UMBC at the state level. Also, let me know what I’m using and where I’m not hitting home. Overview of the system. There are 13 institutions in MD that’s part of USM. 11 of those give degrees, 2 researched based. Concept of system is that we have a bunch of needs in the state. Focus areas in different school. Then they do a good job serving the state. For example, we’re a STEM school. We serve a lot of minorities in our school. My role in that is that I serve on the board of 17 people. Set tuition. Reviews policies for the different school. What I’m trying to do: attend meetings and represent you all. Second thing, advocate students outside of those meetings. Third, serve as a resource to you as an access to administrators that you may struggle to get to otherwise. Statewide issues: I think there are 3 major areas that are going to dominate Maryland in the next 3 years. Budget. The budget is not good. Mid year cuts that were announce on Friday for this fiscal year. Dim fiscal outlook in the next fiscal year. Not exactly sure how that’s going to pan out for students. Maybe increase of tuition, or cutting resources, etc. These are some things we might see in higher education. We play an important role in setting that trend. Second: workforce system. Look at STEM schools. Right now it’s $9000 per student. We produce twice as many people in these stem programs. We’re doing what state is doing but we’re not getting as much money. Third: environmentally sustainability. My projects: I’m working on looking at a possible student fee in all schools for $1-5 for carbon offsets or a green fund. Something similar to Prove it but for a green project. One of the two. Be interested in your feedback. Second thing: Textbooks. Textbook manufacturers have to tell professors what they’re changing in each edition. Retail price. Feds have taken care of our issues. It’s not going into effect until July 1st 2010. One of my other projects, leveraging my vote in finance committee so there’s a student representation in all student fees. I’m going to be working with different campus for that. One of the other things I’m doing is broaden communication in the campuses. My goal is by December is to meet with SGA presidents of different campuses. I’ve also got a blog about system issues. The last issue that I talked about earlier is the budget. We have to make a conscious decision of what we’re going to do. What do you think about the quality at UMBC? Are you willing to pay more or do you prefer tuition to be frozen?
a. Sunaina Khandelwal: what’s “more”
b. Josh Michael: Cost of education. What’s important?
c. Sunaina Khandelwal: What do you mean?
d. Josh Michael: To me, my general approach is cost is important but predictability is just as important. 2003-2004 we saw 15% increases each year. To me, inflation is only 3% so we should only be seeing that. Where do you guys feel on that?
e. Chidi Ukonne: You don’t mind seeing increase? What would be the incentive if it’s increased? Better services? Where would the additional money be going to
f. Josh Michael: I think the first thing, certain level inflation sets in. Gas goes up. Maintenance and construction. That goes up each year. The question is what percent is that each year? Do you want less or more of that? Are you willing to have less money and services go down? Do you want to pay more for a better education or maintain the level we have now?
g. Amber Spry: We don’t necessarily get better services. It just covers inflation. To get better service, you have to double it. That’s obnoxious. I want to see the state give us more money. If we have to pay, I’d want it to rise if that means maintaining what we do get now.
h. Sunaina Khandelwal: I don’t want to see 15% if inflation is only 3%.
i. Josh Michael: I read the retriever from 2003 to see what happened. Library closed early. Other services closed early to see how this campus handles campus cuts.
j. Brian Frazee: I’d rather pay for more services. It should be a gradual increase. In years past, there’s been a tuition freeze and all of a sudden tuition skyrockets. I think rather than have tuition freeze, why don’t we increase it gradually with inflation unless we don’t have to.
k. Josh Michael: The tuition freeze has been funded. 16 million dollars. Funded tuition for us. Mid year they dropped 10 million. So this is the first time we’ve had unfunded tuition freeze.
l. Steve Gilmore: I think that if we support tuition freeze, it’d make our job harder. With student activity fee, whether to approve freeze, it’s hard to sell it with tuition increase. Less chance of student activity fee increasing.
m. Gabe Rettaliata: How do slots play in all of this?
n. Josh: Early September we voted to endorse slots. Slots can earn 300-700 million a year. If slots pass then that money would be dedicated to the k12 budget. That would give us new money. If it doesn’t pass, it will put the fine arts building at risk. That’s the implication in terms of slots. We’d also see a delay on operating budget because k12 will take more of a share from the state budget that otherwise would come to us.
o. Rahilla Tarfa: Is there a lot of opposition in passing the slots?
p. Josh Michael: A lot of people think it’s a way to go and vice versa.
q. Sunaina Khandelwal: Where will this be in the process?
r. Josh Michael: It will be in the ballot. I will also highlight for you… the higher ed 60 million chunks are strictly dedicated to higher education. That will be an unrestricted fund if slots do not pass. The higher ed fund is discretionary fund that can be used in the state.
s. Brian Frazee: What do you plan to do as student regent for UMBC?
i. Josh Michael: Student fee review. Looking at environment sustainability or if it comes in a form of a student fee. My other big issue is money. Affordability. Essence of what goes on. Money is everything in terms of higher ed like textbooks. Try not to put our future in the hands of politicians. I’m trying to get attention to UMBC. Smaller meetings with regents out to UMBC. Meeting UMBC students. Try to get them out to basketball games. Hopefully we can make some things happen there. Particularly, expanding residential housing in a few years. One more question. How would you respond if we have an 8% increase, and a tuition freeze in other schools?
ii. Amber Spry: What determines freeze?
iii. Josh Michael: demand. Not a good one?
iv. Aditi Srivastav: If less people want to go to Bowie, etc. and they don’t need the money, I don’t really know what we’re losing.
v. Jen Kent: I think it’s fair.
vi. Aditi Srivastav: If more kids want to go here, we have to pay more.
vii. Sunaina Khandelwal: if it’s a tuition freeze because the government is giving the money, then that’s not fair.
viii. Josh Michael: That may happen
ix. Sunaina Khandelwal: Well then that’s not fair.
t. Chidi Ukonne: Are you in any way… can you be a catalyst for getting funded for getting international or out of state students? It’s limited at UMBC. Since UMBC is a state school, they have little funding. Can you in any way to be a catalyst to get some kind of funding, scholarship, etc. kind of incentive to get out of state or international students to come here.
i. Josh Michael: I can look into that. What does everyone think?
ii. Sunaina Khandelwal: I agree
iii. Rahilla Tarfa: I agree too. We have a lot percentage of international students here. I also had a question, how does financial aid change when tuition increases?
iv. Josh Michael: It can stay where it was before. It can be increased same as tuition so it’d be match. It can be increased above. It is not tied to it in any way. In the past in Maryland it stayed even with tuition. That’s something to be paid attention to. I don’t know, it’s a tough place for me. I don’t know where I’d stand on that. My general inclination is that it is a state school. Financial goes to state students.
v. Chidi Ukonne: Other schools get more. You can’t apply for scholarships because you’re not a US citizen. There’s nothing designed because they’re not US citizens.
vi. Josh Michael: Where have you heard this?
vii. Chidi Ukonne: I think College Park has it.
viii. Josh Michael: We can look into that.
ix. Sunaina Khandelwal: Where does the money go if it goes anywhere to international students?
x. Josh Michael: What’s the focus? International or out of state?
xi. Chidi Ukonne: Both. I feel like there should be some kind of incentive. There’s a large population at UMBC. Why can’t we cater to some of their needs?
xii. Josh Michael: In terms of out of state, CP is different. They’re trying to bring in the best students to set the quality up. Let’s look into that.
u. Dave Hoffman: Roughly speaking, what’s the budget of USM, budget of UMBC?
i. Josh Michael: 2.4 billion. UMBC is 10% of the system.
ii. Dave Hoffman: Possibility of using a 60 million pot. 60 million out of 2.4 billion. It is an important fraction.
iii. Josh Michael: We could look at a net loss 210 million dollars a year.
iv. Dave Hoffman: This is huge.
v. Josh Michael: Budget I gave you. 2.4 billion is tuition, other funds and state dollars combined. State funds are 1.1 billion.
vi. Dave Hoffman: For the cuts that were announced on Friday, what’s UMBC’s share
vii. Josh Michael: 10%. 10 million dollar cut from base budget. Take 10 million from operating expenditures and expect 10 million in less. Take 20 million from savings. We use savings to get loans, etc. it’s an interesting mix. Not a straight budget. For us, it’s just over 1 million dollars for UMBC. Other schools have been talking about it since Friday afternoon. If you didn’t know about that, it’s something we’d have to address.
v. Dave Hoffman: For members of UMBC SGA senate Josh’s blog is a must read. These issues are really important. It can affect the well being of the students at UMBC.
i. Josh Michael: and please comment. I try and talk issues… for instance, if something happens on campus… we broke ground of the pharmacy at UMB. Talk about capital budgets in MD.
ii. Sunaina Khandelwal: I heard they’re going to cut the schedule. 3 rounds in the morning, 3 rounds in the afternoon.
iii. Josh Michael: We also have to see who’s riding these buses. A lot of UMB employees are using UMBC buses. They’re also your student fees. It isn’t for them.

VII. New Business

A. SR02-0809- Resolution to Support the Creation of a Studio for UMBCtv
1. Gabe Rettaliata: Mike here from UMBCtv.
2. Mike: We’ve been trying to find UMBCtv to semi permanent be. Bottom of Susquehanna is free. She showed me the space, size of a regular dorm room. It used to be an old staff lounge. No longer used. She said absolutely no plans to use this old staff lounge. She told me to talk to residential life for acquiring it. I talked to the head of residential life. She said to write a proposal to get as many organizations behind it. What I’m asking is a letter of support UMBCtv to use unused space to throw up a studio.
3. Gabe Rettaliata: What have you guys been up to?
a. Mike: To get more students involved. I’ve devoted most of my time to record events and getting them online. It’s not sustainable. We haven’t been getting new members. Scaling back. Get new students. Talked to The Retriever about doing a new show. Temporary on a monthly basis. Hopefully weekly basis soon. News around campus. Opinions. What’s happening this week, etc. I’m also talking with Chartwells about doing a cooking show. I’ve actually have 2 pilots of cooking show of people that flaked out during the last minute. Chartwell said they’d provide the cook. Or do our own cook and they’d be assisting. Or they can provide the cook and we ca provide people that he’s teaching. Interesting prospect: they’ll also put it on the main chartwell’s website so anybody that goes to their site can see this. That would be a good prospect for UMBCtv and UMBC. That obviously has nothing to do with the studio because we’d need a kitchen.
4. Brian Frazee: do you have any plans to advertise UMBCtv?
a. Mike: working with the website right now. I just threw up a UMBCtv for Prove it real quick. Then I uploaded some but it doesn’t mesh. I’m trying to find a web designer. As soon as I feel the website is presentable, I’m going to try to get Commonvision advertisement. In theory, just posters to advertise meetings and not a website right now.
b. Brian Frazee: Is it on channel 2?
c. Mike: We’re just online right now. We’ve been talking to OIT for a channel. We can’t unless we have content to justify it. We can’t get content until we get advertisement. I said forget it and do online videos for now. Once interest is built, we’ll look into it again.
d. Brian Frazee: I thought there was an actual TV channel… 2 or 3.
e. Mike: That’s the common vision feed. I know that WMBC is trying get audio on it. I talked to OIT: instead of having my own channel, cut into like a time at 7 and cut back. They said that’s not feasible because they go to a server and they hit play. If we did it that way, they’d have to go at 7 to stop start and play. They didn’t want to do that.
5. Sunaina Khandelwal: what’s the current workspace for UMBCtv? Where do you guys meet?
a. Mike: we meet at student orgs on Fridays at 3pm. Eventually we’ll get a space somewhere in the commons. It’s going to adjust based upon the availability of people.
6. Chidi Ukonne: Post videos online. What’s the website? Umbctv.com How do people know about this website? I never knew about it.
a. Mike: I’d been advertising it around. UMBC underground. Word of mouth. In theory, once we get Retriever show up, they’ll be advertising us.
7. Chidi Ukonne: Do you have a team working with you?
a. Mike: kind of, not really. I found out before classes that half of my team decided to transfer to other schools. Put the team to just me. Then recruited more people. Fouad is our treasurer. He’s one of the members. We have a couple more from the media communications department. We’re building it back up.
8. Chidi Ukonne: do you have a timeline?
a. Mike: For what? We have several projects. Chartwell hasn’t started up yet. Retriever show, we’re meeting up next week. I’m getting videos from last semester edited and put up online. I recorded the hypnotist and I have to wait to post it because I have to edit someone out. Technical difficulties. I’m trying to get as many of it up. And I’m doing the website. And I’m advertising. Fouad is taking care of the other stuff.
9. Rahilla Tarfa: Are you guys a club?
a. Mike: we’re a recognized organization
b. Rahilla Tarfa: do you have a faculty mentor
c. Mike: our mentor also left. I have a meeting tomorrow from someone from media communication department. He’s the advisor for WMBC.
10. Rahilla Tarfa: Are you guys the one that put up the YouTube videos on the spotlight?
a. Mike: that’s OIT. That’s completely separate. Problem is: it’s a giant bin of videos you have to dig through in order to find anything. I want to shoot our original content. I’m trying to cater more to the students instead of just basketball games and a lecture.
11. Whitney Torchia: where do you keep your equipment
a. Mike: my apartment
b. Whitney Torchia: If you get this space, are you going to keep equipment there? Open certain times of the day?
c. Mike: We want to set up equipment there so it’s ready whenever we need to shoot. I don’t know how open it can be because it’s in Susquehanna hall. I want to have it in the commons but I’ve been shut down. It’s the only used place I can find. Original space is use the UC right next the radio station but apparently it’s used for storage now or additional space just incase they need something
12. Dave Hoffman: Is there any danger that’ it’s going to be to other residents like noise?
a. Mike: We’re in the basement where nothing is. It’s an old storage room. The only inconvenience would be non Susquehanna people walking downstairs. One suggestion to legislation itself. I suggest last line of “whereas” be stricken.
13. Rahilla Tarfa: You just need student support, apart from SGA, are you going to other organizations? RSA is presenting and voting on Tuesday. Retrievers support it. Media and communications, I’ll talk to them.
a. Whitney Torchia: Do you have any other organizations that support you as of yet?
b. Mike: Retrievers support it already. Media is in support of me. Official one is Retriever. You guys will be the second.
c. Rahilla Tarfa: I think you guys should still meet with other student organizations.
d. Mike: We’re just trying to find someone that are similar to us
e. Jen Kent: Different student organization that you’ve filmed or going to film.
f. Chidi Ukonne: I also want to suggest new freshmen that are looking for stuff to do, very positive that you’ll find a lot of people. UMBCtv sounds like a cool stuff, more hands on so it’s more feasible.
g. Mike: Outside of this proposal, overall goal, different disciplines together, actors from theatre, media communication, writers for scripts. Anyone and everyone we can find. Elaborate on website, the new website is still under construction.
14. Motion by Brian Frazee to approve SR02-0809
a. Seconded by Sunaina Khandelwhal
b. VOTE: 9 for, 0 opposed, 1 abstained (Gabe), 1 absent (Tascha)

B. SL06-0809- Confirmation of Executive Cabinet Directors and Assistant Directors
1. Gabe Rettaliata: Tabled last week. We want to talk about Ozell with student outreach.
2. Steve Gilmore: He’ll be working with Jake Steele. Ozell is very involved in Greek life and athletic. Also involved in finance board. Experience in SGA.
3. Ozell: I was intrigued with the work Jake was doing around campus. I’m in support with athletics and club teams. I applied my networks and knowledge around campus. I think that would help me in this particular department.
4. Aditi Srivastav: What do you see your role as? What do you plan to do as assistant director? Do you have goals in mind that you want accomplished?
a. Ozell: Most goals are tailored around Jake Steel. Involvement, athletics. Work with some of the club teams and organizations. Outside of that, develop better programs can be excited for and appreciate.
5. Steve Gilmore: About Anna, she’s a senior this year. IS major. Appointing her for communications. Pretty unique. Worked off campus student services for a couple of years. Just became an RA. Wanted to be involved in SGA since it’s her senior year. She wants to play an active role before she graduates. SGA is a great outlet. She wanted to do it last year but it didn’t work out. Experience design fliers and web design. First goal, helping with the website. Design for newsletter. If you want to ask me questions about her.
a. Aditi Srivastav: Why isn’t she here tonight?
b. Steve Gilmore: she has class.
6. Motion by Aditi Srivastav to approve SL06-0809
a. Seconded by Neketa Kakar
b. VOTE: 9 for, 0 opposed, 1 abstains (Gabe), 1 absent

C. JL02-0809- Election Night Extravaganza
1. Gabe Rettaliata: This is legislation for a GL expenditure for Election Night Extravaganza. Attached is the budget. Everyone is aware of the GL. What’s left of it?
2. Rahilla Tarfa: what’s in it now?
a. Gabe: around $280,000
3. Steve Gilmore: Attached is the budget drawn out. Specific things are the inflatables. Four man jousting. 24x17 feet. And also for a small moon bounce. That’s a quote for $1500. Masks, Obama and McCain mask for a dollar each. For food, $1500 there just because we haven’t heard from Chartwells. We don’t want to spend an extreme amount of money. That right now that can be a good deal. Pizza, nachos, wings, etc. commons facility, 250 for a room set up. Decorations: SEB is helping us to come up with a logo. We can use the logo for myUMBC for fliers, banners, etc. advertising would be a banner and fliers. We’d also be advertising online. Decorations, balloon drop. Net on a roof where main street is.
4. Brian Frazee: Steve pretty much summed it up. Exciting event. We want this event to be something that everyone talks about. this is a lot more exciting so we’re getting a lot more young people. cool things like Obama and McCain jousting.
5. Steve Gilmore: Debates. We’re going to be hosting, next week 2nd. Vice pres debate. 7 and 15th are last two presidential debates. Hosting in the commons in the sports zone. Providing ice cream. Available for students. Serve ice cream. Watch. Discussion and feedback after. That money is going to come out of the exec fund.
6. Jen Kent: couple of things. This is on main street?
a. Steve Gilmore: Main part is main street. Food in student org. There’s still going to be something going on in the pub. Bottom of flat Tuesdays, coffee.
b. Jen Kent: Can we get an inflatable on main street?
c. Steve Gilmore: we can look into it. Probably not on main street.
d. Jen Kent: side note. When are the masks coming in? for advertising, we can get them to do it during free hour. Boxing and masks. Creative things the week before to get people to come in. You should find a political science professor to do it.
7. Whitney Torchia: for ordering things, what’s your estimate how many you’re going to order?
a. Steve Gilmore: For food, I asked for 600 people. The course of the night, 7-past midnight, 1000 people in that space. For food, we’re trying to calculate, we can’t feed every single person. 600 were what were agreed on. Not a 1000 masks but definitely at least 600. It’s what people want. It’s going to be interesting how we’re going to divide it. Part of decorations, big cut outs of Palin, Biden, McCain and Obama. People can get pictures with them and post it online for people.
8. Sunaina Khandelwal: Are we involving the college republican and democratic club?
a. Brian Frazee: They’re going to be involved, more with debate parties. Representative for both clubs. Talk about issues that are pertinent for their own parties.
b. Sunaina Khandelwal: Are they doing anything special we can merge with?
c. Steve Gilmore: Small events that they want to partner with. Clubs have been finding out and been contacting us and see how they can get involved.
9. Chidi Ukonne: A lot of people get sensitive with politics. Intolerance. Are there going to be ground rules that are going to be said in the discussion period? To do and what to do. People may try to deface the other masks.
a. Steve Gilmore: We’ll have moderators during the debates.
b. Brian Frazee: we expect students not to act immaturely.
c. Steve Gilmore: inflatable’s. They’ll be the stress relievers.
10. Jen Kent: Pin the tail on the donkey and the elephant. Little games like that.
11. Mike: Is the commons going to be staying open late that night?
a. Steve Gilmore: 2am. Students are going to be there working for at least an hour after the event is done.
12. Dave Hoffman: working a shuttle to get people to Catonsville high school. Continuous loop during election day.
13. Mike: if you’re looking for a place close to main street, commuter lounge.
14. Dave Hoffman: the more we spend this year, less that they’re going to spend in the future. Make sure expenditures are good ones.
15. Aditi Srivastav: Why can’t we use the college democrat/republicans money?
a. Dave Hoffman: not a terrible outcome at all. If you spend less…
16. Jen Kent: Last idea. Republican or a rapper. You should do a trivia thing. Something fun trivia game.
17. Aditi Srivastav: Can we ask student life to help us with this. This only happens once every 4 years. It’s student life and they have money. I feel like we’re running out. I feel like 100000 won’t even suffice. I think we need to look at it more closely.
a. Brian Frazee: We’re trying to get as much money in other organizations, at least have 6000 to fall back on.
b. Whitney Torchia: It’s something we can get a lot of support. It’s a really good expenditure. I think it’s worth it even though I agree that we should be careful.
c. Jen Kent: I was going to say that. We don’t have as much money as we’d like. Spending 6000 that’s going to affect a lot more people is definitely worth it.
d. Steve Gilmore: I will not be up for other organizations wanting to do something and ask for it. We don’t have a lot of money but we do have money.
e. Rahilla Tarfa: I still think if possible, we should stress the fact that SGA is in support of election night.
f. Dave Hoffman: Office of student life budget. Vast budget is salaries and supplies. Big picture is a good thing. We provide infrastructure, advisor SEB.
18. Motion by Whitney Torchia to approve JL02-0809
a. Second by Neketa Kakar
b. VOTE: 8 for, 1 opposed (Aditi), 1 abstain (Gabe), 1 absent

VIII. Executive/ Ex-officio Report

A. Steve Gilmore: Last time, I said asking everybody to schedule a meeting. 6 of you did. Please do that tonight. It’s not that hard to do. Just do it. Homecoming update. We picked our theme for homecoming. Since we’re watching Dark Knight that Thursday. Homecoming is batman theme. T-shirts in the front say “why so serious?” in the back it says “it’s homecoming.” In the front, retriever is dressed as a joker. Back would be retriever in batman. Someone from SEB is designing it.
a. Whitney Torchia: what’s the date?
b. Steve Gilmore: Oct 23-25. Lot 17 to map out the tailgating event for the soccer game. We’re trying to get a huge inflatable moon bounce thing. We’re going to reserve a spot for organizations bring a car to tailgate with. We’re going to have a community grill. People bring their own food to cook it. Contest every hour. Best batman costume. etc. Office hours. Nayana, sending email for office hours. I know people’s schedules don’t always work that way. I want to stress to you if you can do it an hr that week, we would really appreciate it if you could. It doesn’t look good if exec members and finance members are the only ones doing it. It can be a good unity. Last thing I want to do is, talking about accountability. There are a lot of projects going on and not everyone knows what everyone’s doing. For the retreat project groups, what are people doing those? Let me see who’s in each. Also, I’ve met with Nancy Young. We just got new numbers for people returning to freshman to sophomore, 90%. Retention. Amazing to what we used to be.
B. Dave Hoffman: I want to talk to Brian and Steve after the meeting. One thing I want to add, UMBC got an award for being college of the year from Red Cross. Donated the most blood than anyone in the state.

IX. Announcements
A. Rahilla Tarfa: Forgot to meet this earlier. Commons. Want to vote more art or photographs. What do you guys think?
1. Amber Spry: I want to see current things. It’s about students. I want to see more of us.
2. Rahilla Tarfa: more current stuff, got it.
B. Brian Frazee: Commons advisory board. Pub rumors. Pub is not closing. Nothing is closing the pub. They are not making any profit of the pub. It’s from transportation increase. They’re not making any money from it and no one’s trying to shut it down.
C. Gabe Rettaliata: Halfway through first year ambassador reviews. We could be having legislation about them next Monday. Not promising anything. There are two in my mind right now. We’ll see how the rest goes

X. Roll Call

A. Present
1. Speaker Gabe Rettaliata
2. Assistant Speaker Jen Kent
3. Sunaina Khandelwal
4. Whitney Torchia
5. Neketa Kakar
6. Brian Frazee
7. Amber Spry
8. Rahilla Tarfa
9. Chidinma Ukonne
10. Aditi Srivastav

B. Absent
1. Tascha Ebhomielen

XI. Adjournment 7:12PM

XII. Pass the Gavel

SGA Finance Board 9/23

Call to Order
5:34pm
Roll call
Harsh Bambawale
Yasmin Karimian
Christine Paul
Stefan Victor
Silva Yousefian (late 5:37pm)
Pre Meeting Discussion

How to inform members about requests in advance
Setup deadline, Monday at 2pm decided
Packets can be picked up at SGA office Monday or Tuesday morning.

Tabled events
If an org submits inaccurate quotes and is told to bring back new quotes, would they be required to fill out a new allocation form? Or would the Finance Board accept their form since they requested better quotes?
Harsh: suggestion that groups with inaccurate quotes must resubmit allocation forms for consideration. Currently the Finance Board uses the date the original request was submitted.
Issue would be orgs submitting ridiculous quotes just to make deadline, so that they have extra time.
Nayana: Is sometimes the case with orgs are not intentionally being lazy, but don’t know how to submit quotes correctly.
Harsh: Finance Board would feel obligated to fund them because we told them to come back later.
Nayana: The finance board does have the option to fail a group that has submitted incorrect quotes
James: No intent to trick the finance board. This is the point of 15 day deadline.
Harsh: Does the Finance board feel comfortable telling a tabled group we cant fund them, because there’s not enough time?
Yes, final decision.

Legislation numbers are incorrect for allocations

First Year Ambassadors
Harsh: 10 or 11 interviewed so far. 4 interviewed Wednesday, 4 on Friday
Emails being sent out regarding interview times.
New Student Ambassador
Nikodimos

Allocation Requests

Equestrian club
Horse Show
Questions/Issues:
Harsh: Where is the show?
Equestrian Club: Goucher. There is another show on October 25th, funds would probably cover both.
Yasmin: What kind of transportation?
EC: Cars
Yasmin: Is it for club members only?
EC: No, anyone can come. Advertisements on facebook and website.
Harsh: How many people are you taking?
EC: 15 members on team, and friends coming.
Harsh: Is it a competition?
EC: yes
David: How long has your group been participating I competitions?
EC: This is the first year
David: Previously all your events have been as spectators?
Silva: for hobby clubs we don’t usually fund competitions.
EC: Org. is aware of this and thus not including entry fees in the request
Money requested is mainly for transportation.
James: Is everyone who is going, or can go, competing?
EC: No
Stefan: All members required to go?
EC: Not all members are going to compete.
Tokunbo: How many cars?
EC: 4
Yasmin: Is the competition only open to girls?
EC: Anyone can go
Harsh: How are you advertising?
EC: Haven’t really thought about it, what would you recommend?
Harsh: SGA provides 100 free flyers.
EC: Group has used spotlight in the past with success
David: reminder that the SGA finance board does not fund competitions, though has funded fan buses in the past. Is this more of a fan bus than a competition, or competition more than a fan bus. Is this the way you want to spend your money given the amount you have in a year.
Christine: How many girls do you have competing?
EC: 4-7 out of 15 team members
Nayana: How many people are you bringing to this event?
EC: We want to take as many people as would like to go 15 plus anyone who would want to come
EC: Club has 40 to 50 members
Nayana: Would you need to come back for more money for additional cars?
EC: Yes
Yasmine: Do you compete to get on the team? Is it a club and a team?
EC: No, anyone can get on the team - levels of riding. It’s pretty easy to accommodate everyone
Harsh: Why are only 4 people competing?
EC: Only 16 horses available per class. There is a limit per school.
Christine: If you have 45 members, why are there only 15 that are part of the team?
EC: Members not interested in competing can just take lessons for fun

Preshow Party
Harsh: Tell us about the preshow party.
EC: Will be a party at October 3rd in harbor. Anyone can come. Will advertise on our website. Plan on having food.
Harsh: How many are coming?
EC: All the girls on the team, maybe about 20.
Harsh: Open to everyone?
EC: Yes
Stefan: Have you guys reserved a room yet?
EC: Currently working on it.
Stefan: RAs may have events there too.
David: Have the people competing in the horse show filled out liability wavers?
EC: Have their insurance through the farm.
EC: School also has insurance that faculty advisor worked out.
David: Might want to fill out liability wavers from UMBC as well.
Get through student life.
EC: UMBC signed initial membership form, which had some insurance on it.
David: fill out liability wavers as well, this is the way you warn individual participants of risk of injury.

Hispanic Latino Student Union 6:00
El Encuentro
Harsh: Tell us about your event.
Hispanic Latin Student Union: Third year celebration Hispanic characters month, presentations on current events. Food is free, mostly snacks. Open to all UMBC students.
Questions/Issues:
Harsh: How many expecting?
HLSU: Open, invited 50-70, no more than 40 can be in the room at one time, so the 70 people would come over a 3 hour period.
Harsh: How are you advertising?
HLSU: Through facebook and the myUMBC events calendar. Waiting for financial help through SGA for flyers.
Christine: Are you getting flyers thorough Common Vision?
HLSU: Yes.
Harsh: You can get 100 free flyers that SGA provides.
Harsh: Where did you get your equipment quota?
HLSU: From scheduling. Laptop, LCD and lecture hall sound.
Nayana: If you get the free flyers from the SGA will you still request the money for advertising?
HLSU: Will cut down the price to maybe $30
Yasmin: Submitted deadline 14 days in advance. After October 1st this is no longer allowed. Watch out for this next time you submit a request.
Harsh: What are the decorations for?
HLSU: Have committees going on – streamers that go with flag central South American Caribbean flag colors. Flags.

Election Extravaganza 6:06

Night of the Election – October 4th
Takes place in main street and commons
Game room, 2 inflatable, moon bounce jousting.
Masks
Food quote is safe estimate. If Chartwells quote it goes over 1500, will just have pizza and soda.
Advertising and decoration – trying to get a banner in the commons to advertise
Co sponsoring with SEB to get logo and debate watching parties
Through myUMBC facebook
Signs directing people to location of main event
Net on roof of commons with balloons
Facilities – quote for $250 for setup costs
Debate watching parties - first one on the 2nd in sports zone. Ice cream. Discussion afterwards. Voter registration for first two debates.
Questions/Issues:
James: Budget attached to legislation?
Masks might not be as much as listed. Food and advertising more realistic number.
Harsh: How many people?
7pm to 2am. 1000 people 4 years ago, expecting more this year.
Yasmin: Where is the debate event money coming from?
Executive project fund
Harsh: 1000 for masks? How much are masks?
Thinking of handing out masks before hand.
Nayana: What kind of food?
If Chartwells – pizza, nachos, wings, free coffee in flat Tuesdays
Deals throughout the day at stations to promote election

Vote:
Members for: 4
Members opposed:0
Members abstaing: 1
Pass

Continued discussion on equestrian club
Concerns:
Would create issues for other groups to argue funding for bringing along non-club members
James: Restriction not based on club, but organization
Status of club is in question
Yasmin: Still probably not the best way to spend $200. Especially since not a fan bus
James: Most of them not competing, answers question of whether or not finance could fund it – could. Point of the equestrian club to go and watch horse events – not that expensive for 15 students
Stefan: But only 7 competing
Yasmin: Talked about a faculty advisor going, and finance board does not fund anything for advisors. Goucher is not that far away, maybe $40 would be more reasonable
Not the finance boards issue to debate category of org (sport or no), should base decision off of current status
Erica: In future finance board may be the ones who catch orgs that are changing categories, or are changing and shouldn’t be and this may be the first way that SGA or student orgs committee will find out if group should be changing category. What responsibly of finance board is to let student orgs committee do their job.

6:21
Vietnamese Student Association
Pho Night
Cultural event – show Vietnamese culture
On campus at Susquehanna.
Questions:
Harsh: How many?
Vietnamese Student Association: 70-100
Harsh: advertising?
VSA: flyers.
Harsh: Will you put up advertisements on calendar or spotlight?
VSA: Yes, also on facebook.
Harsh: Free to UMBC students?
VSA: Yes

VSA Banquet
People from on and off campus
Food dancing, fundraiser for medical care, optional donations
Charging for off campus guests
Off campus location
Questions/Issues:
Harsh: Free to UMBC students?
Silva: Why is it so expensive for food and tables?
VSA: $150 per table and requesting 30 tables. Only requesting half that much (for UMBC students)
Harsh: how many UMBC students are you expecting?
VSA: 7-8 tables reserved for UMBC students.
Tokunbo: If UMBC weren’t to fund it, how much would it cost per person?
VSA: $20-25 per person
Tokunbo: Donations will be included in the entrance fee?
VSA: Yes
Tokunbo: what is the latest date you have to book these 300 seats?
VSA: Have reserved them since summer
Tokunbo: Cant change the number of people?
VSA: No
Stefan: Are UMBC students still participating on other events (such as the raffle)?
VSA: Yes
Nayana: Issue with being able to contribute sate money to a charity
Erica: question is if what your providing is going directly to charity, or to student use
Harsh: Not directly funding the charity.
Tokunbo: How much does total event cost?
VSA: About 6000
Harsh: How will students get there?
VSA: Drive themselves
Harsh: How advertising?
VSA: Facebook group. Flyers
Silva: How far is location from campus?
VSA: About 40min to an hour drive
Silva: How many people showed up last year?
VSA: Full capacity
Harsh: How many were students?
VSA: 4th to a half
Are tickets purchased all the tickets used for events?
Harsh: Are tickets funds requested ones for UMBC students?
VSA: Yes

Common ground 6:34pm
Midnight Madness
Common ground is a dance group to teach UMBC students different styles of dance.
3 years old
Free classes to all UMBC students every Monday
team goes around country representing UMBC
Harsh: tell us about event.
Common Ground: open to all students
Questions/Issues:
James: what are props?
CG: cardboard cutouts, depends on theme. Idea this year for big comfy couch theme.
Yasmin: Are uniforms reusable? Will they stay within the club?
CG: Yes. Will use in other events
Silva: Will you perform at Halloween fest?
CG: Yes
Erica: You do competitions, would you use uniforms for these?
CG: Yes
Stefan: How many uniforms?
CG: About 40 performers. Try to cap at 20 performers.
Harsh: Is club open to everyone?
CG: Auditions held for dance team, but club is open to everyone.
Harsh: Uniform restricted to people who perform?
CG: Yes
Nayana: For performing arts groups events have to be open to entire campus
Tokunbo: Seem like involved in campus

Neither go club or musical theater are present yet, so decision vote on Vietnamese student association

Pho night
Members for: 4
Members against: 0
Members Abstaining:1
pass

VSA Banquet
Silva: a lot of money for so far away.
Stefan: could bring down price based on number of students who came last year.
James: But if you lower price, will event still be for UMBC students?

Christine leaves: 6:45pm

Harsh: A lot of money for something that’s not necessarily geared to UMBC students.
Tokumbo: could consider providing transport
Yasmin: move to vote.
Harsh: second.
Members for: 0
Members against: 3
Members abstaining: 1
Members absent: 1
Does not pass.

Move on to common ground midnight madness. 6:48pm

Yasmin: Up to us as to whether or not uniforms would be a benefit to students or just the club. Good that used for on campus events.
Harsh: Is there a policy that prevents us from funding?
Erica: No because they are technically not competing. They are recognized as a group that does not compete. Issue is, are these uniforms for a restricted part of the student body?
Harsh: think it would benefit UMBC students.
Nayana: Have funded t-shirts for performing arts groups in the past
Be aware of setting precedent
Silva: If they wear it at many events will benefit campus.
Harsh: Don’t think were setting precedent harsh. Up to finance board.
Erica: Does set precedent. Will hold yourself to fund costumes for performing arts groups in the future.
Yasmin: Did fund it last year a lot

Musical theatre club 6:53pm
Fall Showcase
Fall showcase a group of songs from a variety of musicals
Held in sports zone
Free for students, $5 for everyone else
Held for two nights
Questions/Issues:
Harsh: You have auditions for the club itself?
Musical Theater Club: For the shows, but anyone can be in the club.
Yasmin: Quotes?
MTC: May have filled out the form for just one performance – not sure if price is accurate
Harsh: What are you doing for advertising?
MTC: commonvision
Silva: Where being held?
MTC: Sports zone, still working out issues with other groups who want the space.
Harsh: Also have SGA flyers

SASA 6:56
BBQ
BBQ every year in the fall
Everyone can come
Erickson field at October 8th -6pm
Open to everyone
Questions/Issues:
Silva: How many people?
SASA: About 100
Yasmin: It’s free for everyone?
Harsh: How are you advertising?
SASA: Flyers in reslife and commons
Silva: Where are you getting your food and supplies?
SASA: Probably a wholesale place

Back to discussion of Common Ground 6:58
Harsh: Trying to decide if we were setting precedent, and if precedent we want to set for costumes.
James: Think this is beneficial, should be funded. Policy is not something that should inhibit us.
Nayana: Policy exists to ensure system consistency.
James: if problem with policy, then policy should be changed.
Harsh: Finance board’s decision.
Harsh: Anyone have anything to say about policy?
Yasmin: Have to make sure costumes are reusable.
Harsh: Must keep in mind that if we fund this we will have to explain to future organizations why we can or cannot fund their costumes.
Further Questions:
Silva: Where are uniforms from?
CG: Haven’t discussed it yet
Silva: Is this amount requested just an estimate?
CG: Yes, based on 40 people
Erica: Would these costumes match the theme for a future year?
CG: Just this year, but parts of outfit would be reusable.
Harsh: How would you reuse?
CG: Parts of costumes can be used in future events.

7:01 vote on midnight madness for common ground.
Members for: 3
Members opposed: 0
Members abstaining: 1
Members absent 1
Finance board sees the costumes as being beneficial to UMBC students. Pass.

Musical Theater Club vote

Issue of prices:
$690 new total for Fall Showcase
Members for: 3
Members opposed: 0
Members abstaining: 1
Members absent: 1
Pass

SASA BBQ vote
Members for: 3
Members opposed: 0
Members abstaining: 1
Members absent: 1

Latino Student Union
Members for: 3
Members opposed: 0
Members abstaining: 1
Members absent: 1

Equestrian club
Preshow party in harbor
Members for: 3
Members opposed: 0
Members abstaining: 1
Members absent: 1

Equestrian Club Horseshow
James: 20mile to Goucher, 4 cars, 40miles x4 is 160. If they get 10 miles to the gallon, up to $60 total should be funded at $3. 50 a gallon. $60 has enough benefit to pay for the 10 non-competing UMBC students
Erica: are you paying by gas or mileage? Mileage times government rate is a different number than $60. Could submit mileage reimbursement.
Yasmin: Would need recites to prove they spent 60 dollars on gas.
Erica: Federal government stipulates every year that mileage gets reimbursed. Based on gas prices plus the cost of maintaining the vehicle for 1 year.
If you reimburse based on mileage, you take the number of miles driven times the mileage rate (currently at either 51, 51, 58). This is different then paying for the gas to get them there.
Harsh: Are we required as the finance board to follow this?
Erica: Don’t think so.
Yasmin: Have done it this way before (just give amount of money), but still don’t know if we actually want to fund or not.
Harsh: Comfortable voting on 60 dollars?
Yasmin: Remind the group via email that the $60 is to be used for students only, not faculty advisor. Students have priority.
Silva: Maybe if advisor drove their car and took students with.
James: Concern that if we cut down funding to 60, they think they can’t take everyone.
Silva: Probably planning on taking same people regardless.
Cutting down amount to 60 dollars
Vote for 60 dollars (for both trips).
Are we ok with funding this?
James: Keep in mind we funded common ground.
Yasmin: Common ground was on campus.
Vote
Members for: 2
Members opposed: 1
Members abstaining: 1
Members absent: 1
Pass

Hindu Student Council
Garba
$2200 new estimate for cost.
Questions/Issues:
Yasmin: Why don’t you have the sticks from last year?
Hindu Student Council: People take them
Silva: What happened with the money you didn’t give back?
Yasmin: Don’t feel comfortable asking students for deposit for sticks. Maybe for off campus people.
Harsh: Is there a way to mark the one that you buy so that you can collect every one that goes out?
HSC: We could do that
Tokunbo: Could collect student ID and give out the sticks?
Nayana: Too much hassle.
Harsh: Can’t sell the ones we paid for to off campus guests.
Try and figure out some system where students do not have to pay so finance board does not have to fund them every year.
Yasmin: Don’t mind funding them every year if students keep sticks. But since they were collected back, why should finance board fund them again?
Harsh: As long as students get them, finance board can fund every year.
Harsh: Try to get back as many as possible. Or try and give them out only for student.
Stefan: Could just give them out to everyone, and request money every year.
Yasmin: Are they essential tot the event?
HSC: Yes
Harsh: Deposit idea?
Yasmin: Students might not take money to event.
Silva: How long is the event?
HSC: Starts at 7 and ends at 1
Yasmin: Could you give out sticks to off campus people as well, since their paying ticket prices anyway?
HSC: Ok, deposit for off campus give out to students
Harsh: Anyway UMBC students can have preference?
Silva: Will there be tables?
HSC: No
Silva: Where is this being held?
HSC: UC Ballroom
Yasmin: What date is it being held?
HSC: October 18th
Erica: Needs to be made clear that this is a binding agreement. Charging for sticks would be breaking the agreement.
Harsh: Can charge ticket admission for non-students.
Voting $2200
Members for: 3
Members opposed: 0
Members abstaining: 1
Members absent: 1
Pass, under the condition that sticks will be given out to everyone.

7:33 Go Club has missed two meetings so finance board will vote against them. Any org that misses two meetings will be voted against (as was established last week).
Vote
Members for: 0
Members opposed: 3
Members abstaining: 1
Members absent: 1
Not passed

The following groups did not show and requests will be tabled until next week:
Pre Dental Society
Korean Student Association
Omicron Delta Epsilon
Skydiving Club

Post Meeting Discussion

Every one knows office hours?
Deadline for requests no later than Monday at 2pm.
Yasmin: Email people by Monday morning?
Harsh: That’s fine.
Packet should be ready by Monday afternoon.

Decision of who is contacting whom:
Harsh
Go Club
Hispanic Student Union
Equestrian Club
Yasmin
Pre- dental
Korean Student Association
Omicron Delta Epsilon
Skydiving Club
Stefan
SASA
HSC
Christine
Vietnamese Student Association
Silva
Common ground
Musical theater

Keep a closer track on legislation. Make line-by-line account of where money goes so that it cannot be spent on anything other than what it is designated for.

Roll Call

All present except Christine

Meeting Adjourned at 7:46pm

I. Call to Order 5:33PM

II. Roll Call

A. Present:
1. Speaker Gabe Rettaliata
2. Assistant Speaker Jen Kent
3. Natasha Ebhomielen
4. Neketa Kakar
5. Sunaina Khandelwal
6. Amber Spry
7. Aditi Srivastav
8. Rahilla Tarfa
9. Whitney Torchia

B. Absent:
1. Brian Frazee [excused]
2. Chidi Ukonne

III. Approval of Minutes
A. Minutes approved by general consent

IV. Open Discussion
A. Review of Past Week
1. Tascha Ebhomielen: DVD committee: they said they’re understaffed. They’re talking about getting African movies to add to the collection.
2. Dave Hoffman: let’s introduce ourselves first. Maybe it makes sense to give a background of the other stuff.
3. Gabe Rettaliata: Went over it with them (the First Year Ambassadors) already. Let’s introduce ourselves anyways.
a) Everyone introduces themselves
4. Rahilla Tarfa: Commons Advisory Board. They want to have art for the third floor. Commonvision: they would have a running competition. Students will bring ideas, photographs of Baltimore. We didn’t reach a decision yet. Division between relevant work, UMBC work, and Baltimore-and other people want old photograph for historical perspective. Social justice area: TV was removed. No more theatre. Someone wanted more of a passive feel to it. They wanted brochures instead. Poster to talk about social justice. As it is now, people go there to eat instead of thinking it’s a social justice area.
a) Amber Spry: TV’s gone?
b) Rahilla Tarfa: Yes. They want more information about it from interfaith, women center, mosaic center, etc. Centralized information about social justice.
c) Aditi Srivastav: I definitely think the idea of a central thing is necessary. It’s not the perfect venue to do that though. People that are eating are not going to go out of their way to look at things. The TV was really effective because there were people there all the time. People watching elections and games. While the idea is really cool, it could be implemented somewhere else.
d) Rahilla Tarfa: TV kind of defeated purpose of social justice. People just have it on MTV, etc.
e) Tascha Ebhomielen: They could control the channels though.
f) Amber: My first concern is: what about putting brochures there, what makes it more centered towards social justice? They already have a place upstairs for that. I think that there’s not really that many places on campus that’s just a place for students. Getting rid of that, you can put brochures in several places.
g) Rahilla Tarfa: the area will still be there.
h) Amber Spry: they want it to be more of a conscious place.
i) Rahilla Tarfa: they want it to be a more passive place.
j) Amber Spry: what makes brochures so much more desirable?
k) Rahilla Tarfa: when you have brochures there and you sit with your friend, you’re going to pick one up.
l) Jen Kent: why don’t they leave TV and add brochures. I guess I don’t get the point of the space to begin with. Is it a place that people can go? I don’t get it.
m) Rahilla Tarfa: They want to start by having brochures and posters there. When they see a lot of people sit there, they can set something up.
n) Jen: they should leave the TV. You can watch news programs. I think they can benefit for that.
o) Rahilla Tarfa: I didn’t get who removed the TV. Person that spoke about social justice, I can talk to them about that.
p) Jen Kent: if they removed it with the intention to promote social justice, or if there’s another reason.
q) Toby Le: where is the social justice place?
r) Rahilla Tarfa: it’s by the end of the the sub shop
s) Sunaina Khandelwal: where are they putting the TV?
t) Rahilla Tarfa: I’m not sure
u) Steve Gilmore: is that space is going to be bigger in the spring since they’re moving the sub place on the second floor?
v) Rahilla Tarfa: they’re going to implement this plan later on. They’re going to talk about that later. I’ll get back to you on that.
w) Steve Gilmore: Originally, they decided one day to name it social justice theatre. Instead of saying, why have it? They said, why not? I’ll just say if there’s a plan to do something about it, then it’s fine. If it’s the same thing a couple of years ago to name it to make something of it… why not just have a TV over there?
x) Whitney Torchia: I guess we’ll just wait to hear back. If they propose that they put it in certain channels… I think we’ll just have to wait and see.
y) Amber Spry: I’m definitely on the same page. I’d be interested in what their long term goal is. If they have a plan to make something out of the social justice idea. If they don’t, compromising something else, making it a social capital initiative would be a good idea. We have to have a place like that on campus where there’s not an agenda. I think that’s an important part of campus life. It’s important to have social justice but people just need a place to be people.
z) Aditi Srivastav: I feel like eating is when you get a break from everything. Why take valuable place where to make something that’s not an attractive place to sit around?
aa) Rahilla Tarfa: You can still go there and sit down. We just don’t have a TV there. They think TV defeats the purpose of it.
bb) Amber Spry: What’s the place supposed to be?
cc) Rahilla Tarfa: social justice.
dd) Amber Spry: I don’t know on the top of my head what the sign says. I appreciate social consciousness but let’s make sure that if we’re altering student space to make it valuable.
ee) Rahilla Tarfa: they want it to be the same space as it is now. They just want a show with brochures from different departments.
ff) Aditi Srivastav: But we have a front desk for that.
gg) Sunaina Khandelwal: and they have their own offices.
hh) Dave Hoffman: maybe we can invite someone from the commons to talk about it as well.
ii) Sunaina Khandelwal: who is this person?
jj) Rahilla Tarfa: SEB’s Adam Kurtz.
kk) Gabe Rettaliata: Anybody else have anything to say about this? When’s the next meeting for that?
ll) Rahilla Tarfa: Friday at noon. If you want to attend it, it’s going to be in this room.
mm) Aditi Srivastav: Is it open?
nn) Rahilla Tarfa: Any students can come in.
oo) Jen Kent: most of the committees are open. Just ask me first.
5. Gabe Rettaliata: are we ready to move on? We already did DVD committee. You want to talk more about that Chidi?
6. Chidi Ukonne: well we kind talked to Joe Clark, he hasn’t presented me the movies yet. I think there’s a big decision… a lot of movies people keep requesting it but then they stop requesting it at a certain time. Do we want to get those kind of movies, or do we want to get new movies… since we have limited funds. We’re also understaffed. Not a lot of people know they can get movies in the library. Youtube ads of the DVD section of the library. Mini ads in the commons. They get random consensus from students. When students ask for movies, they make a note of them. We’re trying to get more movies that would cover a more diverse population. He wants to get a list of movies. When we meet, we’ll talk about that.
a) Whitney Torchia: do you have that list of DVDs that maybe we can look at?
b) Chidi Ukonne: he said that he’ll email it to me and I’ll email back.
7. Sunaina Khandelwal: RSA. Meet Tuesdays. Block party was coming up. What each community was going to do and backup plans. Nominations next week. Rep for commons advisory board. UMBCtv came to get his proposal supported and they passed it as well.
8. Jen Kent: Writing board. They are there to promote writing in general. For the past 3 years, they’ve been looking for a writing director to work with faculty members to make a syllabus to make a writing intensive course. They’re creating a faculty development center instead of hiring a writing director. Minor thing but… writing board is done through undergrad education, since they deal with grad requirements, general committee that deals with it. Huge proposal in the works. Important part: there’s also an ongoing debate about what to do with transfer students that transfer in the school. If they’ve already done a writing intensive class in another school, should they do it there as well? They’re trying to figure it out. What do you guys think about that? Do you guys understand what I’m asking?
a) Sunaina: do we know if other universities have writing intensive courses?
b) Jen Kent: I’m not really sure.
c) Sunaina Khandelwal: How can we judge? Some people can be really qualified and we’re going to make them take the course again.
d) Jen Kent: It’s hard to figure that out. It’s harder to evaluate whether or not the course is writing intensive. There’s a certain amount of writing involved in it. Feedback, transfer review, etc. To judge whether or not they’re doing it, it’s pretty intensive. You have to talk to that specific professor about it. It was definitely brought up about who’s responsibility it was to figure it out.
e) Neketa Kakar: They can’t just accept it because we don’t know their knowledge about it. It should be some kind of application or some kind of test thing. Give them opportunity to prove themselves. It might be good enough.
f) Aditi Srivastav: I agree that you have to take a writing intensive class. A lot of people come in thinking they know how to write. I was looking at taking a class at another university and applied as a transfer student, one of my English classes didn’t transfer. I had to show them a syllabus. I had to send them a writing sample from that class. There are other schools that have it. It’s not called writing intensive but it’s something like that.
g) Jen Kent: My biggest concern: It could probably affect people graduating. As of now, some departments don’t have that many writing intensive courses. Some departments may even only have one. It’s something that should be taken with your major that won’t throw you off track. My concern is that there would be students transferring have already taken the class, they have to retake the same class or they have prerequisite to it which will add more classes.
h) Amber Spry: How long has UMBC have had writing intensive requirement?
i) Jen Kent: your year (Class of 2011)
j) Matthew McNey: Is it a standard university thing?
k) Jen Kent: Writing board approves it. They present a syllabus. Course outline. We look at the amount of writing that’s going to happen in the class. If you write 2 papers, it’s not going to count. We’ve denied classes that have had a lot of writing without feedback. Point is to be a better writer. There’s no specific criteria but the board decided basically.
9. Whitney: Transcript fee. Raised 8 dollars. We’re trying to change that. We’re trying to figure out why. There’s an article in the Retriever that’s not to our benefit. Talk to registrar about what’s going on. Previously did not have transcript fee. New company that registrar is working with. This company charges them certain amount of money and they charge us in return. Estimated $8 per transcript. Lot of graduates, etc. need transcripts and it adds up to a lot of money. A lot of research around schools.. and there’s only a few that charges $8 or more. They’re usually less or free.
a) Gabe Rettaliata: Biased article. 3 of them have a higher fee than us. 3 of them are free. Others are less. They only mentioned the more expensive than us. They talked to registrar.
b) Aditi Srivastav: our school is making no profit.
c) Whitney Torchia: According to them. They totally forgot people that are applying to grad school. Next question is, where is the extra money going to?
d) Aditi Srivastav: What do they do all day? Chill out? I don’t understand
e) Whitney Torchia: That’s our question. They said the office was so crowded before. But now, I’ll ask them what they do now.
f) Chidi Ukonne: As regards to retriever weekly, I was just wondering if there’s a kind of criteria for checking the kind of info they put out.
g) Aditi Srivastav: no it’s the student voice.
h) Steve Gilmore: I wouldn’t bash them. They only reported what was told. They went on this without prior knowledge. Even if it was biased, they reported what they were told.
i) Whitney Torchia: it’s just one person’s opinion. We’re not going to give up.
10. Gabe Rettaliata: Anything else this week? University Steering Committee met Friday. Nothing great. Dr. Hrabowski was pushing MD charities group. They put a thermometer out there last year. They want us to be the biggest givers in the state. I think we won it last year. Dr. Hrabowski also came to talk about the budget. Same as what Josh was saying, cuts are forthcoming. Dr. Hrabowski wants to protect academic core as well as the people. Engaging in conservative budgeting. Smoking policy. Three years old now. They are still saying it’s a pilot program. Someone is smoking; they give them a card telling to go smoke somewhere else. Smoking policy updated online. What can happen to you if you’re caught? Students get written up in judicial affairs. Staff reported to their supervisors. There are now places where you can deposit cigarettes. Increased areas. 46 from 22. Someday they’ll enforce it for real.
a) Neketa Kakar: You can now smoke in the balcony of Chesapeake now. Who enforced that?
b) Steve: RSA can do their own plan is what it’s supposed to be. Universal, pick out spots and have them grow. There’s no 20 feet rule anymore. This is where you can smoke. Nowhere else. People get confused on where 20 feet is. Whole idea is that there are convenient places to go to so there’s no confusion. It’s still in the process where it’s a pilot program, but at least it’s more clear now.
c) Chidi Ukonne: are you allowed to walk and smoke?
d) Steve Gilmore: No. It used to be from the library to the RAC, you can smoke anywhere.
e) Amber Spry: A minute ago, you mentioned considered consecutive budgeting. Can you elaborate?
f) Steve Gilmore: We know we’re going to cut about 5% of our budget. His point was, the last time they had to do this, they didn’t have to lay people off. Whatever happens, we’re not letting people go. He has to make sure we have enough people teaching classes. He was very vague about it.
g) Tascha Ebhomielen: They will let us know before they do anything or process anything?
h) Steve Gilmore: We’ll know when they know. A lot of the decision is going to be coming after elections come around.
11. Gabe Rettaliata: SGA steering committee. It was an intense meeting. We got our issues out. Couple of things: use Corp time as much as possible. Any meetings you’re doing, just make sure it’s on there so we know when you’re free. Feel free to use it to schedule meetings. If anyone doesn’t know how to use it, just let me know. I can show you. We also brought up an issue how we present ourselves in body meetings. Particularly finance board meetings. Student organizationss trying to get money. Make sure we’re careful on how we present ourselves.
12. Chidi Ukonne: I met with Cindy Paige of residential life. I proposed of having bulletin boards in residential dorms. Or stuff that will give info about SGA. Also having SGA members going to staff meetings and talk about election night extravaganza. They’re up for it. They want us to make a template of what info we’re going to be relaying to students. Pass around times of when they’re going to have meetings. I’ll pass it around of when you can come in. Information you’re going to relay to them. It should be about two weeks from now.
a) Steve Gilmore: Can I get a copy of that? So I can get people that are a little bit more knowledgeable of it.

V. Project Updates
A. Increased Library Hours
1. Neketa Kakar: We talked about we wanted... Not necessarily 24hrs yet. We’re still trying to set up meeting. Friday library policy meeting we’ll go. Questions we’re going to ask them. What’s ultimate goal. To get longer hours. Atrium. More problems with that. It’s not quiet enough to study. Not enough tables and outlets.
2. Sunaina Khandelwal: Also, we could negotiate. One floor open instead of the entire thing for like 2 hrs longer. Specific things like that.
3. Tascha Ukonne: Power outlets, ask why they closed the ones on the floor.
B. Stress Free Zone
1. Jen Kent: Informal brainstorming meeting last week. We want to move it. We want to do less chips and food. We want to do more doughnuts and stuff. We want to do something on academic row. More beneficial that way. We’re not going to have shirts with the dog anymore. We’re going to get rid of the dog. We’re going to get shirts that are eye grabbing. We just want to do bigger events. We want a scream wall. Basically idea of canvas where people can vent. It’ll be awesome. We’ll leave it up all week. You can paint over people’s stuff. We want to do that. We want a nap zone. Instead of student orgs as hub, we can have air mattresses instead. We want to do car smashing. Tough but get it done anyways. We can do make your own stress balls. Move stuff we want to do out of student org and put it in academic row. I want to get a bunch of fake money and throw it into the commons. Then they can come to SGA office and give prizes. Alternative to doing it, hide it around campus. During finals week, people find them. Much safer but a little bit boring. Any questions?
a) Tascha Ukonne: About the money part, it will be more fun… how many times are you going to do it?
b) Jen Kent: it’s just an idea. Have a meeting on Wednesday. On the1st. SGA office. Noon to one.

C. Reaching out to International Students
1. Amber Spry: We had a brainstorming kind of meeting last week. Discuss main goals and reaching out to international students. Working on developing on working on a defined mission. 2 main focuses. One is to create a permanent organization designed for student outreach. Increasing awareness. Another thing we want to start working, hertage day. Heritage week. different student orgs African student association, etc. can have a spot… food from different countries. Traditional clothes. Traditional food. Informal way to see what’s going on. International students can see things that can remind them of something other than America.
2. Chidi Ukonne: that’s definitely it. I spoke to Damola yesterday for his diversity outreach for the executive branch of SGA. We hoped we’d be working together. We also spoke about joining other organizations to partner with us. International festival week in November, we will be having a table there. Meet students and talk about SGA. Brainstorming thing: memoirs of an international student. We would have clips of alumni/professors that have gone outside of the university that have done research. Studied abroad or are international students about challenges and how they’ve overcome it. Forum. Nancy Young or someone from residential life. Make an open forum to bring ideas and talk. Next step would be to contact Mike to do clips on UMBCtv.

D. Digital Campus Sign
1. Whitney Tochia: Black and Gold campus signage. Aditi and I met last week. Brainstormed. One of the things I did was to email Myriam, responsible to do 40th anniversary banner. She hasn’t gotten back to me yet. Asked about company she worked with to make signs. It’ll hopefully be a big jumpstart. Design, etc. we’re definitely thinking academic row.
2. Aditi Srivastav: Donna from landscaping. I told her this was our idea. I told her I was new to the process of collaborating. SGA asked to do a lot for us… would love for her feedback. Suggestions on who I can go to and how we can implement it. I also did an informal research online. Pricing for these banners are reasonable. I also emailed Jill and thinks that it’s a good idea.

VI. New Business

A. SL09-0809- Confirmation of Toby Le as First Year Ambassador
1. Gabe Rettaliata: So tell us about yourself.
2. Toby Le: bio chemistry. I’m a commuter.
3. Aditi Srivastav: why did you apply to be a FYA?
a) Toby Le: I was the president of my high school. I was involved in a lot of activities. I want to continue with that. I think it’s a good start.
4. Neketa Kakar: What do you hope to gain from this experience?
a) Toby Le: Hopefully the end of this year, to learn a lot more about UMBC.
5. Whitney Torchia: what other activities are you involved with?
a) Toby Le: VSA. I don’t really want to overwhelm myself.
6. Steve: what’s the thing you like more about UMBC so far? What should we improve in?
a) Toby Le: One thing I like is the service that UMBC provides for commuters. Shuttle bus. One thing I don’t like is that the lack of trees.
7. Gabe Rettaliata: Three words describe you best
a) Toby Le: Enthuiastic. Outgoing. Corporative.
8. Motion by Neketa Kakar to approve SL09-0809.
a) Seconded by Sunaina Khandelwhal
b) VOTE: 10 for, 0 opposed, 0 abstaining, 1 absent (Brian)

B. SL10-0809- Confirmation of Matthew McNey as First Year Ambassador
1. Matthew McNey: Political science. I’m in the Newman club. Students life. I live on campus. I live in Patapsco.
2. Whitney Torchia: What past experience have you had in high school?
a) Matthew McNey: I was in the class board.
3. Amber Spry: what made you decide to come to UMBC
a) Matthew McNey: in-state tuition.
4. Aditi Srivastav: What plans do you have if you’re confirmed as first year ambassador? What do you want to get done here?
a) Matthew McNey: Sidewalks because they don’t make sense at all.
5. Tascha Ebhomielen: Would you describe yourself as ambitious… did you really just come in as in state tuition?
a) Matthew McNey: Yes. I thought UMBC was totally wi-fi. It was a letdown.
b) Tascha Ebhomielen: is there anything that will stop you fro leaving UMBC? If you had to go to another school, is there anything else?
c) Matthew McNey: no.
6. Rahilla Tarfa: how do you like the transition so far?
a) Matthew McNey: I like it a lot.
7. Motion to approve SL10-0809 by Aditi Srivastav
a) Whitney Torchia: I object. I want to talk a little bit more. I want you to ask the three things…
b) Gabe Rettaliata: alright. three words to describe yourself.
(1) Matthew McNey: Charismatic. Hard working. Industrious
c) Aditi Srivastav: Out of place, but why did you select Matthew? Why did you feel like he was qualified?
(1) Gabe Rettaliata: For all 3 of them... Process was, we interviewed for 15 minutes. We had them describe why they applied for position. What they were involved with. one thing they liked about UMBC. One thing they didn’t like. If they could do one thing under the sun regardless of rules, what it would be. Three words described them best. Asked them questions that related to their application. We’d describe finance board and senate. All 3 had excellent interviews. Interesting plans for their position. All of them had good backgrounds. Involved in other stuff on campus. I didn’t pay too much attention to 3 words. All of them had different answers. I didn’t put a lot of weight but it definitely helped. So these 3 had excellent interviews compared to everyone that applied. I feel confident.
d) Sunaina Khandelwal: This might be repetitive but: one thing you like about UMBC so far? If it isn’t, what are some things that you don’t like and how can they be carried differently? Welcome week, classes, Patapsco, dining hall food, etc.
(1) Matthew McNey: Dining hall food. One of the best things here is student outreach. Lunch room. There’s a change of guard. My friends that had different suggestions was heard there. Next week, his suggestion was implemented. Interesting for me to see the level of commitment.
e) Rahilla Tarfa: how many applications where there
(1) Gabe Rettaliata: 20 applied, 17 went to interviews
f) Tascha Ebhomielen: can we talk to all of three of them because we’re asking them all the questions?
(1) Gabe Rettaliata: They are separate pieces of legislation, so we cannot.
g) Gabe Rettaliata: any more questions for Matthew? Do we want to discuss this?
h) Objection removed by Whitney Torchia.
(1) Motion seconded by Amber Spry
(2) VOTE: 9 for, 0 opposed, 0 abstaining, 2 absent (Rahilla and Brian)

C. SL11-0809- Confirmation of Simmi Singh as First Year Ambassador
1. Simmi Sing: Bio major. Red Cross. Best buddies. Pre med society.
2. Neketa Kakar: why did you apply for this position?
a) Simmi Singh: I wanted to get involved with SGA. My high school wasn’t open to it. I wanted to try something new. I looked online and saw your initiatives, and wanted to be a part of it. I was interested in attending these meetings to see how it goes. I wanted to be a part of sga next year.
3. Aditi Srivastav: what are your plans as FYA?
a) Simmi Singh: Taking what we do in the senate meetings, and talking to other people. I was interested in spreading what the SGA has done. SEB has free access pass for $10. Other things that you guys worked hard to give to students that hasn’t spread.
4. Tascha Ebhomielen: Do you have any idea what you want to be when you leave UMBC? What motivates you when you wake up in the morning?
a) Simmi Singh: I want to be a doctor. I really like helping people, as cheesy as that sounds. I did a lot of charity work.
b) Tascha Ebhomielen: to make money?
c) Simmi Singh: any way possible. I did a lot of charity work on my own. I really like science. That’s basically my driving force.
d) Tascha Ebhomielen: do you work well in a setting that’s charity than politically or financially lead?
e) Simmi Singh: I’m branching out. Testing the waters.
5. Amber Spry: What are the most exciting things that you found out about UMBC since you came here?
a) Simmi Singh: top 5 upcoming schools. That’s exciting. Just how tight knit communities are. My dorm, everyone knows each other. I haven’t missed home at all. That’s pretty surprising in a good way. A lot of students are enthusiastic. I thought a lot of people came here with a negative attitude. They’re actually happy to be here.
6. Gabe Rettaliata: 3 words that describe you
a) Simmi Singh: Passionate. Dedicated. Friendly.
7. Motion by Sunaina Khandelwhal to approve SL11-0809.
a) Seconded by Tascha Ebhomielen
b) VOTE: 10 for, 0 opposed, 0 abstaining, 1 absent (Brian)

D. Oath of office administered by Gabe Rettaliata.

VII. Executive/ Ex-officio Reports
1. David: This Thursday night, first debate watch in the sports zone between vice president candidates. Debate starts at 9. Ice cream starts at 8:30. Next Tuesday and following Wednesday, theyre doing it as well. Staff meeting this morning, reports that we get from students about their office. These things impact affect students. We’re talking abt how we can learn more. Posted something on my blog. So how have you experienced campus services? Hopefully people will start to talk there about their experiences.
2. Steve Gilmore: There’s been a petition going around for use of the UMBC shuttle to BWI train station stop. Apparently the marc train has been running late. For students using that for the morning, often times have missed their morning classes. Apparently there’s been more transportation through halethorpe. Satellite parking. There was a petition to lower that route and increase BWI train. I met with Ramona today to get more data. Wednesday at free hour, there’s going to be an interest open forum UC 310. People that use marc train station can voice their concern so we can get a better feel. A lot of names on the petition but it doesn’t mean that they use the station. They’re talking about… both routes, riders are up 25%. It can be UMBC students or staff and faculty. Ramona said to up the route for the marc train. It’ll cost $4500. Cutting “Jest for fun” for commuters to fund that pilot program if needed. She also was hinting about sponsorship with SGA. We won’t worry about that. I’ll be going to that forum. If anyone is interested, it’s at UC 310. Positive thing… there was a few students talking about the posting policies… student advertising. Getting bulletin board paper and giving that out to student orgs to advertise in Main Street. I ran the idea with Lee and she’s supportive. I’ll be taking to other orgs for approval. Next Wednesday at 5, SGA dinner for the whole SGA. It’ll be a good chance to meet others. That’ll be a good chance to see what’s going on in other branches.

VIII. Announcements
1. Sunaina Khandelwal: Frank Warren is coming. 8pm.
a) Jen Kent: Guy from post secret. He has books and a website. If you notice by mesquite bbque, there’s postcards on that wall from UMBC students.
2. Chidi Ukonne: I was eating in the commons today, the meal is getting changed from 1 pizza to 2 pizza for a meal.
a) Whitney Torchia: I’m on the food service committee. We’re not meeting for 2 more weeks. Anything you want to tell them, let me know and I’ll take a big list. It’s not every week like they used to be.
b) Amber Spry: I was just going to say, really cool meal deal more visible. Brighter or bigger. Especially at the grill. Maybe more diverse options for the meal plan. I don’t eat beef and chicken sandwich cost more.
3. Chidi Ukonne: Increasing student pride. We see a lot of fliers about passive information but they don’t have anyone to talk to. Do you guys think it’s possible that maybe people that put up fliers have students to talk to. Informing students by talking to them.
a) Toks Elegbe: I saw the post secret but I had no clue what it was until you said something. I don’t think it’s physically possible. Maybe like a video blog or something.
b) Chidi Ukonne: campus wide not the student org stuff. The events that everyone is encouraged to go to.
c) Jen Kent; I’m with Toks. I don’t think it’s a good idea but it’s not possible. We could encourage student orgs to do it but it’s not required to. Fliers really aren’t most effective but it’s easiest.
d) Tascha Ebhomielen: We have all these websites, but we’re still having problems to get information out to people. Why do we have problems when we have all these means?
e) Gabe Rettaliata: let’s continue this discussion outside of the meeting. Anyone who wants to talk about it, talk to Chidi.

IX. Roll Call
A. Present:
1. Speaker Gabe Rettaliata
2. Assistant Speaker Jen Kent
3. Natasha Ebhomielen
4. Neketa Kakar
5. Sunaina Khandelwal
6. Amber Spry
7. Aditi Srivastav
8. Rahilla Tarfa
9. Whitney Torchia
10. Chidinma Ukonne
11. FYA Toby Le
12. FYA Matthew McNey
13. FYA Simmi Singh

X. Adjournment 7:09PM

XI. Pass the Gavel

Finance Board 9/30

Call to Order
5:34pm

Roll Call
All members present

Pre-meeting discussion

Introduction to Student Ambassadors: Emily, Stephanie, Kathryn (spelling may be incorrect)
No time to approve them before the meeting.
Common ground

Equestrian Club Horse Show
Harsh reviews the situation with the Horse Show for Ambassadors
James: Since it’s a hobby club there are really no guidelines for competitions.
Yasmin: I voted against it because I didn’t think we could control the faculty advisor(s). Maybe if an agreement was made with the Club, stating that students would get priority, I would be fine with allowing it.
David: procedurally, someone would make a motion to override the veto. If that motion is seconded than the Finance Board can vote (2/3) to pass.
Move to override the veto – Yasmin, Second - Harsh
Stefan: Disagree with Yasmin, there are more people in the group who will not benefit from this event.
David: distinction between what you can do and what is a good idea to do. If you can approve it, doesn’t mean you should.
Harsh: They are still categorized as a hobby club – not our decision to make. Issue should be brought to student orgs committee.
David: Disagree, you can make decision.
Yasmin: If they compete they are considered a sports club, and we don’t fully fund sports clubs. If they have an event that is open to everyone, we would be more willing to fund it.
Override: For: 4, Opposed: 0,Abstaining: 1, Absent: 0
Allocations
Freedom Alliance:
World AIDS Day Concert
Benefit concert by voluntary donations. It will take place in the UC Ballroom. 400 estimated students will be advertising on and off campus. Marketing Patches. Ticked event free students.
Questions:
Harsh: Students pick up tickets via commons?
FA: Yes
How many UMBC students?
FA: Majority
Yasmin: Where are your quotes from?
FA: Taken mostly from last semester
Yasmin: Have you been to scheduling yet?
FA: The event is already reserved.
Yasmin: Make sure your quotes are accurate. Things may have changed over the summer. Last year had issues with drag show, needed more money.
FA: Filling in request forms far in advance, just in case of hidden costs.
James: Did the marketing package not include flyers?
FA: Wanted to get larger size flyers.
Christine: What is the marketing package?
FA: Tickets, post cards for the commons, banner on UC
Silva: Maybe a marketing package that includes flyers as well, so you don’t have to get that separately.
FA: Were hoping to get larger than 8.5 x11 flyers
David: How much for people who are not students?
FA: Required donation. Maybe $2.
David: What about the $3350 you have in SGA funds?
FA: For future events. $1000 dollars for the Allies Dinner.
Yasmin: Issue about performer cost.
FA: Original request was denied because we didn’t have a performer.
Silva: The band gave you the quotes?
FA: Yes. $500
Harsh: How are you advertising off campus?
FA: HIV awareness centers.
Discussion:
Don’t understand the 3,000 they already had.
James: what they were allocated last year to pay for the things at the beginning of this year.
Harsh: Issues with individual items. Didn’t think they need marketing package and flyers.
David: Flyers are largely for off campus advertising.
James: could cut it for a marketing package that includes flyers.
Silva: there are other marketing packages they can use.
Yasmin: they have big events in the spring too.
James: what about the drapes?
Yasmin: Don’t need drapes. Took those quotes from the drag show.
New total $1,376
Decision:
Cut out flyers and drapes.
Vote:
Members for: 4, Against: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 0

Allies Dinner
Had originally asked for $1000 because did not know what Chartwell’s prices would be. Quote for 100 people $1150. Allies dinner was placed under National Coming Out Day week. If reallocated all that money wouldn’t have enough for NCOD week.
Questions:
Harsh: so this is part of NCOD week?
FA: It’s actually the week after. Last year did it the same week. Asking for $150 for Allies Dinner and $250 for events during NCOD week.
Harsh: so you’ve already received funds for Allies Dinner?
FA: Yes, but under the amount needed.
FA: We have to reallocate NCOD week, since it’s during a different week?
Yasmin: will email you about it.
Discussion:
Yasmin: that’s a lot for food. They are also getting $1000. They’re getting a total of 1400 then. Not really their fault. Chartwells prices.
James: this issue has come up with Chartwells before. Orgs have had to adjust prices.
Harsh: groups have come back requesting more money.
David: remember she said that some of it was for NCOD week.
James: Only $150 is going to food. $250 is for NCOD week.
David: the money used for the dinner is in another account, if you give them this money then they only have to use $750 of this money you have given them for dinner and $250 for other events.
David: they have $1000 they can use right now for the other events that week or for the dinner taking place in a different week. Don’t know what they would choose to do if we turned down this allocation. $400 contribution for the dinner on top of $1000 that has been given to combination of those events.
Stefan: well we know $150 is going to the dinner.
Harsh: we don’t know.
David: That is the cost they’ve been quoted for the package. Have $1000 for the whole week. They may spend $1150 diner and spend nothing on NCOD week.
Harsh: If we do approve it, they can spend it anyway they like.
Yasmin: $400 has to be spent Oct 13th
David: don’t know how the other $1000 would be spent.
Yasmin: if they reallocate it, they would have to use it for Allies dinner.
Would need to submit two reallocation forms. One just for allies dinner and one for NCOD week.
FA: Would we be able to resubmit it in time?
Harsh: would have to be soon.
David: clase in budgetary statutes that allows you to consider requests that relate to an earlier request that you funded – which this is. Requires unanimous vote of the finance board to approve it.
Decision:
Group will resubmit allocations for each.
Members For: 0, opposed: 4, abstaining: 1, absent: 0

Gayme Night
Requesting bracelets for Gayme Night. Game room is technically for all UMBC students. The rainbow bracelets would identify people who were there for the event vs. people who are just taking up table. Could use them in other events during the year.
Questions:
Stefan: about how many bracelets would that be?
FA: 250 for $200
Harsh: how many people are you expecting?
FA: About 50. Should last us a couple years at least
Discussion:
Christine: Couldn’t they get it for cheaper?
Harsh: but she mentioned she could get more for a cheaper price that can be used in the future.
James: May turn into the “sticks” incident last week where the bracelets will disappear before last year. But idea of using them for events this year sees like a good idea.
Yasmin: we are funding this event that would be open to everyone. Some people going may not want to support freedom alliance. Can’t really force someone to wear bracelets. Seemed to be an understanding that everyone would wear it to show support for the event. Could get paper bracelets for free.
Stefan: could cut cost.
Tokunbo: don’t need bracelet to be part of the event. Students are part of the event just by being there.
James: equity. Is this much money really worth something that only benefits the org?
Decision:
Members for: 0, opposed: 4, abstaining: 1, absent 0

Transgender Day of Remembrance
Cost of speaker $1500. Have already received $300 from pledges.
Wasn’t sure what to do and asked Yasmin. She said to ask for the amount we would need and would give the money back. We are only asking for $900. Speaker says she usually charges $1250 plus traveling, but may make an exception for a school event. Reserved LH9
Questions:
Harsh: how many people are you expecting?
FA: 50-100
How are you advertising?
FA: Free SGA flyers
James: The speaker quoted you $1500?
FA: She said $1250 plus traveling is what she normally charges. She also said she was willing to be flexible for a student group.
James: when will you have an exact quote?
FA: Didn’t give us one, but if we cant get the $1250 she will work with us on costs. $1500 is an estimate with travel.
Harsh: you defiantly have $400 currently.
FA: Yes.
Silva: how long is she speaking?
FA: At least an hour maybe 2. Planning to include some sort of workshop.
Discussion:
Harsh: $900 for the speaker. Seems like a lot of money.
James: don’t like the fact that group is not sure about how much the speaker costs. Think it should be tabled.
Yasmin: this event will be informative to students.
Silva: not very interactive. Just a speaker.
Kathryn: said something about a workshop.
Harsh: agree to table the event.
Harsh: Need to come back with an exact quote.
FA: What should we tell her?
David: could argue that the finance board was waiting to see if there was a lower offer.
NCOD Week: (see Allies Dinner)

Genesis Toastmasters: Toastmaster Yearly Dues
We need to pay our dues for last year and this year. It says 162, but we will probably need more than that. More like 270 dollars. They didn’t pay last years dues for some reason.
Questions:
Harsh: So we would be paying for both years?
GT: Yes
Harsh: Our policy prevents us from funding
Yasmin: Does your org have carryover money?
GT: I don’t know
Yasmin: see business services center on this floor
GT: There are a total of 10 people who want to join this year and last year.
Harsh: What does you org do?
GT: We are a public speech club.
David: what are the dues for?
GT: Toastmasters is an internationally recognized org. The group pays dues for affiliation. Recognition for speeches.
David: Why are the dues made out to individuals instead of the club? The orgs relationship is with the individuals?
GT: Yes, each individual has to pay dues.
Harsh: is this under UMBC’s name?
GT: I don’t know, I just joined the club.
Harsh: Benefit would only go to people listed on allocation?
GT: Yes, our club would be kicked out of the toastmasters if we don’t.
David: How many people would have to pay dues?
GT: At least 5 administers of the club.
David: 5 officers is what UMBC requires on its forms.
James: the way you could get around this is avoid listing dues to individuals, instead just the sum.
Harsh: currently seems as if only the people listed would receive the benefit.
David: in such cases individual members can pay the fees out of pocket.
GT: This is what we will probably have to do.
David: recognize the name Rich Golman as a graduate student.
Discussion:
Tokunbo: it seemed to me that our treatment of toastmasters might have been discouraging. We might not have been very helpful.
We probably should have given him more information, but he seemed in a hurry to leave.
Emily: as president its his role to know everything before coming to a meeting.
Yasmin: I don’t have any of the carryover information to give him.
Tokunbo: Could have said it in a less intimidating way.
Harsh: we did try to give him some information. Seemed like when he realized he couldn’t get any money he didn’t want to stay anymore.
Stefan: many people come to the Finance Board with that attitude.
Yasmin: it’s hard to be nice when talking about polices. Don’t want to sound flip-floppy.
James: It makes the policy unclear if you’re not firm.
Kathryn: can try to be more helpful in the future.
David: many orgs probably come in here less informed then they should be. Don’t always have time during meetings to fill people in on information.
Stephanie: Is the SGA allowed to fund this?
Stefan: don’t pay for grad students.
Yasmin: we don’t pay for past dues.
Decision:
Vote members for: 0, opposed: 4, abstaining: 1, absent: 0

Students for environmental Awareness: One Night Stand
One night camping trip planned to Patapsco state park.
Questions:
Stefan: How many?
SEA: 36 have shown interest, 20-25 may actually go.
Silva: are these people in the organization?
SEA: Yes. People who came to meetings, but we will still advertise.
Harsh: How are you advertising?
SEA: Posters, UMBC spotlight.
James: is it a first come, first serve basis?
SEA: Yes.
Yasmin: If more people wanted to go would you just split the cost among everyone?
SEA: Yes.
Harsh: You had a similar event last year during spring break?
SEA: Yes.
Harsh: you said you used spotlight, but when I clicked on the link it took me to a dead page.
SEA: OSL just fixed that link.
Decision:
Vote: members for: 4, opposed: 0, abstaining: 1, absent: 0

Omicron Delta Epsilon: Banquet
Couldn’t come. Not failed because they contacted Yasmin
Korean Student Association: Annual Bowling Night
Every year go bowling in Ellicott City. Getting a discount for 39.99 for 7 lanes plus 20 for refreshments.
Questions:
Harsh: Is it only for club members?
KSA: No, club members can bring friends.
Yasmin: So about 42 people will go?
KSA: Yes
Stefan: How are people getting there?
KSA: Carpooling
Yasmin: your price has doubled since last year.
KSA: This is my first year, don’t really know about pricing then. We have a lot more members this year.
Yasmin: Do you have the exact date of the event?
KSA: No, not yet. We know we want to do it within the next month (October).
Yasmin: we need an exact date. If you use the money tomorrow it would be breaking our deadlines.
KSA: Going to be at least 3 weeks. Will let you guys know when we have an exact date.
David: write in the legislation that the event cannot take place before two weeks.
Harsh: would have to have it at least two weeks after the 19th of September (date form was filled out).
Yasmin: what is the purpose of this event?
KSA: A lot of new people coming in. This event will help us get to know everyone.
James: 7 lanes comes out to be $260?
$280
James: Where is the extra money going?
KSA: We were hoping for refreshments.
Harsh: Would it be ok if I changed it to two columns. 280- lanes and 20 – food.
KSA: Yes.
Discussion:
Seems like they could do something on campus.
Tokunbo: groups like this have used social events to raise interest in a club in the past.
James: about $6.25 per person
Kathryn: We could partially fund them.
Yasmin: but then they might just take less people. They also didn’t ask for shoe rental.
Emil: Add the shoes in with total.
Yasmin: We will have to back up our decision. We funded paintball last year for the Chinese student Association.
Silva: their not advertising.
Decision:
Members for: 0, opposed: 4, abstaining: 1, absent: 0

Invisible Children United: Go! Schools for Schools! Film
Lecture sound for the sports zone will be needed.
ICU: How do we get free flyers?
Steve: send me an email, I will give you code.
Decision:
Members for: 4, against:0, abstaining: 1, absent: 0

National Pan Hellenic Council: Masquerade Ball (?)
Skydiving Club: Chambersburg Skydiving Trip
Couldn’t come. Not failed since they Contacted Yasmin
Go Club: UMBC Fall Tournament (resubmitted allocation)
Go tournament on October 12th. Open to all UMBC students, 20 for non-students. Would like to have free pizza with the event. Also want to pay registration fees.
Questions:
Stefan: is the fee a general fee, or is it for a certain number of students.
GC: Each student is $10
Harsh: If more come will you split the cost between students?
GC: Yes. We have some carry over.
Silva: where is this being held?
GC: The skylight lounge
Yasmin: have you reserved that room yet?
GC: Yes.
Yasmin: is there additional cost for setup?
CG: We were going to leave the room setup as it is.
Anyone can attend?
GC: Yes. Plan on making flyers.
Discussion:
Stefan: why do 15 people need $175?
David: the registration was not connected to this even. Was separate. A bit like the toastmaster requests.
Kathryn: could remove the registration fee
James: why is the registration being removed?
Harsh: Almost exactly the same as the toastmasters.
James: Go Club has to be registered in these events to compete throughout the rest of the year.
Harsh: ditto toastmasters.
James: if not for the grad student and the back dues would you have funded?
Harsh: listed individual names, would only benefit those people;
James: tournament dues are pretty common, we have funded them in the past.
Silva: the event wouldn’t totally be free. Because in order to play you have to register.
Yasmin: if we stop paying registration fees, a lot of people wont be funded. Toastmasters was a bit different. They can still function, they just aren’t recognized.
David: Have to ask yourself what benefit is going to the individual, and which part is going to benefit community. Might not want to have a rule restricting registration fees, but might want to consider what the money is going towards. This is not a tournament registration fee, this is a fee associated with the affiliation of national organization
Harsh: I don’t think we should consider funding them just because they listed it differently then the Toastmasters.
Stefan: if new students joined they might not be able to participate without paying the fee. Would not have benefited from our funding.
David: $10 to have a student in a national affiliation does not seem unreasonable.
James: this doesn’t seem fair. Could argue that contribution at the door would not be unreasonable for other events like Jambo night and Pho night.
Harsh: these events contribute directly to students, no one else would be able to make use of these registration fees.
Yasmin: anyone can join the group.
Christine: he said if more people came he would distribute money.
Yasmin: they have a lot of carry over.
Christine: are we deciding not to fund registration fees for the rest of the year?
Harsh: would not be opposed to fund an organization to be affiliated with a national group that would help any UMBC student join.
Yasmin: this is what the Go Club does. Need to pay fees to be the Go Club.
Tokunbo: Think that this is exactly the same thing as the toastmasters.
Kathryn: I don’t think it’s all that different either. If we didn’t fund the individuals in toastmasters, why should we fund the individuals in the Go Club?
Stephanie: the only difference seems to be that the Go Club is going for everyone, whereas the Toastmasters would just benefit the 5 leaders.
Yasmin: the Go Club needs this more. Will limit their participation in tournaments.
Steve: hate to tell the go club they cant go to tournaments and give Common Ground uniforms.
Kathryn: how does that work? What if someone joins the club later but the registration fees for 15 people had already been paid?
David: if the $150 is not tied to the number of people then its arbitrary.
Move to vote.
Decision:
Vote on $325.
Members for: 3, opposed: 1, abstaining: 1, absent: 0

Colleges Against Cancer: Pizza Party
New club on campus. Had first meeting two weeks ago. For our next meeting having a guest speaker. Organ donations. May not be able to get funding for this week, but want to get it for the next. Want pizza for the people who might be coming and volunteers.
Questions:
Yasmin: You don’t want to get funding for this Friday?
CAC: No, hoping to have pizza for next Friday.
Harsh: Is it just for people who volunteer?
CAC: Any one who comes to the meeting.
Yasmin: how many pizzas does 200 buy you.
CAC: Don’t know. Was told highest amount.
We can fund the pizza for the 17th. Have to change the amount.
Yasmin: Are all the people coming students?
CAC: Yes
Harsh: How much do we want to cut?
CAC: Would it cover drinks?
6 pizzas is 50
Decision: to change amount to 50
Members for: 4, opposing: 0, abstaining: 1, absent: 0

Gospel Choir: Karaoke NITE
October 11th. The event is not just for gospel choir. Wanted to have and event where new members can get to know everyone.
Questions:
Harsh: where in the commons is it?
GC: Sports zone
Harsh: how many.
CG: 50-75
Christine: How many are members?
GC: About 60
Yasmin: are you advertising?
GC: Word of mouth. People can bring friends.
David: is the org open to everyone or do members have to try out?
GC: Any one can try out, just have to come to practice.
Decision:
Members for: 4, opposed: 0, abstaining: 1, absent: 0

Intervarsity Christian Fellowship: Fall Conference
Scholarships fall conference will be split among all attending students. Fee for event is $80, scholarships would lower the cost for UMBC student
Questions:
Harsh: You have 30 students?
Silva: so you charge students?
ICF: Yes. Event is run by intervarsity regional office. Off campus and pay for lodging.
Harsh: Would $2400 cover the cost of all the students?
ICF: Yes
And if more came would you split the cost among all attending?
ICF: Yes
Harsh: anyone can go?
ICF: Yes
Yasmin: How many club members?
ICF: About 30 club members and 10 others.
Harsh: How would non-club members find out about this event?
ICF: Facebook sending out email to interfaith center.
Harsh: Are you deciding who gets the scholarships?
ICF: No, will be split evenly between everyone.
Yasmin: you guys were given the $1000 for conference fees?
ICF: For the winter conference and the one next semester.
$1000 not for this conference?
ICF: No
James: what do you mean by scholarships?
ICF: Didn’t know what else to call them, just charges for the conference.
Discussion:
David: $78 is the annual amount paid by the undergraduates for the entire year. Not necessarily a fair comparison, just a way to scale a request like that.
Yasmin: already have $1000 for fall conference. Might make more sense for us to use it now. We could give $1400 and then come to us for more when needed.
David: it sound like this event is going to happen one way or another, the issue is how much each student will have to pay.
Harsh: could try to subsidize. Cut amount down to half.
Silva: Have you done any fundraising?
Working on it. Have a scheduled table every Wednesday where things get planned for fundraising.
Silva: do you have anything else coming up this semester?
No
Harsh: could give them $500 that would come to about half. Could then charge only $30(ish) per student.
Yasmin: do you feel the $80 is worth it? I think an event like this would be beneficial enough for $80.
Kathryn: If 40 people wanted to go, what would happen?
Would be split among however many people would go. The rest would be paid by the individual student.
Silva: seems to me that only club members would be seeing the benefit.
David: not necessarily a problem. Membership is open to anyone.
Harsh: $2500 would probably fund a much larger event on campus. Might be more willing to fund it if it were cut down.
Stefan: Do you all have any events coming up?
Last Thursday of every month is an outreach program. Geared towards more UMBC students and is not as expensive.
Assuming paying $30 for each, $1050 is the average for 35 people.
Harsh: fund $1000 instead of $2400
David: moment when a more formal process would be helpful. One of you need to move to approve the amount, then someone else could move to amend it, and then have a discussion.
Harsh: does anyone want to move to cut it down to $1000?
Yasmin moves, Harsh seconds.
David; no motion has been made, someone now has to say that they want to allocate a certain amount of money to this event, and then move to approve allocation of new amount.
Yasmin: a total?
David: someone can move to amend this amount if they disagree.
No one wants to move to do this
Decision:
Vote: Members for: 4, opposed: 0, abstaining: 1, absent: 0

Capoeira: Unnamed Event
Name of the event should be Batizado e. Translate to baptism. Have 10 students at UMBC. First chance to meet instructor. Capoeira is a Brazilian dance fight. Students get new belt based on what they’ve learned. Get an amount of cord, cut it up and dye it. Comes directly from Brazil.
Questions:
James: about the instruction fees, why are there three and why are they different amounts?
CAP: They are for different instructors. Should be names associated with these. Will be workshops associated with it.
Harsh: what’s the date?
CAP: November 15
Yasmin: are the workshops open to everyone?
CAP: Open to anyone, but there are physical limitations.
Harsh: cords and belts only for people graduating?
CAP: Yes, there is a certain amount of commitment and training that goes into the belts. The price estimate is a bit higher- new students need cords too.
Yasmin: so anyone who is interested in your group can join?
CAP: For some reason are listed as restricted club, but in our bylaws it says anyone can join. Trying to get this changed.
Harsh: How many are you expecting?
CAP: 60-70
Harsh: how many are UMBC students?
CAP: These are just people in the community, hoping to get more flyers out.
James: is the event itself competitive, or is everyone doing what they want and being evaluated.
CAP: No competition.
Yasmin: cords and bets for everyone including UMBC student?
CAP: Mostly for students.
Is this essential that you have all the instructors?
CAP: They will be here whether or not SGA funds them.
Yasmin: you had an event last year?
CAP: Yes, also requested funding for that.
Yasmin: did you have it?
CAP: No, that request was for this event. Last spring, thought that was the last time to get money for the form. Tried to reevaluate list for Finance Board.
Silva: is the group master staying all three day?
CAP: Yes. Still a lot of things are still being resolved.
Harsh: will it be a one-time fee?
CAP: Yes.
Silva: will non-UMBC students have to pay?
CAP: I don’t know, I don’t think so
Stefan: How many UMBC students in group?
CAP: 10 for now.
David: of the 60 people who attended the event, how many were UMBC students?
CAP: About 15
David: how come we haven’t seen a member of the org here when submitting the request.
CAP: Club president stopped communicating with me.
Silva: If we were to partially fund the event, could you fund raise?
CAP: We are going to try to fund raise.
Harsh: we could probably fund the items on the list that would benefit UMBC students. You could charge the people who were non-students and this would help cover the rest of your costs and we could fund the rest.
CAP: Wondering how to access resources for treasury training. Yasmin: you can email me with regards to SGA funds. Can go through processes with treasurer.
James: also an event-planning guide the office of student life puts out
Harsh: from this list, what do you think would benefit UMBC students the most and what would you charge non-UMBC students?
CAP: Could charge non-UMBC students for everything. Last event was 40 per person and free for UMBC student. Having 3 nights, Thurs, Friday, Sat. Thursday will be mostly for UMBC students
Yasmin: List is supposed to be from the highest priority down, is this list?
CAP: Yes.
Silva: have you tried fundraising in the past?
CAP: Not yet, haven’t had a reason to.
If we were to fund half of this how hard would it be for you to hold the event?
CAP: Event will go on regardless. It’s doable.
Emily: Are the flyers for outside, or off campus?
CAP: Mainly on campus. Trying to get more students involved.

Decision:
Harsh: since event is not until mid November, you can have treasure talk to Yasmin to figure out the best way to fund this. We can table event for now.

Biodiesel Project:
Constructing Biodiesel Processors.
Found farm where group can produce biodiesel, trying to expand this. Made a 150 gallons so far.
Questions:
Harsh: This is already up and running?
BP: Yes, but there is a lot of cost involved in maintaining the project
Harsh: what happens to the oil?
BP: Working on short term right now. Will be tested on farmer’s tractors, etc. Once we prove it is economic we hope to bring it to UMBC and use for buses.
Yasmin: What is the difference between the money you requested last year, and the $600 requested this year (more).
BP: Trying to make processes more efficient and continuous. Less human intensive.
Yasmin: right now it’s being run off campus?
BP: Yes. Nowhere on campus to do it. 5 people know the process well and trying to get more people involved.
Harsh: You have students going to the farm?
BP: Yes, we want the process to be more permanent.
Discussion:
Silva: Is this any different from common ground asking for props?
James: this group is open to everyone, don’t need to do any sort of audition.
Harsh: we actually funded the startup of the project last year.
James: think the money was used well, did not disappear.
Harsh: would have a long-term beneficial effect.
Decision:
Members for: 4, opposing: 0, abstaining: 1, absent: 0

Let it be noted that at 8:13pm Harsh uses the gavel to for the amusement of the members of the Biodiesel Project.

Promoting Bone Marrow Registration Drive
November 11. Mainstreet commons. Trying to get at least 1000 people. Its easer than the blood drive. Free for UMBC students.
Questions:
James: what is commons equipment?
BP: Some people come off campus to do PowerPoint presentations. Wasn’t sure of the cause.
Yasmin: Why biodiesel club asking for bone marrow?
BP: Sort of a side thing that we were interested in.
Yasmin: could talk to people who run the blood drive.
Silva: had you done this event before?
BP: Had one about 4 years ago.
Christine: Why only fraternities?
BP: Tried reaching out to sororities, but no response so far. Sent some email.
Harsh: could maybe group up with another org whose mission statement was more related to blood drives, example: students against cancer. Would be willing to fund this event. Can t fund t-shirts or giveaways, but can fund food.
Decision:
If you wanted to apply for this again with another org, we would be willing to fund it.

AEPi: PiFest!
Pie and pizzas given out to public to get to know our group. Not for recruitment.
Questions:
Harsh: when was request submitted?
AEP: Last week
Silva: how many are you expecting?
AEP: 50 – 100, located in the sports zone.
Silva: have you reserved a spot?
AEP: Currently coordinating with Greek life.
Stephanie: Are you doing a lot of advertising?
AEP: Not much advertising. No need, want to make event spontaneous.
Silva: Is this during free hour?
AEP: In the evening 6-8.
Silva: will there be a lot of people around then?
AEP: Can change the time to free hour.
Discussion:
James:222.99 total.
Christine: might be too crowed.
David: request by a restricted organization, as long as the event is open to all UMBC students you are allowed to fund it. But, what is the point?
Can support campus community, interaction with other students.
Decision:
Members for 3, opposed: 1, abstaining: 1, absent: 0

Not Attending Allocations
Pre Dental Society
VCU Dental School Recruiter Talk
Did not attend, but submitted request. Need parking tickets and gifts for recruiters.
Harsh: they don’t need a gift and a lunch – just one or the other.
James: lunch would be more appropriate.
Harsh: board members are students, only $8
Stefan: in regards to the flyers, we can encourage them to use 100 free for both events.
Decision:
Removed gift. Lunch reduced to $8, advertising reduced to $5
Total cost: $78
Members for: 4, opposed: 0, abstaining: 1, absent: 0
UMDNJ Dental School Recruiter Talk
Decision:
Removed gifts for recruiters. Lunch reduced to $8
New total $68
Members for: 4, opposed: 0, abstaining: 1, absent: 0
Quiz Bowl: Wake Forest, NC Quiz Bowl Tournament
Not enough information, event tabled.
Engineering CoM: ECM Lunch
Decision:
Members for: 4, opposed: 0, abstaining: 1, absent: 0

Post Meeting Discussion

Complete Discussion of Vetoes – rather long discussion so I just included the points made by the main participants.

Yasmin: I stand by my decision that we should fund them. Benefit to UMBC students.
(In response to Steve) I argue that every event we make is at our discretion. While our current policy may allow us to fund something, it is always at the discretion of the Finance Board. 5 people were elected to make these decisions, should always be clear about the Finance Boards discretion. We didn’t ask Common Ground to tell us about their org. Sat there and told us about events for 10min, until someone stopped them. I think we still would have voted the same way.
(In response to Tokunbo)We don’t close our eyes and pick a decision. In this case we thought the benefit outweighs the cost. Can’t quantify benefit.
Christine: agrees with Yasmin, but brings up Mama’s Boys as an example of a group that we do not fund uniforms for.
Harsh: at our discretion. Team of 40 affects more students. This event is comparable to the “sticks”. They relate directly to the success of the event, like the costumes used by Common ground. We have funded costumes for previous events. I would compare it to decoration.
James: uniforms aren’t just for the people who wear them. This is like saying to a musical theater group that the costumes that they use are only beneficial to the people who audition. Costumes in the case of Common Ground ads something to the event. If Mama’s Boys were doing a Christmas event and wanted Santa hats, that case would be similar to this.
There is a distinction between uniforms and costumes. If another org asked for shirts, that’s not really adding to the event.
It is important to keep a track record of events for an organization and not just look at events.
Steve: I’m still not sure. When you use the term “at our discretion” it sounds like the Finance Board is bias towards whatever group it decides to fund. Worried that the Finance board is going to start looking more at orgs, instead of the events they are holding. Can use discretion on events, but it becomes harder to do so with orgs.
Silva: I side with Steve, I think it will cause too many problems in the future and I don’t think its something that’s hard for them to come up with. They could fundraise. These uniforms can’t be passed down, they will only be benefiting the same people.
To: When you use the word “discretion” have to be able to tell people what kind of decisions you make. Can’t be sporadic. Has to be some sort of consensus, think about things as a group. How do you quantify benefit?
David: agree with everyone. Finance Board is elected to use its Judgment, but you need to be firm about how you’re applying that judgment, the more you can articulate groups distinctions. You will get more requests. Don’t want to react to every request as if it was the first time you had seen something like it. You will get better requests, doesn’t mean your not using your judgments, means your articulating more clearly the basis for said judgments.
Christine moves to override the veto, Yasmin seconds.
Final Decision:
Override: Members for: 3, against: 1, abstaining: 1, absent: 0

First Year Ambassador Confirmations (postponed till next week due to time constraints).

Roll Call
Everyone present (at least physically speaking)
Adjournment
9:06 pm

Finance Board 10/7

Call to order
5:30 pm

Roll Call
All members present, but Christine (late @ 5:33)

Allocations

Omicron Delta Epsilon: ODE Banquet
Economics Honors Society. Banquet is our only function. Recognitions for certain individuals. Get to know professors – very well attended by economics professors.
Questions:
Yasmin: Is the event open to everyone?
ODE: Yes, in the past it has been $5 for new ODE inductees and $30 for all other students. Value of dinner is $30, would like to bring down expense to $5 for all UMBC students.
ODE: The money is to prevent students from saying they will go and then not showing up.
James: If fully funded, what would the $5 from the students go to?
ODE: We didn’t request fully funded. If it was we might not charge the 5.
Harsh: So this is the total amount you need for the event?
ODE: This is the total amount we are requesting for ballroom setup, food, etc. Cardstock, trophies, we aren’t requesting money for those.
Harsh: Everyone pays $5 to get in?
ODE: Yes.
Emily: How many are you expecting if you charge the $5?
ODE: In the past there have been 30-35 inductees and 15 to 20 other students. I was hoping to get at least 30 students. The only definite number is 33 inductees last year. Not well attended by students, more so by faculty.
Harsh: Our policy does not allow us to fund restricted funding for an event.
ODE: If we said it was free for everyone, would that make a difference?
Harsh: Additional Money is for the trophy?
ODE: For the dinner actually.
Harsh: You requested funds for food. So people are paying for the dinner, but your also paying?
ODE: The dinner is closer to $30, we are trying to get $25, so the students pay less.
Yasmin: in regards to restricted orgs, we only fund their events intended for all UMBC students. I don’t think this event is intended for the entire campus.
ODE: Other economic clubs go. Focus is primarily on economics department, not just inductees.
Yasmin: But it’s 35 inductees and then 15-20 others.
ODE: This has been in the past.
Silva: How much are you charging for faculty members?
ODE: I have no idea, the economics department probably funds faculty, I have no part in that.
Silva: Where is the food coming from?
ODE: Sodexho
Siva: This is just the cost of the students?
ODE: Yes.
Yasmin: you said you were expecting 90 total?
ODE: Yes, ideally.
Yasmin: And only half are faculty?
ODE: As of right now, I’m hoping to get 90 students.
Silva: How many people are the quotes for?
ODE: Not sure, around 30 per person would be the goal number.
Harsh: this would cover the inductees and the students?
ODE: Yes.
Harsh: So amount asked for would cover $25 per student, you would still need the 5 per person?
ODE: $30 for 85 people would be less than amount requested. Estimate is incorrect.
Harsh: If we funded the full $2500, students would get in for free?
ODE: Yes. We would request that they RSVP. But it would be possible to enter at the door.
Catherine: How are you advertising?
ODE: We don’t need the advertising money.
Yasmin: How would you advertise without our funding?
ODE: Would put up flyers around campus. We have not advertised in the past.
Discussion:
Catherine: she said that they could make it free for students.
Yasmin: I don’t think its intended for everyone.
Harsh: Just sounds like an induction events.
Yasmin: even if 90 students come (and they didn’t last year), that’s still a lot of money for 90 students.
David: Open to some other students, can argue that it’s for econ majors only. When funding a restricted org, events should be geared towards all students.
Stefan: Money seems to be going more towards staff
Silva: What if someone interested in econ wanted to go?
Stefan: Don’t need a 3000 event to do this.
Yasmin: If it didn’t have an induction side to it, then we might be more willing to fund it.
Decision: Members For: 0, Opposed: 3, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

Rock for Life: Genocide Awareness Project
Questions:
Harsh: Informational event?
RFL: Yes.
Harsh: What kind of posters?
RFL: 4x6with messages.
Discussion:
Yasmin: seems like a beneficial event.
James: odd that there is not security.
Yasmin: Where does the money paid for the posters go? Is it paying specifically for posters or is it going to their foundation.
RFL: For transporting posters here.
Silva: How many posters?
RFL: 12, modular display.
Decision: Members For: 4, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 0

Muslim Student Association: Eid Dinner
Dinner celebration. Do not need money for food, locally family is sponsoring. Expecting about 150 students. 312 security, 20 for table and chairs, 30 for decorations – balloons, ribbons, etc. Open to all students, no admission fee. Planning on getting entertainment.
Questions:
James: talked to scheduling about AV equipment?
MSA: No, not yet.
Harsh: Are the other quotes from scheduling?
MSA: Yes.
Silva: Why didn’t you ask for advertising money?
MSA: Using face book and flyers. Know people who design flyers, have money in carryover. Don’t want to ask huge among.
Harsh reminds org about 100 free flyers.
Discussion:
Silva: worth it.
James: This seems to me like the best setup of an event. Should congratulate them.
Decision: Members For: 4, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 0

First Year Ambassador Conformations

Harsh: Would you rather do one by one?
Agreement to interview the ambassadors one at a time.

Harsh: Why did you apply?
Stephanie: Heard about SGA through friends. Applied to all positions, and this is the one I got.
Emily: I wasn’t officially in SGA in high school, but I helped out. I felt out of the loop and I thought it would be a good experience to find out what SGA at UMBC was all about.
Catherine: Applied because I really wanted to be part of a leadership group. I believe I fit this role well, even if I don’t always ask to be part of it.
Yasmin: How have you liked your time here?
Stephanie: A lot more intense and structured then high school SGA.
Emily: Surprised. Though it was more of a social thing in high school, its a lot more hardcore here. Everyone has to work together with others.
Catherine: I thought it was a long, but good experience. I got a good idea of how things work here, and what issues need to be resolved.
Christine: What’s you biggest weakness? Strengths?
Stephanie: I don’t know another language fluently. I can balance social and academic life well.
Emily: Prioritizing things. I can balance things out well but sometimes I get carried away. Strengths is that I'm really dedicated. If I think something is important I will work hard for it.
Catherine: One of my strengths is that I get along with everyone well. I’ve never had an experience where I couldn’t work anything out with someone. I know I have weaknesses, but I'm having trouble pointing them out. Sometimes I procrastinate, but not if it’s something I care about.
Harsh: Tell us one good and bad thing about UMBC.
Stephanie: there’s a lot of diversity on campus. But a lot of people leave on the weekend.
Emily: People at UMBC are really friendly, but there’s not a lot of school spirit.
Catherine: I think there are two things. First is the transit system. The shuttles run at really inconvenient times. I also think that there is a lack of recycling at events. I like the diversity here. It’s a lot different from all the other schools I applied to.
David: As a member of the finance board, how do you ground your decisions in the actual opinions of real students.
Stephanie: Ask for varying opinions of students, and bring them together in meetings. I am in lots of other organizations.
Emily: Hopefully I wont be biased in anyway. I know some people in other groups.
Catherine: Make sure I am fair and unbiased in all decisions. Looking at examples from last week with the Go Team and the Toastmasters, I see the importance of focusing less on what the club is about, and more on what they are asking for.
Harsh: What other orgs are you in?
Stephanie: American Chemical Society, Gospel Choir, CAB (and some others I didn’t get).
Emily: Tennis club, still looking at orgs that are available, not set on anything yet.
Catherine: Students for Environmental Awareness, Ancient Studies Club
Harsh: Do you think you will have enough time to balance all these orgs?
Stephanie: So far I have been able to.

Discussion of ambassadors:
Harsh: what did you all think?
Yasmin: Thought they were all good, did a nice job of participating. Answered questions well.
James: was impressed by their ability to be vocal at previous meeting.
Some discussion about them taking the oath of office.
Vote: Members For: 5, Opposing: 0, Abstaining: 0, Absent: 1

Students all take oath (see pg 81 of Action Guide)

Further Allocations

Quiz Bowl: Wake Forest NC Quiz Bowl Tournament
This weekend in NC, hoping to send tem down to compete. Will head down on Friday, return on Sunday. If we do well enough in this tournament we would qualify for nationals.
Questions:
Yasmin: How do you select people to be in the tournament?
QB: Keep track of how they score in past events. Hoping to go to more local tournaments.
Harsh: How many are in your org?
QB: 6-8 people (meet Mondays and Fridays). 12 active members.
Yasmin: How many are going to event?
QB: 4 or 5
Harsh: Is your team already selected?
QB: Yes
Harsh: Where are quotes from?
QB: Gas prices based on 30 miles a gallon, hotel expenses are cheapest we could find. Tounmament fee quoted by the university. Requesting no funds for gas and food expenses.
Discussion:
Silva: the event is not technically open to everyone
Yasmin: anyone can join the club.
Stephanie: 4 – 5 selected
Harsh: we can fund it; the question is whether or not event is worth it for 5 people.
James: orgs in the past were funded with limited classification. Do not have to try out for the club. They do bring the best members to the tournament.
Silva: can anyone else go?
QB: Yes. Everyone who wants to go can go. No opposite to observers going, would just have to increase the budget. Then transportation would be an issue. Ideally the best players are going.
Silva: so you all agree to get the best players to go?
QB: It varies. We rotate. IF you join the club you can be in a tournament. We rotate players. We are going to 4 other tournaments, but this is the only one we are requesting funding for.
Harsh: So the next tournament would be another 5
QB: Ideally, but it depends on peoples schedules.
Stephanie: What is the difference between this and the Equestrian Club?
Yasmin: the horse club competes physically. That brings up issues with liability.
Silva moves to vote. Harsh seconds.
Decision: Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

FASA: FIND
District six rep for FASA. A dialogue held in fall, conference held in the spring. We pay 40 to become a member of FIND. Anyone can join, don’t have to be Filipino. Held at
Questions:
Yasmin: Not on campus?
FASA: No
Stefan: How many?
FASA: Originally for 30, promoted it and we got 41. This is why we need to adjust the budget.
Harsh: You want to change the amount?
FASA: Yes, and add registration.
Registration is now $410, need to add a car. $1085.68 to add another car.
Yasmin: 10 per person?
FASA: Yes, for registration.
Harsh: Still need the $1228 for the hotel?
Silva: So you don’t need extra for the hotel?
FASA: We have the hotel rooms, we got budget approved before. We only need extra for gas and toll.
Yasmin: $229.20 for hotel, $600 for registration, would you fully reallocate that to another part?
FASA: Yes.
Yasmin: You haven spent what we allocated you last year?
FASA: No.
James: what?
Yasmin: they have $2100 right now, we want to just give them $728. Could ask for $600 for registration fees and could reallocate registration fee. I can figure out numbers.
FASA: School from another district bids each semester. We didn’t get it last year.
Christine: Like money?
FASA: Like ideas. Non-profit org. To educate people about leadership.
Harsh: How many cars?
FASA: 8 cars, 5 per car. Hoping on getting a van.
Silva: Did you actually calculate the amount for tolls?
FASA: Yes, looked it up on google maps. Based on last years funds.
Yasmin: $1085.68 for gas?
FASA: Yes.
Sivla: You already advertised?
FASA: Yes, we worked with HLSU and Asian Student Connection.
Silva: are you planning on doing ay more advertising?
FASA: If we do, we have to change the budget but we can if you want us to. Technically open to everyone.
Catherine: So we already gave them money last year for registration fees? Does this go against policy?
Yasmin: we don’t have a policy against it. Last week was something we decided.
Yasmin: If more people wanted to come, would you be open to splitting the cost?
FASA: Yes.
Silva: If you wanted to advertise more, could use 100 free flyers.
Discussion:
Allocated $2100, all we need to vote is the extra amount the need. Total is $1023 is all that we are voting on.
Yasmin: Impressed they got 41 people to go.
James: This is inline with their mission statement.
Harsh: Issue – for 40 people it’s about 75 dollars per person. Getting close to student activity fee. We made the Intervarsity Christian group pay last week.
Yasmin: I would argue this is different. Open discussions like this will impact more UMBC students.
Stephanie: What did you decide about registration fee?
Yasmin: there are differences. With the toastmasters, you had to pay a due to have that title. In this case the registration is to attend an event.
Silva: I disagree. We don’t know what the Christian fellowship brings back. We are not to judge what happens afterwards
Harsh: I agree. I think its fair to ask them to pay $30
Catherine: the registration for this only costs $10 per person.
Harsh: this is for the whole thing.
Yasmin: We should be judging the benefit groups will have on the campus.
Silva: we don’t know enough about that.
James: If you do that then what about free events for students? Fully funded things in the Past so that it is free for UMBC students.
Stephanie: this is not for all UBMC students. Is limited.
Yasmin: is not limited.
Harsh: am skeptical about groups bringing back something to campus. I think its fair to pay $30 for two-night trip.
Steve: 41 people are going
Harsh: they only have $2100.
Stephanie: should we cut it down to half?
James: I don’t think we should cap it at the $78. Don’t always have to use the comparison to student fees.
Yasmin: would people turn away from event if they found out they had to pay?
Harsh: even if we don’t pay them the amount requested, we’ve already funded them $52.
Catherine: So if we didn’t fund them the money, how much would each student pay?
Harsh: $30ish when taking into account the $2100
Yasmin: if not all than about $75
Erica: What exactly happened last week? You paid for part of a conference.
Harsh: For that one they were asking for 80 per person to go. That was over the student activity fee. Not that we shouldn’t give people over the student activity fee, we just thought it would be fair for the students to pay some of it. She even said it would make students more invested in the cause if they paid.
Erica: Was there ever a discussion of what they would bring back to campus?
Yasmin: the concern is will it spread beyond people who go.
James: that is the difference between these two. She had the idea of the amount being subsidized
Harsh: future orgs might come back wanting full funding for off campus events.
James: If you don’t fully fund this, you will get people who don’t want to go.
Harsh: People who really wanted to go wouldn’t mind.
Catherine: I wouldn’t have 30 for an event like this.
Stephanie: Can fundraise.
Catherine: If we are only going to give them 30 we need to make it clear that we want them to fundraise.
Yasmin: We have no say over how they spend money.
Catherine: how much did the intervarsity Christian fellowship advertise? It seemed to me that it was mostly for their group.
Silva: same for this.
James: Christian fellowship was going on a retreat, whereas FIND is going to a convention where UMBC will be represented.
Harsh: the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship did fundraising, is it fair that FIND should get full funding for this event without doing that.
James: we do fund orgs that don’t fundraise.
Erica: Question: was there conversation last week about what would be brought back during interview?
Harsh: I think we sent a precedent last week.
David: Yasmin seems to be coming around from what she said last time about the Finance boards discretion.
Yasmin: I think we should have discretion.
David: we have a limited amount of money to give out. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to charge for events. Can agree to pay for part of the cost, if the org pays part of the cost. That way student activity money can be stretched farther.

Silva moves to vote. Harsh seconds. Voting on the amount of $1023.88

Decision: Members For: 2, Opposed: 2, Abstaining: 0, Absent: 1
David: Legislation fails in the event of a tie unless someone makes a motion for a new amount.
Yasmin works out new numbers. Move to make it $523.88 and then everyone would be paying 15. Stefan seconds. Harsh and Silva want at least 20 for students to pay.
2nd vote: Members for: 2, Opposed: 2, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1
Harsh moves to allocate $150 for FIND. Silva seconds that.
3rd vote: members for: 2, Opposed: 2, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1
Yasmin moves to fund $408.88. Stefan seconds.
4th vote: Members for: 2, Opposed: 2, Abstaining: 0, Absent: 1
David: you could table the event until 5th finance board member is present. Finance Board agrees to table event.

Bioethics Student Association: World AIDS Day
About people who have lost family members to AIDS. December 1 is world AIDS day. Trying to reach out to minorities, who are more affected by AIDS. Want to get quilts (6). Rental fee is for 6 panels, 12ft x 12ft, 120 for shipping. Assuming it’s the same there and back. May have to find out if we gat charged for putting it up and taking it down. Not sure yet.
Harsh: you do have time.
BSA: Trying to get a speaker to come through.
Questions:
Harsh: The quilts are just sort of hung up on the wall?
BSA: Yes.
Harsh: What’s on then?
BSA: Names, images, etc related to people who have died from AIDS. Like a memorial.
Silva: How will these quilts benefit the event? What would you do if you couldn’t get them?
BSA: Sending out emails, trying to get groups to do events on that day. Should know what exactly is going on soon. May have speakers.
Emily: Where are these quilts being hung?
BSA: In the commons somewhere. Probably main street.
Harsh: Is this your biggest event of the year?
BSA: There are other events that are in the works now, probably our main event for this semester.
Discussion:
Yasmin: I think the event is worth the $865. Very powerful event. Also funded world AIDS day concert, will create a lot of attention
Silva: I think it’s a lot of money for quilts. Is there another way to get the point out by using something more interactive? Quilts will be just sitting there.
Stefan: This is a lot like the Post Secret event
Silva: But that didn’t cost this much money. They don’t know where the quilts are going yet either.
Catherine: We could suggest they get less quilts.
Harsh: I don’t think the quilts are a bad idea.
Stephanie: What if they took a picture of the quilts and put that up instead.
Yasmin: there is a big difference with that. Is the package you guys are getting coming with 6?
BSA: Yes
Harsh: Can you get fewer?
Yasmin: How much per quilt?
BSA: $500 down payment for quilt, then 25 additional dollars for each quilt. $500 would technically get us just one.
Harsh:12x12, do you have enough space?
Yasmin: I think there for the columns between windows.
Silva: I feel like there’s a better way.
Emily: random people walking down the commons will see it.
Catherine: going to a concert is not as emotional as the quilts. They are more personal.
Silva: could have someone with AIDS write a letter and that would have the same effect.
Harsh: This event will reach thousands of students.
Yasmin: It’s hard to miss 6 12x12 quilts.
Decision: Members for: 2, Opposed: 1, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

Black Artists Society:
Spring Cleaning Fashion Show
We put in an allocation for a spring fashion show. It’s intended to be our largest event yet. We’ve only been an official org since last December, have only had smaller events. It is not until February.
Questions:
Yasmin: Have you already reserved a space?
BAS: Yes, the UC Ballroom.
Harsh: How many?
BAS: Maximum capacity is 450
James: What happens to clothes after show?
BAS: Were not sure, either the individual designers will get it for their personal portfolio or we will have a clothing drive.
Silva: So you guys are designing these clothes?
BAS: We have designers from UMBC and outside designers we have to pay.
Silva: How long is the fashion show?
BAS: Two shows, two hours for each show. Free for students, charge for non-students.
Harsh: So your donating clothes?
BAS: Yes, for the most part.
Harsh: could they possibly be used in the org in the future?
BAS: Yes.
Harsh: State law says we cannot directly give money to charity, would have to keep the clothing remaining within org, or give back to designers.
Yasmin: If you give the cloths back to the designers and they decide to donate them, this is fine.
Silva: How did you come up with the $300 for flyers?
BAS: Common Vision
Silva: Is it like a package?
BAS: It’s around $100 for about 2000 flyers. We plan on advertising through the next semester.
Harsh: 100 free flyers every month.
BAS: Is that with Common Vision?
Yasmin: No, with SGA.
Silva: What kind of decorations will you have?
BAS: Backdrop, props, manikins, red carpet, feathers and stage props.
Yasmin: Have you talked to scheduling about setting up stage as runway and chairs? 300 is also for runway and chairs?
BAS: Yes.
Discussion:
Silva: Advertising can be cut down.
Harsh: Can use free flyers
Silva: How did you take into account how much the clothing would cost?
BAS: Approximated $200 for scenes, there are 6 scenes. For the designers $200. 20 to 25 models.
Silva: so there are 6 outfits for each?
BAS: No, there’s those scenes, not every model will be in every scene. Average 15 models per scene.
Decision: Advertisement price cut down to $225.
Members for: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

“Heart of the City” Comic Book
Just started it last semester. Wanted to print copies. Cost to print one book (8pages) $152 for 50 copies. With additional tax fee. Would like to have a table somewhere in the commons and hand them out with optional donation box.
Questions:
James: Who produces the actual comic strip?
BAS: Members.
Harsh: You do no have to pay sails taxes if an event is funded by us.
BAS: Should we change it? It’s about $152.
Silva: are these comics handed out on a first come, first serve basis?
BAS: Yes. And if there are people who still want to read it, they go online.
Yasmin: You could use the 100 free flyers to advertise the online comic.
Discussion:
Stephanie: I feel like they could just advertise for the online comic using flyers. Instead of making a hardcopy.
Catherine: I might not go on the website to check out a comic if I see a flyer, but if I got a book, I might be more willing to look at it.
Stefan: some people prefer hard copies.
BAS: we hadn’t gotten a lot of feedback about comics until printed out rough version.
Decision: Printing cost reduced from $160 to $152
Members for: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

Chinese Student Association: CSA Paintball Event
Quotes from Robinhood Paintballing, org is providing transportation, limited amount of space. A total of 30 people are coming. First come, first serve basis.
Questions:
Harsh: How many so far?
CSA: 22 have signed up. Not until Nov 1st, so can split cost if more than 30 come. We have a limit of 30 people per trip – limited amount of space per game.
Harsh: $1200 is for 30?
CSA: Yes, 40 per person, including all equipment.
Hoping this event will get peoples attention about the org.
Emily: Are you planning to advertise this event?
CSA: Yes, we are advertising at the meeting tomorrow and starting up a facebook group.
Harsh: But you can only take up to 30 people?
CSA: Yes.
Harsh: out of 22 so far, how many are in your org?
CSA: All, except members of other orgs: TSA
James: What benefit has your org seen from this? What is the relevance?
CSA: People are seeing us as a bigger organization – finding out about our org. The relevance is to Chinese wars, Gorilla Warfare. Like a historic adventure.
James: So this is mostly a membership thing?
CSA: Yes.
Yasmin: This finance Board is very strong about events that are in line with a group’s Mission statement.
CSA: We thing that this will teach people about Chinese culture.
Yasmin: We voted down Korean Association’s Bowling Night. Maybe if event was on campus, or more informative, would be more in line with your mission statement.
CSA: Teaches people about strategies used.
Silva: You say your trying to get your name out, but restricted to 30 people, and the 22 who signed up were people who already knew about it.
CSA: We are getting other clubs attention as well.
Silva: You’ve already advertised this event?
CSA: Yes.
Harsh: Would rather see a paintball club go to an event like this, could spend SGA’s money better.
Discussion:
James: I wanted to talk about the policy a bit. The goal of this org is to bring together Chinese and other students and embrace culture. Networking fact. Why do we need to define orgs by just their constitution? Equity thing, if great event does it matter.
Harsh: event is not on campus
James: but you shouldn’t look at just policy first.
Harsh: that along with other things was why we didn’t fund it.
James: now considered traditional event, been going one for 5 years, does get some special consideration.
Yasmin: traditional if we funded 5 years? We funded it last year, but not the year before. Its not policy that is violated, its what us as Finance Board agrees on.
Silva: if every org came to us and wanted to go paintballing, would we have to fund them all?
CSA: we have been asking our members for ideas. Officers before were deciding everything. We got a lot of response when we suggested paintball.
Stephanie: based on their interests, only limited to 30 people, not beneficial to all UMBC.
CSA: interaction within the group is important to us.
Stephanie: that’s a personal gain.
CSA: how would you suggest we get everyone together for impute.
Stephanie: You could have sports here.
CSA: we are having a dodge ball tournament.
Catherine: You are asking for student activity fee money. All students pay it, but not all will benefit from this event. You could do fundraising in the future
CSA: we did
Silva: How would I find out about event if I wanted to go?
Facebook
James: Point 1: orgs doing things where only people in orgs know about them, seems to me that people in the CSA are interested in what there doing. Point 2: I worry about us becoming the “Fun Police”.
Harsh: would go to specific org when interested in event related to org.
Yasmin: I think there can be great fun events that are educational. We rejected Black Student Union going to Kings Dominion. No way to justify that. We are then setting ourselves up to fund future events like this.
James: Can have fun events that are relevant, but we don’t have to become so strict. Not necessarily about this specific event, more about precedence.
Silva: You could do laser tag, same thing for cheaper.
CSA: we could put out lasertag, but there is still only a limited amount of people that can go.
Silva: could break it up into groups.
CSA: but then not everyone would play together. With paintball everyone plays together. Two factors: did fundraising on Monday. Got $240, but our expenses were a little high. Only have 600 in our carryover. Also more and more people have been coming since previous year.
Harsh moves to vote. Yasmin seconds.
Decision: Members For: 0, Opposed: 3, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

Colleges against Cancer – sent in a request.
Yasmin: that will be at next weeks meeting. If you don’t hear from me, assume that it’s not going to be discussed at the next meeting.
Not Attending
Asian Student Connection: Mid Semester Planning Session
Discussion:
Silva: more about the food than the event.
Stefan: You can argue that about any meeting where people ask for pizza.
Harsh: Might have more students attend if pizza is offered.
Emily: How does this relate to their mission statement?
Harsh: This is just planning. We fund meetings for orgs so that more people will come.
Decision: Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

Linux Users Group: Linux Awareness Week
No response, tabled.

Hindu Student Council: Annual Garba Additional Decorations
Discussion:
No issues.
Decision: Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

Taiwanese Student Association: Big Two Tournament
Discussion:
Harsh: Are charging for UMBC students. Seems geared towards non-students
Yasmin: Goes against our policies.
Decision: Members For: 0, Opposed: 3, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

Post Meeting Discussion
Organizations divided up for email (didn’t get details).
SGA members at larger funded events
Postponed until next week.

Roll Call
All members present except for Christine (left around 6:40pm) and Stephanie (8:11pm)

Adjournment: 8:28pm

I. Call to Order 5:33PM

II. Roll Call

A. Present:
1. Speaker Gabe Rettaliata
2. Sunaina Khandelwal
3. Whitney Torchia
4. Neketa Kakar
5. Brian Frazee
6. Amber Spry
7. Tascha Ebhomielen
8. Rahilla Tarfa
9. Chidinma Ukonne
10. FYA Matt McNey
11. FYA Toby Le
12. FYA Simmi Singh

B. Absent:
1. Assistant Speaker Jen Kent (excused)
2. Aditi Srivastav (excused)

III. Approval of Minutes
A. Minutes approved by general consent

IV. Open Discussion
A. Review of the past week
1. Neketa Kakar: Library policy meeting on Friday. Looking for budget for journals and databases. Dave was arguing who looks at the database to see if it’s fair or not. See if departments have enough money into getting specific journals. They looked at the budget. That’s it.
2. Sunaina: RSA met, however I’m not at the list proc yet. They changed times so I couldn’t make it. I haven’t gotten any minutes from them.
3. Jason Brand (RSA rep): I missed the meeting on Tuesday. I was common advisory board but I couldn’t make the meetings. I opted to do this because I can attend meetings for this one. I’ll send you the minutes later.
4. Rahilla Tarfa: Commons Advisory Board met on Friday. The person from the social justice area couldn’t make the meeting. I’m not going to be able to answer your questions from last week. Students for environmental awareness, talked about ecofest and ecofall. They’re not going to have eco fall this fall but they’re going to have eco fest and it’s going to be more organized. They’re going to have a different version of trash monster. They’re going to have recycle monster. Staff member said something about a corn wall in the game room. I think I’m getting the name wrong. It’s a new game. It’s also removable.
a. Chidi Ukonne: How much is that going to cost?
b. Rahilla Tarfa: They haven’t talked about it. There weren’t a lot of people in the meeting last week
5. Amber Spry: Halloween Fest committee. We’re getting things together. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Lots of student organizations besides involvement fest to get to know other people. Each organization is going to have a special station that’s Halloween related. Costume. Dirt pie eating table. We’re getting t-shirts. It’s Halloween. It’s 12-4PM.
6. Steve Gilmore: Pond Cleanup Committee- Spring project. It’s getting colder so it’s hard to get people outdoors. Cleaning the pond. It’s in better shape right now. Pond clean up. Talking with people part of Prove it. Connections with facilities management. Green space initiative. Things they’re purchasing if they have anything that we can work into that we can carry to the pond that’s extra. We’re gathering ideas. Talking to facilities soon. Nothing major like reconstruction. We just want to make it more noticeable. UMBC letters in the middle of the pond. Lights at night. Right now, development stages.
7. Sunaina Khandelwhal: Website- we didn’t meet Friday. Michael who’s the head person couldn’t come. Assembling information that’s going to the website. Ourumbc.edu about 300 FAQ’s there that needs to be updated from Fall 2006. Working on that and other aspects of it.

B. Transcript Fee
1. Gabe Rettaliata: Enlightening meeting with the registrar. Little background: met with Nancy Young once. She was under the impression that they needed more people in the registrar so they can focus on services. Shown fees from other institutions and UMBC wasn’t as high as some of the others they showed. Nancy was under the impression that all of the money we were paying in the fee was only to cover the expenses from the company that’s doing it. We researched what the fees are from other peer institutions, three are free. Some are $5 and 3 are higher than us. None in USM as high as us either. We went to meeting with Steve Robinson knowing this information. Asked for clarification on contract and he couldn’t give definitive answers. He wasn’t able to tell us how long the contract was for, how much money is coming back… he didn’t know if it’s confidential information or not. It’s not. Revenue sharing deal. He was unwilling to get into that either. He was able to say he’s offsetting budget problems. It’s going to research and development in registrar office. Live chat. Talk to someone if you’re having problems. They’ll be watching the chat thing. They still have to take transcripts manually from students 1985 and earlier. We asked ways to compromise to get around $8 straight up. Unwilling to go less than $8. Unwilling to get first however many free. That’s all about we got in this meeting. He said we couldn’t compare ourselves to our peers. It was one of the most ridiculous meetings I’ve been in.
2. Whitney Torchia: It was pretty ridiculous. He was not willing to give a lot of information. We’re not going to stop. We’re going to procurement. Getting a lot of student support. Get people to comment on the blog.
3. Gabe Rettaliata: Already posted on the SGA blog about it. Some people aren’t willing to apply in a lot of internships because of the transcript fee. David and I were talking about the next steps. Meet with Nancy again. Try to keep in the loop. Ask for her advice but we already know what we’re going to do. Meet with Yvette. Provost would be another step to take. Tell people about it. Tell people to comment on the blog. Get the word out.
a. Jason Brand: When did you post the stuff? What was it titled?
b. Gabe Rettaliata: Saga of the Transcript Fees
c. Steve Gilmore: 19 comments on that so far. Front page on Retriever tomorrow.
4. Amber Spry: How much did it cost them to print the transcripts before?
a. Gabe Rettaliata: It was free for us. I don’t know how much it cost them.
b. Amber Spry: What is adding the chat component to their job entail?
c. Whitney Torchia: If someone is on the site and has a question, they ask them. It’s not really difficult since it’s already outlined. We already gave them suggestions. We said person doing the chat can see if we could get the first 3 transcripts free.
d. Gabe Rettaliata: But he was open to nothing
e. Whitney Torchia: If extra money is there, he said he’d hire someone else.
f. Brian Frazee: Something to consider… we don’t even know about this chat thing. If we don’t even know about this chat, then who does?
g. David Hoffman: I think he could make a pretty good case either way. Justice in how much you’re paying. How services should be priced and if it’s included in a flat fee.
5. Chidi Ukonne: As far as things in the Yum shop, you can get it anywhere. Transcript is a government job. Government on campus. You can’t get that anywhere else but the registrar office. It’s a necessity that cannot be over emphasized. Stuff from the Yum shop can be obtained from other places. Transcripts are very critical to students.
a. Steve Gilmore: For meal plans, cater more on campus than off campus. It’s not like you can go to Giant and be like, I want two transcripts. Transcripts can only be obtained in UMBC. It’s really sleazy to be put a flat fee that you know everyone’s going to use. I still go back to the thing… the fact that a bunch of vice presidents think $8 is a good idea, that means that a lot of people are out of touch. They don’t know how hard this is hitting the students. The fact that no one wants to compromise especially with the economic crisis…it’s just a mess.
6. Mike (UMBCtv): increase in fee was simply as a result of inflation, then I don’t think it can be a problem. The fact that they’re doing the chat and additional money, it’s just sleazy.
7. Tasha Ebhomielen: I thought $8 was what the company was charging them.
8. Whitney Torchia: He doesn’t know how many transcripts we’re going to get. I asked where that money would go. He said research and development.
9. Matt McNey: How much does it have to be to not make profit?
a. Gabe Rettaliata: I think he makes profit either way
b. Whitney Torchia: We need to find exact numbers. He’s planning to use extra money for things
10. Mike (UMBCtv): Do you know where they’re getting funded for before the transcript fee? Are they getting funded and getting extra money?
a. Gabe Rettaliata: I’m guessing they’re being funded by provost. He’s probably getting the same budget cut as everyone else
b. Amber Spry: Why cant the money he’s getting before cover it? I don’t see why whatever budget before would be sufficient to cover that
c. Gabe Rettaliata: $8 is not going back to registrar.
d. Sunaina Khandelwhal: Outsourcing is going to cost you more money.
e. Amber Spry: Argument was made, outsourcing our credentials with 8 dollars.
f. Rahilla Tarfa: That was argument made by Nancy Young. We’re not paying 8 to Credentials but rather we’re paying a portion of it.
g. Gabe Rettaliata: Still paying money to print and things like that.
h. Amber Spry: I know cost includes other things.
i. Mike (UMBCtv): I’d give them benefit of doubt. $8 is in fact what Credentials’ charging. Additional budget might be going to chat or whatever he has.
j. Steve Gilmore: Go to Credential’s website, some are 5 or 7 dollars.
k. Gabe Rettaliata: UMBC set that price
11. Jason Brand: I have a problem with outsourcing transcripts. Confidential and personal information are on transcripts. It’s a massive security risk. We can do it in house because we have all the information here. We can just print it.
a. Whitney Tochia: Issue was it was too crowded in the office because everyone wants transcripts.
b. Gabe Retalliata: They also have to deal with the amount of orders as well as financial eligibility. They get the request, they check eligibility, here’s their grades, print. Apparently that’s too much for two people
c. Sunaina Khandelwhal: Do they mail it out? They mail it out so they’re not just doing print. Paying for the stamp. There’s just a little bit more than print
12. Tasha Ebhomielen: They don’t have to outsource, they can hire more people. It makes more sense to have more people in your own house and pay them a little bit more. They can subsidize and do 3 or 4 dollars instead of outsourcing. I understand the problem… but just hire more people. Don’t hire when you can just do that here.
a. Gabe Rettaliata: he was not open to any changes
b. Sunaina Khandelwhal: They’re enjoying not having to do anything.
13. Brian Frazee: Another issue is the fact that students weren’t asked about their opinions. Vice presidents decided this without any student input. That’s a broader issue we need to address
a. Gabe Rettaliata: Plenty more action happening about this deal.

V. Project Update
A. Increased Library Hours
1. Neketa Kakar: I talked to Larry Wilt informally. He told me they tried to extended hours before but then they had a budget cut so it was dropped. I told him we wanted it open until 2am. He said it’ll cost 3,000 dollars. We’d also have to hire 3 new people for security. He suggested that funding for other buildings that are open all the time, direct that towards the library. He was willing to talk about it. He said there’s no money. He wanted to talk about furniture and environment changes. Met on Friday… budget issue… Maybe increase a fee? Ask students if we wanted to do that. Formal meeting to see if we can get a meeting with other people from the library. Meeting at Friday at 4. Right now we’re thinking about a fee. We’re also looking at other peer intuitions to see what they’re doing. We looked to see other study area around campus.
2. Chidi Ukonne: Only concern would be security. I don’t know how secure these places are at night.
a. Neketa Kakar: Even if the study place was open, it wasn’t the most comforting place. I know our campus isn’t that big, library is more lit. We just wanted to see what other places are available on campus.
3. Tasha Ebhomielen: Try to find out how much it cost to get other places to keep it open
a. Chidi Ukonne: At a certain time, doors are closed and you have to swipe in the Engineering building.
b. Sunaina Khandelwhal: not the lecture hall buildings though.
c. Mike (UMBCtv): Might consider the harbor café as a study place. It’s open all the time anyway. It’s open to all students. You don’t need to give your card. Only downside, you won’t have the books. It’s well lit and highly secure.
d. Tasha Ebhomielen: Harbor café has a study place?
e. Chidi Ukonne: It’s what community programs used.
f. Jason Brand: All programs have to end before quiet hours. Anything in the café has to end before quiet hours
g. Mike (UMBCtv): You can move it at harbor café. The Harbor multi purpose room. I don’t know if that’s going to require security. It’s a central location people can get into.
h. Amber Spry: I was going to suggest harbor multipurpose room. Harbor café isn’t a good route to take. Looking into multi purpose room is a good idea.
4. Rahilla Tarfa: Opening library until 2am, was it all 7 floors?
a. Neketa Kakar: 2 floors at least. We’re going to meet more with him formally. He said it’ll be $30,000 plus 3 people for 2 floors.
5. Brian Frazee: That reminded me, part of what we talked about… part of student activity fee or library fee for like 2 per semester. If students really wanted the library open 2 more hours, we could look into doing a 2 dollar fee.
a. Rahilla Tarfa: I’d be willing
b. Amber Spry: It doesn’t have to be the library that’s open. It just needs to be a place to study late at night. At least for me, I would rather not see fee increases where it’s not absolutely necessary. If there’s any place that’s open at a lesser cost, I’d rather see that.
c. Tasha Ebhomielen: That was my point. You cant start charging people. 8 dollars for transcript, $2 library, pretty soon it’ll be shuttle rides. It sucks but it’s going to hurt. People just can’t start paying for that.
d. Matt McNey: I thought the point of leaving it for 2 hrs is to use the computers as well.
e. Michael Castello: what about the commons?
f. Tasha Ebhomielen: Same problem last year was funding.
g. Gabe Rettaliata: if it’s cheaper…
h. Steve Gilmore: they also give laptops for an hour use.
6. Michael Castello: What is the purpose of someone always staffing the building? Is there a serious issue with security? Why does there someone need to be on staff?
a. Gabe Rettaliata: Liability issues. Medical issues.
b. Neketa Kakar: That’s what I said. You’re only going to need 1 person.
c. Chidi Ukonne: I think people would feel safer if they knew if some people were there regardless of whether or not they can keep me safe. Engineering building, problems with printer or card. Contact person. If anything ever happens, there’s a person there.
d. Amber Spry: Security thing is personal security. As a young female, I feel a lot better if I’m in a well lit area.
e. Tasha Ebhomielen: From a legal perspective, avoid liability issue if they haven’t explicitly stated if you go do something, you weren’t supposed to do that. We cant be responsible for it. Obviously they’re not responsible for everything that goes on campus. Can they avoid liability?
f. Dave Hoffman: If the university knows it’s happening, then they’re responsible for it. Legal issue is as important as practical issue. Important thing is people are safe.
g. Tasha Ebhomielen: If we all start advocating for engineering building and becomes as well known on campus, would they automatically provide security?
h. Chidi Ukonne: Swipe card counts as security.
i. Mike (UMBCtv): That’s untrue. I can walk in without a card. I’m pretty sure that UMBC police makes their rounds through there just like the front of the library.
j. Michael Castello: Are there any other security staff in the engineering building?
k. Neketa Kakar: that’s what we were going to say.
7. Mike (UMBCtv): It sounds to me like it’s going to cost something to keep any building open. The dining hall after late night, someone is already there. The second idea, security is concerned, 3 people at a minimum to keep it open. What if we were to look at using UMBC police? The burden would be on them to provide at least one person. Instead of having to hire 2 people, you have 1 police officer there. The next police officer makes round, first one can go to the bathroom or something. Cut costs.
8. Tasha Ebhomielen: Funding is a problem. As SGA, have we thought about putting money into this? If we give money, are they going to let us control what happens? I know it’s going to cost a lot…
a. Sunaina Khandelwhal: We’re not at that stage of the game yet. There are other resources we can tap into first before we decide to have SGA pitch in money.
b. Tasha Ebhomielen: They’re doing a lot of cuts
c. Neketa Kakar: that means SGA has to pay every year. When he did the trial run, he said funding came from the university. Didn’t get to ask him how it went.

B. Stress Free Zone Revamp
1. Gabe: Unfortunately no new people came to our meetings. It’s the same ideas we talked about last time. It’s okay, they’re awesome ideas. Pushing forward with those kinds of things. Car smashing is a logistical thing to deal with. Jen really wants it to be in the commons loop. It’ll be difficult to have a car smashed there. We’ll have to see how that goes. I’m not sure when we’re meeting again. E-mail Jen if you have any ideas.

C. Reaching out to International Students
1. Chidi Ukonne: Met last week after senate meeting. We went over the timeline for when we’d have to have heritage day on campus. We’ll talk to those that are and aren’t recognized in the university that wants to get involved. We also talked about how many days we’re going to have this. Start with a day or 2. See how it goes from there. Amber is going to make a program of what we’re looking at: needs, budgets, etc. I was in charge of contacting offices on campus: residential life, English language center, etc.
2. Amber Spry: One of our main goals is to make sure we’re putting an added emphasis on international students who haven’t assimilated into our culture. There’s a substantial group of students on campus that other people aren’t aware of.
3. Gabe Rettaliata: did you get a chance to talk to Demola?
a. Chidi Ukonne: Not yet. I spoke with him informally. He’s definitely willing to get involved in this.
4. Gabe Rettaliata: For heritage week, when are you planning on having that?
a. Amber Spry: more like a day or two next semester.
b. Chidi Ukonne: Second day, we would have clips of international students and their experiences they’ve had on campus. Invite students to come. We’re going to get people like Nancy Young and other professors. Stimulate some kind of discussion that’s educational and interesting.
c. Mike (UMBCtv): Get in touch with me if you’re doing the clips.

D. Digital Campus Sign
1. Whitney Torchia: Miriam never contacted me. Aditi went to OIA and talked to Jill and got deferred to someone. We’ll meet the person from the sign company. There was an issue with landscaping. Company you buy it from puts it up but can’t put it down.

VI. New Business
A. SR03-0809- Resolution of the UMBC SGA Senate in Support of the Statewide Ballot Question on Video Lottery Terminals
1. Michael Castello: Maryland ballot in November if they want to support the constitution amendment of slot machines in Maryland that will devote the money in higher education. Resolution is in support of that. A number of other institutions have passed the slot machines. There are 2 things. The reason why this is here; Myself and Tabassum are reps of USM student council. In order for us to accurately represent the will of the student body, we have to have a consensus from the senate. We want to have a resolution to see which way we’re going to vote. I think it’s in favor. Money is going to higher education and will help with capital projects. Building new fine arts building. Also, it’s important to secure some new sources of cash in the time of economic downturn. I think this is a good way for us to continue for well being of our state b education our people.
2. Brian Frazee: I also support this. I feel like as in the past, budget deficit in Maryland, one of the first things cut is higher education. If we see our Fine Arts building built, this is something that we should support. We’re going to be facing huge cuts to a lot of things we’re trying to do.
3. Steve Gilmore: So is the point so people vote yes?
a. Michael Castello: People should vote yes to this. The question itself is worded in favor of it. The amendment is to put slots in. In favor of amendments mean you’re in favor of slots. It’s a little awkward in that sense.
4. Tasha Ebhomielen: I don’t get it. I don’t understand how Maryland system works
a. Michael Castello: A lot of people want to see slots here because of the revenue. Popular issue in recent years. State has large structural deficit. Good way to get money in state budget. Higher education people are in support, money will be going directly to higher education. $150 million per year will be going to higher education capital projects. It’s our performing arts building.
5. Amber Spry: If the slot machines gets approved, it’s going to higher education?
a. Michael Castello: we want to be able to represent student body.
6. Amber Spry: Who is voting on slot machine issue? Do they have information on where voters are more inclined?
a. Michael Castello: It’s evenly split. A lot of people would like to see this passed.
7. Jason Brand: Governor said cuts in higher education, public education, health care… the slots will not only fund higher education but will also save race tracks in Maryland. Pimlico is dying. It’s not just higher education. It’s also state pride.
8. Toby Le: Since it’s a political issue, that’s the support side. Are there any disadvantages of the issuance of slot machines
9. Michael Castello: Oppositions in the past are what it’s always been… gambling in general. We haven’t had gambling in MD before, gambling is a source of crime, tax on the poor argument. Generally are opposed before they’re worried about crime and who’s playing them. The other one that’s minor is in fact a constitutional amendment. That means MD residents are voting on is not just state legislator. Constitution in our state, number of location of slot machines in Maryland. Good part is that it will be difficult to divert funds.
10. Brian Frazee: There have been slots in MD before. It was a big thing until the early 70s when they outlawed them. I just wanted to clarify that. Another thing to consider, all of our border states have slot machines. When slots were outlawed in MD, those people are going to border states to gamble. All money is going to them and they should be going to us.
11. Matt McNey: This is just a procedural question… it sounds like it’s depending on the referendum itself. It’s just a resolution to accept funding from the slots itself?
12. Gabe Rettaliata: If we pass this, his vote to support this will be yes, support it. If we vote it down, his vote will be to vote to not support it.
13. Tasha Ebhomielen: I don’t really understand the basic foundation of how slots work but I don’t know how I’m voting for this. Why were they outlawed then? Maybe we do this and 10 years later and we see increase in crime rate. Are there legitimate concerns? Are we looking to do this because we need the money?
a. Michael Castello: Our borders have been doing it for a long time. They haven’t seen increases in crime. I think it’ll be better more people in MD stay in MD. Maybe other people from other states will come here.
14. Simmi Singh: Do you know where the money from 30 years ago went and what it’s used for?
a. Brian Frazee: I have no idea. My guess is it went to general fund of state. Next point I was trying make is that slots referendum now, much limited capacity than back then. It’ll be in 3-4 locations.
b. Michael Castello: Key areas that already have racetracks.
15. Amber Spry: It might be really easy to write off the social implications that slots in MD will have. Something important to consider: demographics of people to most likely to use slot machines. Implications that it will have on social structure of MD. I will venture it’ll change somewhat. Something like this has moral implications. Problems with gambling and effects of it. Internal conflict on which way I’m going to vote.
16. Rahilla Tarfa: Other states that have it, is part of the money going to higher education as well?
a. Michael Castello: I couldn’t tell you. It will depend on the state. In most cases, money from that goes into the general fund for the state. It is then allocated however is decided. Our unique thing is that part of allocation it’s written in the amendment itself.
17. Matt McNey: This amendment will legalize gambling. Am I correct?
a. Michael Castello: Just slot machines itself.
18. Tasha Ebhomielen: When people have to vote on this, do they know the arguments behind this and where it’s coming from?
a. Michael Castello: A lot of people are promoting it. The USMSC will be able to get behind this and talk to Maryland voters and what we’re trying to get out of it.
19. Dave Hoffman: Is this the case where state will own the slot machines? Or are they just allowing certain companies to make it?
a. Michael Castello: framework is, they’re just allowed to have slot machines. It’s just a maximum amount of slot machines allowed in one place.
20. Rahilla Tarfa: It is being advertised on the radio so people are aware of it. People aren’t totally ignorant about it.
a. David Indek: We’re voting to give licenses out. We’re going to be taxing their earnings. It’ll also bring tax revenue.
21. Brian Frazee: As representatives of UMBC students, to me at least, it’s more about the funding issue. We were just talking about how so many things are being cut. There’s a hiring freeze now in the USM. We would be doing a disservice if we vote this down… it’s like telling them that we’re going to be losing a lot of services or your tuition is going to skyrocket.
22. Chidi Ukonne: How can we determine that the money from this is going to UMBC? We don’t know it’s coming to our school.
a. Brian Frazee: they’re going to allocate to everyone but UMBC will definitely see revenue from it
b. Michael Castello: Board of regents, prioritizing capital projects. Fine arts building, we’re eligible to be next on the list.
23. Amber Spry: when do you vote on this?
a. Michael Castello: this coming Sunday
24. Motion to approve SR03-0809 by Whitney Torchia
a. Seconded by Rahilla Tarfa
b. VOTE: 6 for, 0 opposed, 3 abstaining (Gabe, Amber, Chidi), 2 absent (Jen, Aditi)

VII. Executive/ Ex-officio Reports
A. David Hoffman: Research funding. A few weeks ago, met with Diane Lee. SGA fund student travel to make research presentations. GSA offers the same for grad students. Provost might match SGA’s contribution. Within SGA, if it was appropriate to do this. We’re waiting to hear from provost office. Heard back today. Provost says they’ll fund $8,000. Question is, should SGA make some contribution? If so, how much should contribution be?
1. Gabe Rettaliata: We’re talking about 2000 dollars to make even $10,000 for this fund. It would show a partnership. It’s still good to be involved in that kind of partnership
a. Rahilla Tarfa: if we put $2,000, is this yearly?
b. Gabe Rettaliata: I think we’re going to see how it goes this year and base it on that. If it works, we could put it in the budget
2. Rahilla Tarfa: how many students are we supporting?
a. Gabe Rettaliata: however much the money could stretch to support
3. David Indek: It’s not a student activity fee. Building a working relationship with provost is beneficial. Research is good and all but student activity fee is not for it. It’s a give and take relationship.
4. Matt McNey: maybe a smaller amount?
5. David Indek: $2000 is fine. We just need to make sure they can’t just come up to us for funding.
6. Dave Hoffman: I think the importance is to create a symbol. If you can use $2000 to influence what happens on campus, then it works. SGA funded creation of study place and free newspaper for students. I think it goes beyond that. I think they’re both good investments
7. Gabe Rettaliata: Partnership with provost… good relationship since we’re dealing with transcript fees.
8. Rahilla Tarfa: Good idea to build this relationship. Stress the fact that if we’re going to fund this, our name should be recognized. We are using student activity fee for events but also for research.

B. Michael Castello: USMSC stuff. Pond Group seems to be getting back on track. We still have Office of Student Initiatives. Hope is that these folks will add more energy and life to pond group. Some ideas going around with that. I’m still working with the website group people. We finished what we have set out to do but it’s just getting it up on the website. Changing around the layout so tabs are on top with what people often use. Those 2 things have been going on. I’ve been doing some work with file sharing on this campus. What’s going on now is that rule making for that bill is nothing is added or interpreted that in such a way, undue burden to university system. Proactive measures that will help insulate us, prevent entertainment lobbyists from parachuting down to Annapolis.
C. Steve Gilmore: The debate last week went well. Ran out of ice cream. Sports zone was packed. Student marshal will be there tomorrow. Homecoming advertisements will be going out this week. Auditions for talent show. SEB website: first page is homecoming website. We’ll have volunteer sign up for bonfire, talent show, etc. Meeting with residential life director or Thursday. Election board chair will be going up soon. Chair for spring. Looking for somebody that really wants to get the position. Someone has a desire to vote turnout to go up. Someone has a passion for it. Someone who is patient. Wednesday at 5, SGA dinner. Please attend. Office: up until now we were doing a good job. It’s not your living room, let’s keep it clean. I’m talking to someone about midnight madness. They want to partner with us. If it just means money, I’ll say no. Next Monday, involved in election stuff. Stuff about transit UMB and marc train. Update: route that goes downtown will be continued next semester. That will be switched to new route. Gathering data to write up a new route. It’s not going to be a free ride anymore.
D. David Indek: MHEC. It’s like an advisory government entity. From us to CP. 70 intuitions and 25 show up. Slot issues will come up again. 6 student fees. Overview board is our fee. Overviewed by Nancy young. Student review board for other fees so that there’s input. We’re going to expand on idea. Fee form. Each people presenting the fees so we can ask them specific questions. It’s something in the works. Black and gold commission card thing for events.
E. Jason Brand: we had a block party a few weeks ago and it was a success. Process of doing elections. Nominate someone who is on campus resident for this. Nominate event or student organization for it. Go to RSA website. Application for CACRH gathering thing at Villa Julie. Accepting that until the 9th. Send those emails to Brett Reynolds. NRHH rep. we want to pull RSA into midnight madness
F. David Indek: MPAC. Maryland Youth Committee. Something they’re trying to get started. High school and college students in it. You have to be less than 22yrs old. If someone wants to get involved in that, send me an email. It’s a good chance to get involved. Something that is going to involved high school and young college students.

VIII. Announcements
A. Brian Frazee: debate party tomorrow 8:30
B. Michael Castello: Posts up on SGA blog again. Sent an email out already. If anyone is interested in writing for the blog, let me know. Basically, I’m trying to make it clearer that you don’t really have to have anything important to say. Just your UMBC experience. Take advantage of that.
C. Gabe Rettaliata: if you want feedback, you can also post there. Talk about your projects on there if you want.
D. Mike (UMBCtv): Pilot episode will be going up eventually. It will be monthly for now for UMBCtv. If SGA wants to put anything on there, discuss it.
E. Jason Brand: RSA is meeting tomorrow night in the MPR. 8pm
F. Gabe Rettaliata: Corp calendars. Update them. Office hours. Please go to them. No assigned hours.

IX. Roll Call
A. Present:
1. Speaker Gabe Rettaliata
2. Sunaina Khandelwal
3. Whitney Torchia
4. Neketa Kakar
5. Brian Frazee
6. Amber Spry
7. Rahilla Tarfa
8. FYA Matt McNey
9. FYA Toby Le
10. FYA Simmi Singh
B. Absent
1. Assistant Speaker Jen Kent
2. Aditi Srivastav
3. Chidinma Ukonne
4. Tascha Ebhomielen

X. Adjournment 7:29PM

XI. Pass the Gavel

I. Call to order 5:32PM

I. Roll Call
A. Present
1. Speaker Gabe Rettaliata
2. Assistant Speaker Jen Kent
3. Sunaina Khandelwal
4. Whitney Torchia
5. Neketa Kakar
6. Brian Frazee
7. Amber Spry
8. Tascha Ebhomielen
9. Rahilla Tarfa
10. Chidinma Ukonne
11. Aditi Srivastav
12. FYA Matt McNey
13. FYA Toby Le
14. FYA Simmi Singh

II. Approval of Minutes

A. Minutes approved by general consent.

III. Special Guest- Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, President of UMBC

A. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: This is by far the most rich and diverse group of its type at UMBC in 20 years. Congrats on the leaders to do just that. I will give you my first challenge. In my 21 years at UMBC, I can only remember one woman president in student government. Does that mean women don’t aspire to be president? I want my male president to encourage my women students to think about the need for young women to see women leaders because if there was a woman college president people will be already thinking about it. Since it’s a male, people may or may not think about it. This is not saying it’s for a given year but just to think the need for leadership for all types of group. I had a woman president one year. She was also from Jamaica. Second thought is that I do honestly believe that each of you has the opportunity to be a major leader on campus. You get to hear critical news. This is the place that values transparency. If we have problems, Dr. Young will tell you what they are. I can tell you some good news that I want you to hear right now. When I got to the stock market, we close up 11%. That’s a big deal. We went up 900 some points. It is good news. Most important, nation will have more confidence in itself. I tell you that to say this, the governor will be announcing cuts and the bad news is everyone gets cut. Good news is the governor is being supporting to universities as much as we can. Major serious problems. Universities represent 20% of discretionary money. He’s cutting budget by 300 million dollars. That would’ve been 60 million to the system which would’ve been 5-6 million to us. It won’t be anything that bad. We’ll know in the next day or 2 for sure. When all of that said, we’ve been planning for a cut. We knew the economy wasn’t good. No surprise to us. 70% of the money goes to the people. Either slow down hiring or you keep hiring or lay people off. We don’t believe in laying people off. Teaching and learning process is important. Making sure you have the support. Making sure that we give people security with their jobs to support students and faculty if possible. This is not the first time we’ve had this problem. We have to manage the budget as carefully as possible. That’s our challenge. Let me stop there and I can take any questions you may have.
B. Jake Steele: This is a serious question. A good friend of mine had a birthday Saturday and that evening he was robbed at gunpoint. Almost noon today, emergency alert came up. I was disappointed at the lack of speed. If there was something going on, armed robbery could’ve been a shooting. Isolated incident could’ve been a group effort. Robberies go, that’s what happens. If you do all your dirty work at a short amount of time, it’ll be more successful. Just wondering why it came out so late. There were other students walking that could’ve been victims. 2 students walking the loop. Cellphones, credit cards, wallets were stolen. Someone had a gun.
1. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: What is our policy on how soon we tell people?
2. Nancy Young: Depends. Police assess the credibility of it. If it’s an immediate risk, we let people know. Why they made that judgment over the weekend, I don’t know.
3. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: We will check for you
4. Jake Steele: I do understand the point not to panic student body
5. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: I would assume when it happened, next 24 hrs they would be more vigilant to look for those kinds of things in those areas. We can find out the rationale for it. Fortunately it’s unusual. I would say this to you… we are so safe relative to many different places. It could happen in any campus. What do we tell people walking late at night? From my point of view… here’s the challenge, if the loop had gated entrances, then the loop could be considered comfortable part of campus. Without gate entrances, walking around the loop is like walking on Wilkens Avenue. We would think it’s the campus. For the most part, it’s fine. This is that one time. I want to make sure young women shouldn’t even be walking at 2s. Anyone could just drive into campus. We get a level of comfort because it is a comfortable place. I’m surprise we don’t have more. If people realize how comfortable people are here, it’s scarier. If you think about it, why would we think the loop would be less dangerous than Wilkens Avenue? Anyone can come in there back and forth. I don’t have the answer.
6. Nancy Young: We took that very seriously. They’re reported it Sunday at residential life. Other efforts were taken to make sure people were secure. Locks were changed.
7. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: Asking student leaders… help us decide if there’s anything else we should be saying to the campus. Should we be saying more to students living on campus at night? I don’t have the answer. What should we be saying? I just hadn’t thought about it.
8. Nancy Young: We’ve been extremely fortunate. Police circle the campus because it’s the most vulnerable part of campus. I know police will be forthcoming when they know. Remind people that nowhere is a sanctuary. I’m going to add, young men, be careful too.
9. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: I’m also worried about physical assault for women. I am saying… it’s worth for you all to think about the language we should be using. We want to make sure our students are much more careful particularly around the loop at night. We need to think through.
10. Jason Brand: Education on what to do if something like this happens to you. I don’t know what it is but talk to people.
11. Dr.Freeman Hrabowski: Give them what you got when they ask for it.
12. Nancy Young: Depends on if they want your stuff or if they want you.
13. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: Don’t get into a car with anybody. Having sessions about those kinds of things, it won’t be that bad.
14. Nancy Young: Not unusual for students to be mugged in some communities. We’re fortunate we’ve only gotten a handful. Hopefully it’s an isolated incident. We still need to take precautions because you’ll never know.
15. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: It would help to educate the students. The same people that did it before could still be out there. We need to give people education.
16. Aditi Srivastav: Something that would be effective, I don’t really know how to use the blue light emergency system. I don’t even know where all of them are. Resource we could look into. I know there are also escorts available.
17. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: People get too comfortable. It’s always good to hear what students have to say. People wanted better lighting before.
18. Amber Spry: Public service announcements. We have resources like UMBCtv to do something like that.
19. Steve Gilmore: Going back to what Jake was saying.. We don’t really know what the cause is. When the whole VTech happened, we came up with the text plan. Situation incident like this, text didn’t come up until Monday, people got worried to see if the system is actually working.
20. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: People need to know the safety issue. If it’s an emergency situation, the text message will work. What is the policy regarding timing?
21. Nancy Young: Helpful for some group of students to share to the group that could talk with the police. Where is the boundary of what you want is sent out? Helpful thing to hear is… how far you want text messaging to go?
22. Jake Steele: My greatest concern, a simple text message saying armed robbery would be sufficient. Cops deal with this on regular basis… a little bit more hardened for armed robbery. Looking into these factual messages. Students are worried just in case they were there on the loop at midnight at the same time.
23. Matthew McNey: I think it’d be better to send a message quickly when the actual event has been recorded. Right then rather than later on.
24. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: Get to experts to see what they say. It is not immediately communicated because they may be in the middle of catching the person. Communication message might prevent them. You just don’t know. You can’t second guess the experts. We do want to be safe rather than sorry. Let’s find out about the situation.
C. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: What can we do for a typical person on campus to know more activities that they may be involved in? And would you agree with me that we should have activities on the weekend than during the week?
1. Aditi Srivastav: I definitely think we need activities on weekends. I feel if there were things to do, people would say. Weekend programming would be a good idea. Reaching out to typical students to UMBC: we’ve tried. The easiest way is to continue what we’re doing and doing personal thing as supposed to emails and posters. Students are open to you walking to them and telling them about activities. Most people don’t know. Personal touch would be more effective.
2. Jason Brand: with RSA, we tried to do events on weekends… it seems that as hard as we try, it’s hard to get people to come out on weekends. If you get one of these programs that are worthwhile, you’ll get some people to stay…. You just have to keep trying to get programs in.
3. Jen Kent: I don’t think we need more but bigger events. There’s a ton of events but they’re tiny things. A lot more bigger events will draw in more people… and then you start doing smaller events.
4. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: If we can do something Saturday nights… 2-3 weekends a month, that would be great.
5. Sunaina Khandelwal: An event like Postsecret is an exception. If we want to do Postsecret on a weekend, it’ll be the same amount. We need to start big and good events on weekdays. Check it out and they really enjoy it so next year they’d remember and go to it.
6. Freeman Hrabowski: When people come and see Saturday night with nothing, even if people are in their room studying… there’s such a need a few good Saturdays.
7. Sunaina Khandelwal: I think we need to build up.
8. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: If we have good events like that, you know it’s going to be a success. You want people on campus.
9. James McCauley: A lot of that, people going home on weekends is a big deal for us. People go home on weekends because university shuts down on weekends. Food in commons is closed on weekends.
10. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: If we can figure out how many students stay on certain Saturdays, maybe a movie or something would work. Then that’d be a way to work with commons staff to have it open.
11. Yasmin Karimian: coming from the side that funds the events, people advertising is our problem. I’d argue that we have 3 weekends in a month that’s over $1500 funded. The problem is the turnouts are low because word doesn’t get out. I wouldn’t say there’s not anything to do.
12. Chidi: I would start by saying, beginning of semester… freshmen came up to me… and asked what was next since welcome week was over. Honestly speaking, academics are important and social life is also important. They want to sleep during the weekend. They don’t want to go anywhere where there isn’t anything fun going on. If we get faculty involved in campus, they do have to study for exams but they also have to socialize.
13. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: some majors require more studying. It’s not the faculty, it’s you all. We can be supportive of you all but you decide what to do.
14. Amber Spry: my main concern is that… this lack of participation… it’s such a part of UMBC culture. It’s not the question of whether or not we’re having the right events…. The fact that there aren’t places to eat on campus during the weekends… we can’t just pinpoint on one thing. We start with small stuff first.
15. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: You guys have a lot of money for a student program. There’s a need for stronger student leadership to get the spirit out there. If you can get hot events... should be on Saturday nights… students should be really involved. If you could choose certain Saturdays that have really good events, and have something else during the day, we can work to have more places to eat because we’ll guarantee to have a certain amount f people go there.
16. Nayana Davis: Reaching out to typical student… connected to at least one student organization. Amber and I… working on a Halloween fest… first thing we did to advertise the event was not to go to people… 16 student organizations who would also be advertising to us. I think another thing about building up to the weekend. We can’t expect students to stay in the weekends unless we show them what we’re capable of. Follow up more events like Postsecret.
17. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: number one strength of UMBC is that we have broken all records in the number of students that have done academic success. That’s the reason. The reason we are 5th in the country is that reason. No other MD schools in that group. Once we have that out of the way, I still want people to have fun.
18. Nayana Davis: events should be much more accessible.
19. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: Most students don’t experience the amazing events that other students organizations sponsor.
20. Nancy Young: I think Freeman has laid out a challenge for you. I think we need help in changing perception. Starting connections between student leaders… join together. We’re struggling with space. We did the first 3 weeks of welcome week, and then there were 3 more events planned. How you do space and how you do connections. Listen to some of the ideas you put out tonight. Not ideas for the future because you’re already doing them. We need real leaders.
21. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski: I’m glad people are studying but I want them to have fun too.
22. Aditi Srivastav: Something that would help, something you just said… if you said that to people… people will listen to you. If our own president will say that, they might listen.
23. Dr Freeman Habrowski: The culture is such that people do tend to hang in groups. They do their thing in groups. We should have the regular opportunities to see a lot of people having fun. If you could have something once a weekend, that will really help a lot. I will your PR person if you show me the activities. I challenge you that by the beginning of spring let us know what your plans are and how we can be supportive.

IV. Open Discussion

B. Review of past week
1. Sunaina Khandelwal: RSA met and they were all talking about Halloween. Following different activities for different residential halls. How to budget. Told about SGA Halloween fest. They wanted info about election night extravaganza to collaborate.
2. Jake Steele: Athletics committee. Review UMBC official visits. We also discussed how specifically athletic department could commit climate task force of lowering carbon footprint on campus. We have begun NCAA recertification D1. I am sitting on the academic sub committee. We are in charge of developing tactics on how to increase our ability to graduate scholar athletes at the university. We continue to have high academic results. UMBC sets a benchmark for high academic scholar.
3. Brian Frazee: elections night extravaganza met last week. Final touches. Final debate party is this Wednesday.
C. Transcript Fee Update
1. Whitney Torchia: Met with Yvette. Really good meeting. Expressed concerns of students. Told her what we’ve been hearing. Give us input on everything. Said everything Robinson said. She’s willing to look into first 3 free to see how it’s done in other schools. See if it’s possible for us to do it.
2. Gabe Rettaliata: I was scared at first because she said she wanted to see how you can help me. As we went on to discuss our fears on how we can compromise with their issues, she became receptive on how other schools are doing it. When Robinson got here, they had a fee in their old school. Didn’t really look at other options that were available. Possibly opened Yvette’s eyes. How to keep track on how many free transcripts have gone.
3. Nancy Young: her eyes are open
4. Gabe Rettaliata: hopefully progress will be quick with that.
5. Nancy Young: I think it’s important to stop and recognize success. Wherever you land, you may not always agree with the solution but you’ve been heard.

V. Project Updates
A. Increased Library Hours
1. Neketa Kakar: Met on Friday. A lot of questions, we tried to get answered. Set up meetings with a lot of people. If you have any other questions, please let us know since we’re just on the process of setting meetings up.
2. Gabe Rettaliata: Suggestion heard from Dr. Young- Re-designing atrium.
3. Neketa Kakar: That’s what I mentioned to them. Changing the environment and the tables and things like that.

B. Stress Free Zone Revamp
1. Jen Kent: No real updates since last time. Meeting next Monday. That’ll be at 10am. More planning. I’m still taking suggestions. Want to see happen or not, let me know.
2. David Hoffman: During the tour, potential new students… when tour guide brought to student org place, she talked about stress free zone. I wonder if it’s possible to continue the things we’ve been doing as well.
3. Jason Brand: Discussion last week of car smashing idea… people expressed showed cautiousness. Maybe do something like office space. Taking old printers, computer monitors and smashing them to pieces with baseball bats.

C. Reaching out to International Students
1. Amber Spry: What we’ve been going over, what we have planned, heritage day… a more formal event for international students. A whole community really. Something that’s a big presence on campus. The main thing for conversation is whether or not we want this to be a one time event to make it something in one day, festival scenario in the afternoon. Formal event in the afternoon. Or whether we want to spread event out in a week and maybe a continent featured on each day… which might be a strain on our resources. Depends on what student involvement will be like.
2. Jake Steele: What about the program mosaic did before? Provided resources in conjunction with SGA. I think that would be worth looking at. It’s already an event backed by the mosaic.
i. Amber Spry: Do they still do it?
ii. Jake Steele: as of last spring they did.
3. Toby Le: I’m meeting with the coordinator of the mosaic. I’ll get update on that tomorrow.
4. Tasha Ebhomielen: We kind of had a minor meeting. We’re thinking that we’d probably do the Asian continent on one day. African continent in another day. If we put everything together, there wouldn’t be enough space. Too much to take in. We want people to concentrate. That’s what we’re thinking of. We haven’t really discussed it yet but it’s an option.
5. Chidi Ukonne: We do recognize the fact that we have offices on campus that’s bringing international awareness on campus. Objective: work with these offices such as residential life, international student services, mosaic center, etc. bring our sources together and merge our ideas together. We’re also hoping it to be a continuous program.
6. Jason Brand: you might also want to get in contact with Chartwells. Food is culture. To get people into different kinds of food.
7. Amber Spry: we’re setting it up as a festival.
8. Jake Steele: I think it’d be cool… rather than separating it, to take the entire commons space, and turn it into a whole world wide festival. Things set up in every hallway. Set up in every available space. Close it up as close as you can to the earth. As you walk, it might take you hours to do it. It might take time to do it but it’ll be awesome.
9. Amber Spry: it seems more feasible, actually.
10. Aditi Srivastav: I really like the idea doing something in the evening. I’m never in the commons. Since it’s an international heritage day and follow something at night, people will stay. There are a lot of people that can perform that can do something in their own country and it will bring different populations. If we can get the commons or UC ballroom, that would be awesome.
11. Nancy Young: I love it because I just had a conversation with Gabe and Steve about something else that as we think about students thinking about big scale events, I think it sounds brilliant. We could be moving us in the first 6 weeks of school.
12. Amber Spry: I hope it becomes a bigger event every year.

D. Black and Gold Campus Signage
1. Whitney Torchia: We are in contact with the people. We need to do our research. Adam offered to do illustration. Lisa wants us to come with a product. Willing to work with us after that.
2. Aditi Srivastav: It’s going to be a little bit more difficult since Jill is leaving. Slower process but it’s going to happen. I was forwarded to the right people. Adam is going to design it for us.

VI. New Business
1. SL07-0809- Confirmation of Damola Sijuwade as Director of Diversity Affairs
a. Damola Sijuwade: I was here before but now I’m director. I have a lot of stuff that Betty sent to Steve. I’m still in need of a team. I don’t know exactly everyone I’m going to be working with. Steve is still accepting applications. We’re starting up with heritage fest. Another goal I’m going to work is to improve quality of events like the Around the World. I’m going to start meeting with leaders of student organizations to get to know everyone.
b. Sunaina Khandelwal: Suggestion, reach out individual cultural groups we have here. Have representatives. Instead of just meeting them, have it as a post.
c. Gabe Rettaliata: Details about your plans aside from around the world?
a. Damola Sijuwade: What Betty has… host a open form discussion. Assist the department language and linguistics. Coordinate activities for international students.
d. Gabe Rettaliata: Do you have any ideas of your own?
a. Damola Sijuwade: No, not really
e. Steve Gilmore: This is a last minute thing. I’m not going a semester without a director of diversity.
f. Gabe Rettaliata: I heard some suggestions on how to do our confirmation policy. Some want candidates to leave the room.
g. Jen Kent: I disagree. I want people to express their opinions without being scared of the person being there.
h. Jason Brand: for RSA, we always have them step out of the room
i. Aditi Srivastav: I just see a lot of uncertainty in people’s faces. I think we should just vote on whether or not we want him to leave.
j. Rahilla Tarfa: Why can’t we just do this the way we’ve been doing this and have him stay?
k. Jason Brand: What are your responsibilities be as diversity chair
a. Damola Sijuwade: Getting acquainted to different cultures/organizations.
l. Gabe Rettaliata: I had this concern last time… he didn’t have any ideas. He’s basing plans based on Betty’s ideas. I wanted to see if he had ideas of his own… concern that I have.
m. Amber Spry: If he shows himself capable to execute things, he’s going to have a team of people to contribute ideas. Execution is just as important.
n. Brian Frazee: As a compromise, would you be in favor to table it and see if he can come up with any plans for next week?
o. Steve Gilmore: I think it’s irrelevant. The role is to execute, not to come up with them.
p. Jen Kent: in response to Amber’s statement… I also had the concern he didn’t have specific ideas. I’d be more comfortable in that if there was a team in place.
q. Rahilla Tarfa: in the past, I didn’t see a lot from it. I didn’t see a lot from the office last year.
r. Jen Kent: I know Betty can’t do the position… is she still going to be around?
a. Steve Gilmore: She’s still helping. The only involvement is working on the action plan.
s. Aditi Srivastav: I was just really turned off and not have a director. It made me feel like he’s just another candidate that you need because you don’t have a director. I feel like he’s just filling the position. He might be very well qualified.
a. Steve Gilmore: In the beginning, he was considered as director. Damola is a different kind of director.
t. Motion to approve SL08-0809 by Aditi Srivastav.
a. Seconded by Neketa Kakar
b. VOTE: 10 for, 0 opposed, 1 abstaining (Gabe), 0 absent.

B. JL03-0809- General Ledger Allocation for Halloween Fest
1. Nayana Davis: purpose… one of those events that would enliven our campus. right on Erickson field. Campus unifying event. Expect 400-500 people to come. Means for student organizations to get themselves out there. Almost involvement fest. Student orgs will run specific activities. Expanding campus activities. We just got our fliers printed out.
2. Jen: you should paint Erickson field.
3. Rahilla: do you know what the weather is going to be like?
a. Nayana: if it rains, a tent. We’ll be keeping an eye on that. we also booked main street just in case it rains. There are back up plans
4. Neketa: we also do fliers.
5. Nayana: we have a few shirts advertising it.
6. Jen: are the tshirts being paid for this?
a. Nayana: no. the food that we’re getting it is through Silva’ catering company. We’re also looking for giant to donate some of the food listed.
7. Motion to approve JL03-0809 by Aditi Srivastav
a. Seconded by Whitney Torchia
b. VOTE: 10 for, 0 opposed, 1 abstaining, 0 absent.

VII. Executive/ Ex-officio Reports
D. Jason Brand: Didn’t do much last week. Discussion on housing selection house force. Thinking about doing focus groups. 500-600 people on waiting list still.
E. Steve Gilmore: Had a meeting and said there was 240 people on the waiting list
1. Jason Brand: saying 5th year seniors, move off campus. If you’re interested on being on the task force… contact Jackie. Elected midnight breakfast chair.
F. Steve Gilmore: There’s this company installing cell phone charging unit… if you’re phone is dying, it’s fully charged. Won’t cost anything for student. Guy called today. Meeting with him. If you want to come, there’s a demonstration. Towson is getting this installed in 2 weeks. Election night extravaganza… meeting this Friday. 3 weeks until election. Tomorrow, I’ll be sending out sheet for homecoming volunteers. Mainly need volunteers for tailgating party. Adding on to housing difficulties, they’re looking for suggestions.
G. Nayana Davis: I put up a white board on SGA projects. If you need help with projects, you can put that on there.
H. David Indek: Swipe red card for points. Reward for each level. Encouraging students to attend events for points. 2 other projects… plans for student peer advising. Plan students on requirement side. Other project is advisors for judicial services.

VIII. Announcements
A. Brian Frazee: USM… endorsed slots. Disappointed on the way they handled it. A lot of people took it the wrong way. If students are really upset about this… we put aside our personal decisions about this for the betterment of the students.
B. Whitney Torchia: Ken Baron… said he got an email from you (Gabe)… interested in meeting with us. Based on little things, surveys for the advising from freshmen are good.
1. Nayana Davis: He’s very receptive. He’s very interested in hearing what you have to say.
C. Chidi Ukonne: Sent an email as regards to movie lists that we’re purchasing.
D. Whitney Torchia: I have my food service committee on Wednesday. E-mail me your opinions.
E. David Indek: MSAC… meeting on the 25th.
F. Gabe: Yasmin wanted me to tell you, treasurer meeting on Wednesday 3-4, ITE 233. If you’re unsure how to answer a club’s question about money, I recommend you go to this. Office hours, make sure you’re all doing them. Guest again next week is Lee Calizo. I did want to comment on what we did today. The food thing, we should keep it the way it is. This isn’t the place to be eating.
1. Nayana Davis: I like the idea but if you have classes up until now, you need to eat.
2. Amber Spry: I was just going to say… I’m on the same page as Gabe. Use your discretion. Don’t bring a 4 course meal.

IX. Roll Call

A. Present
1. Speaker Gabe Rettaliata
2. Assistant Speaker Jen Kent
3. Sunaina Khandelwal
4. Whitney Torchia
5. Neketa Kakar
6. Brian Frazee
7. Amber Spry
8. Tascha Ebhomielen
9. Chidinma Ukonne
10. FYA Matt McNey
11. FYA Toby Le
12. FYA Simmi Singh
B. Absent:
1. Aditi Srivastav
2. Rahilla Tarfa

X. Adjournment 7:34PM
XI. Pass the Gavel

SGA Finance Board 10/21

Roll call
Late: Yasmin @ 5:40pm + Stephanie @ 5:36pm
Absent: Emily
Approval of Minutes from 10/7 and 10/14
Nothing eventful pointed out.

Pre Meeting Discussion
James gives presentation on Finance Board spending and new financial terminology. The gist of which was to warn us that on average this finance board is spending 30% more per meeting than the previous Finance Board. Our current rate of spending will exceed the $150 thousand for student orgs. Even though this finance board is more stringy then last years, we are receiving more requests this year that must be taken into account. Issue of cutting back spending without crippling student life.
David: There tends to be more activity in the spring than the fall. Usually 85 thousand goes to spring and 65 goes to fall event. We have almost spent 60 thousand this semester. Since we are past the 60 day deadline for over $3,000 events, we should not see any more requests come in.
James: We don’t want to fund an event that would prevent a larger one from taking place in the spring.
Harsh: I thought we had already spent $35,000 this semester. Dose the $60,000 include money allocated last year.
James: Yes, Did not include last years budgeting process in the demonstration.
Silva: We should be more careful with funding orts that have the same events. I feel that we have a lot of the same organizations in here for request.
Harsh: We have to be more stingy about orgs. that go off campus.
David: SGA has been talking about increasing the student activity fee to allow for more funding. One option to extend the life of this money is to require some of it back. For example, we give orgs. money and tell them to charge students x amount at the door, and we would get that amount back.
James: Maybe only for off campus events. Don’t want to nickel and dime students for events. Even small admission charges can make events on campus less appealing.
Yasmin: I am also not comfortable doing that now, but for some events that are maxed out no matter what. Events like Jambo night would be more comfortable asking for a ticket price because I don’t feel it will discourage students from going.
James: Its possible that we’ve just been getting a lot more requests at the beginning of the year because of the new budgeting process. Have to keep an eye on it.
Steve: Equity. A lot of groups do great events. The first events to go if we are making restrictions are from groups that have multiple requests. Asks groups to be more selective.

Allocations

5:45 Kappa Omicron Sigma: Men’s Basketball Season Opener Tailgate
Tailgate event is for season opening game Nov 18. Half an hour for students to move into RAC. 4: 30 to 6:30. Have the space reserved from 2:30 to 8:00pm. Went for the cheapest quotes. Treasurer of org then proceeds to read off long detailed list of every single item cost. I did not deem it necessary to include here.
Questions:
Stephanie: How many are you expecting?
KOS: Initially 100 students. How many seats are there in the RAC? We will aim to get half that number to attend.
Harsh: How can you need a student marshal for 4 hours?
KOS: That was advised by student planning.
Yasmin: How are you advertising?
KOS: Flyers, Facebook, myUMBC.
Harsh: 100 free flyers.
Harsh: Is this event open to everyone?
KOS: Yes.
Discussion:
Yasmin: Its good. New org. this is their first main event.
Silva: My only concern is the 200 burgers and hotdogs for 100 people.
Yasmin: May get more then 100 people.
Decision: Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

5:52 UMBC Table Tennis Club: Practice Supplies
Asking for means to be able to continue training students. This is the first time we have asked for money. We have 30 active members. Asked for 20 paddles to train multiple people at multiple tables. Also for upkeep. If we are given the amount asked for, it will be reusable for years to come.
Questions:
Yasmin: Where are you storing this equipment?
TTC: Everything will be compiled into one container and will be taken into safekeeping, only to be used for events.
Harsh: Anyone in club can use the equipment?
TTC: Yes.
James: What are the “Ball retrieval supplies”?
TTC: Basically a huge net to make ball easer to collect.
Silva: What is the difference between training balls and tournament balls?
TTC: Quality of the balls. Tournament balls used for tournaments, but don’t break.
Harsh: does the club compete?
TTC: The club does not compete, but does hold tournaments in which anyone can attend.
Stefan: Anyone can play?
TTC: Yes
Harsh: Balls would be used for students on campus?
TTC: Yes.
Yasmin: Did you list these supplies in order of importance?
TTC: Yes.
Stefan: Where are you getting the supplies?
TTC: A couple websites we looked at, mostly zeropong.com. Also Paddle Palace and Table tennis pioneers.
Discussion:
Harsh: 200 for balls?
Yasmin: This is their first request.
Harsh: Can take out the ball retrieval equipment.
James: $100 will buy a lot of training balls. Also asked for 20 paddles for 10 tables, don’t think there are that many in the game room.
Yasmin: They also practice in the UC Ballroom. The balls will last them a long time.
Harsh: cut ball retrieval.
Stephanie: Could be necessary. Only $18.
James: could just give them tournament balls.
Yasmin: Could give them a total of $100 for balls and can spend it as they like.
Decision: $466 new total. Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

Paksa:
Salaam E Kabobs
Same as last week (event was tabled due to conflicting with a meeting date). Setup in front of bookstore in commons. Supposed to be during stress free week.
Questions:
Harsh: What time?
PAK: Around free hour. Reserving from 11:30am to 1:30pm.
Silva: How many people are you expecting?
PAK: A lot since it’s during free hour. Limiting 1 bite per person.
Silva: The food is for how much?
PAK: Can serve up to 800, will probably be more like 500.
Discussion:
Yasmin: $400 worth of kabobs for 800 people? Would rather fund $200 for 400 people.
James: Does the giveaway of food differ any from regular giveaways? It is relevant to org? It is cultural food, but student activity fee does not go to feeding people.
Catherine: They are a new group.
Yasmin: They had a potluck, would rather fund their next big event then fund this one instead.
Harsh: way to cut down on spending by not funding orgs who are just giving out food. I think we made a mistake with Pie event.
James: There are some cases where giving out food will benefit the org.; this is not one of them.
Yasmin: Don’t want precedent set. Especially after funding $400 for meeting food.
Harsh: Meeting food is different.
Vote on full amount.
Decision: Members For: 0, Opposed: 3, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

Eid Formal
From 7 to 12. Budget includes brochure.
Questions:
Harsh: Advertising?
PAK: Total budget I came up with is $2,872.
Harsh: We have $2,857.50.
PAK: We saved a lot of money on catering, food is $1,050. Have food for 135 people. We will be selling 120 tickets. Free for UMBC students, $10 for everyone else. We still need LCD and marshal for another hour.
Harsh: There’s going to be a band and DJ?
PAK: Yes, the band will be our main attraction. The band is free, but we have to pay for the DJ.
Yasmin: Is he bringing his own equipment?
PAK: Yes, so is the band.
Yasmin: The student marshal is $90 instead of $100.
Yasmin: How necessary are the decorations?
PAK: Key part of the event. Would be willing to take out the brochure instead.
Yasmin: total $2,872
Discussion:
Harsh: Total is $2,872
James: I got $2, 697.
Decision: New total $2,697. Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1. Absent: 1

6:09 SASA: Ajooba
Cultural show, dances and fashion walks. Our main event of the year. Anyone who wants to make dances or show can.
Questions:
James: What about the shirts for performers?
SASA: Last year was the first time we did it. Present for time invested.
Harsh: These t-shirts are not used in the actual show?
SASA: No.
Christine: How many performers?
SASA: About 80
Harsh: Our policy prevents us from funding the t-shirts.
Yasmin: You can use money from your carry over.
Harsh: How many are coming to event?
SASA: Have tickets for 300. Had 200 last year, expecting bigger turnout.
Harsh: Is this event free?
SASA: Yes
Stephanie: where?
SASA: UC Ballroom.
Harsh: Time?
SASA: 7 to 9pm
Harsh: students will pick up tickets at commons desk?
SASA: Yes. Was wondering how many chairs would fit in the ballroom.
Yasmin: 450 max.
SASA: Scheduling people said we couldn’t schedule it until we had funding.
Yasmin: We can do that tomorrow.
New total is $1,727 without shirt.
Discussion:
Took off money for t-shirts.
Decision: New total is $1,727. Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

6:14 Mama’s Boys: Festivus Acapellius
5th year of event. In LH5 Free to all students, have groups from other colleges come by.
Questions:
Harsh: What time?
MB: Saturday 8 – 10
Yasmin: Wardrobes?
MB: Tradition is to wear togas. Only buying for new members, will be recyclable.
Stephanie: How many usually go?
MB: About 200
Harsh: What are decorations?
MB: Since its right after Halloween we get (really, really) cheap Halloween decorations.
Yasmin: Are the wardrobes are necessary?
MB: Gets everyone excited about the event. All other groups will be wearing outfits as well.
Discussion:
Yasmin: Don’t know if wardrobe is necessary. Not sure if it really adds to event.
Catherine and Silva assert that they think it does.
Decision: Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

6:17 Persian Student Association:
Shabe Yalda:
Traditional holiday - Celebrates the longest night of the year. Gets UMBC students involved in Persian culture.
Questions:
Harsh: When and where?
PSA: December 5th in UC Ballroom.
Silva: Where did you get the food quotes?
PSA: We have two options, Chartwells or restaurant.
Harsh: How many are you expecting?
PSA: 300
Stefan: What about the outfits for dancers?
PSA: Every year we have a dance group perform. Trying to make group look more cohesive. Traditional outfits, reuse a lot.
Yasmin: You are asking for the advertisement package and the banner? Did you check to see if that marketing package actually comes with a banner?
PSA: Yes. Two packages that they offer, this one is a generic brand. Want a banner we can use for other events.
Harsh: What are the misc. costs for?
PSA: In case something goes wrong at the last minute. Had an issue last year
Harsh: You requested well over $2,000 for food and drinks, additional for utensils 700 – is all that really necessary?
PSA: If it’s through Chartwells, they give us free utensils. The results here were from looking up prices for Giant.
Yasmin: Have you spoken to Chartwells?
PSA: They kept pushing meeting back. Set for Thurs 11:30pm. Pricing for food is worth it so we wont run out. If things with Chartwells fall through, will use caterer.
Yasmin: Might have to find someone else if their not meeting with you.
Silva: Are the utensil costs from Chartwells?
PSA: No, they are an estimate in the event that we are not given utensils by Chartwells.
Harsh: What are the signs for?
PSA: For people coming from off campus. Around the circle to help give directions.
Harsh: So your not asking money for that?
PSA: We don’t know where to get that done. Assuming Common Visions. Handmade signs last year.
Yasmin: You can get fined for that. Should look into it.
PSA: For the past few weeks, we’ve been trying to contact other orgs on campus; a lot of them rejected us. Is there anything we can offer other orgs. like incentive? We are talking to SEB to see if they will help sponsor event.
Harsh: They flat out rejected you?
PSA: Doesn’t make sense to ask them to help us for no reason.
Christine: Orgs. will do this sort of thing for free.
Yasmin: I don’t think SGA has done anything like that in the past.
James: Maybe in the past we funded an event where we paid orgs.
Yasmin: We wouldn’t do that for on campus events though. You could do a raffle for all performers, we can fund that. Could ask Common Vision for prizes they could give out or contact people to see if they would like to donate.
Harsh: What food items are your highest priority?
PSA: Top five listed. Main dishes are 1-5. The rest are appetizers.
Silva: Is this event open to off campus?
PSA: Mainly for on campus, maybe family.
Silva: Are you charging?
PSA: Only for non-students.
Stefan: What are the police for? Is that required?
PSA: Yes. When you have a certain number attending, you must have on marshal.
Catherine: How many non-students are you expecting to attend?
PSA: 75-100
Stephanie: Do you think it would be possible for people to bring homemade food?
PSA: Not for 300 people.
Harsh: It’s a lot of money for food, so we probably will have to cut it down a bit.
Yasmin: Do you want to wait to vote on this until you have quotes from Chartwells?
PSA: It would help, but the food platters and appetizers can come from Chartwells. We have to see what they can provide. We can do that.
Yasmin: They have a lot in carryover.
Discussion: Event tabled.
Decision: Event tabled until more accurate quotes could be obtained.

Henna Day:
Fundraiser, get henna cones. 3 for $5 each. Trying to get PSA name out there. Want to do something we created.
Questions:
Harsh: Three packs for $5 each?
PSA: Yes, each cone will last for about 20 people.
Harsh: What is the extra money for?
PSA: Don’t know what happened with that. Probably extra for advertisement. Would be max $15 for cones.
Silva: How many people will you get per cone?
PSA: Will vary depending on the design size, or mistakes.
Harsh: What are the board markers for?
PSA: Advertising?
Stephanie: Where?
PSA: Set up table outside commons.
Erica: Is henna free?
PSA: If we do fundraiser, will charge depending on size (about $2). Could do it for free.
Harsh: Where would donations go?
PSA: To our carryover for future events or to a specific organization.
Yasmin: Event would have to be free or suggested donation because we cant fund charities.
PSA: We were thinking of suggested donation.
Harsh: The money couldn’t go towards your organization carryover?
PSA: We could put it into carryover.
Yasmin: Could use $25 from carryover and then ask for $10. That might be more beneficial.
Harsh: You want to just cancel the request?
PSA: Yes.
Discussion: Request cancelled
Decision: PSA decided not to request SGA funding for this event.

6:43 Musicians for World Peace: Band of Brothers in Concert
Three concerts for this year. Having a short concert from 12-1pm and the full concert will be in the evening. Point of the first two concerts is to let everyone know about the band. Will have free food. Last concert we are trying to do fundraising for AOET- program in Uganda. Trying to raise awareness for important events on campus.
Questions:
James: Is the band that’s performing part of the Musicians for World Piece, or separate?
MWP: Technically separate, though I (pres.) am in it.
Harsh: Will there be other bands? Is that what the band payment is for?
MWP: Yes.
Harsh: Free for UMBC students?
MWP: Yes. Donations are optional. No donations for this event. For later concert.
Harsh: How many people?
MWP: 30-50
Silva: how will you advertise?
MWP: We were going to use banner and flyers. Issues with advertising, have flyers already.
Silva: So you don’t need money for that?
MWP: Forgot to put in 30 for banner, but can handle it with carryover if needed. Will be about 37 with tax.
Yasmin: If you are paying with SGA money you don’t have tax.
Discussion:
MWP: Forgot to mention that the band sound for the second concert is only $50.
Harsh: Move the 50 for the evening concert and combine two events since they are on the same day.
James: Had 30.50 for advertisements. Added 680.50 for additional flyers
Decision: New total for combined concerts is $680.50.
Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

6:48 UMBC Club Tennis: Social/ Coach Appreciation Night
We just started a few years ago. Wanted to do two part event, social and for the head tennis coach who is leaving. Event scheduled Nov 14 from 7 to 10 pm.
Questions:
Yasmin: Who is welcome to this event?
CT: Anyone interested in tennis.
Harsh: Free?
CT: Yes
Yasmin: How are you advertising?
CT: Facebook, common vision, flyers.
James: How many people is the food quote for and where did you get it?
CT: Direct quote from Chartwells, expect 100.
James: What kind of food.
CT: Mainly appetizers and dessert.
Harsh: How many people not associated with the tennis could are you expecting?
CT: Have 50 members on the club now, expecting about half.
Yasmin: Is this your biggest event for the year?
CT: This is our first event, if it goes well maybe.
Silva: If people who don’t go here anymore want to come, will you charge them?
CT: Probably not, trying to keep it free.
Erica: Do you get support from athletics department?
CT: We are not affiliated with the UMBC varsity team. For a while we weren’t funded as an org., recently SGA recognized us as an org. Haven’t done anything for SGA yet.
James: No funding from athletics.
Discussion:
Catherine: A lot of money for the crab cakes.
Stefan: Chartwells charges too much.
Harsh: Will this event contribute to Campus life?
Catherine: Contributes to the org. more than the campus.
Yasmin: I’m for it, but I think we should cut it down.
James: They are a restricted org. Considered a club sport.
James: This is not a competitive event.
Erica: What are criteria you will set for what benefits the campus vs. the org.?
Yasmin: I think its ok for us to fund events that would be good for the org. Like with meetings.
Silva: People outside the club may be interested in going to see the prof. who is leaving.
James: It’s a lot of food for 100 people.
Stephanie: I feel like the event is limited to just club members.
Yasmin: Some of the meetings that we fund fully are limited.
Harsh: Their not trying to attract other students.
Steve: Are not under the same realm as non-restricted, should not get the same perks.
Yasmin moves to vote, Silva seconds.
Decision: Members For: 1, Opposed: 2, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

6:50 (ish) Chinese Student Association:
Dim Sum Trip
Big event, funded for the past 6 years. Biggest cultural event for the year. Chinese cultural dishes. Had 50 people come last year, event is open to everyone. Carpooling, everyone meeting on the commons circle. Are working on making a Facebook. $400 we requested was not enough last year.
Questions:
Yasmin: Is there anyway to bring the event on campus.
CSA: I thought about that, but Chartwells might not agree. They don’t do Dim Sum, but they do have Chinese food. Not an easy event to cater.
Harsh: How many are you expecting?
CSA: 60. Open to everyone, hoping to get a lot of freshmen.
Harsh: What time?
CSA: Noon, meeting on commons circle.
Catherine: Everyone on campus welcome?
CSA: Yes, we are providing transportation. We have 15 cars so far.
Discussion: N/A
Decision: Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

Karaoke Night:
Done for the past 2 years. Equipment used to be funded by the mosaic center, but they no longer do that, so we fund equipment ourselves. Want to get a lot of people to come, try and get Chinese food. Music is not just Chinese – anyone can join in.
Questions:
Harsh: What time?
CSA: 6-11pm 50 or more people expected.
Harsh: How will you advertise?
CSA: Facebook and word of mouth.
Discussion: N/A
Decision: Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

Recess @ 7pm, Lasts until 7:05

Linux Users Group:
First 4 days will be Linux awareness week. Only need money for advertising. Wanted to get a banner for install fest. Plan on reusing it.
Linux Kiosks
Questions:
Harsh: Where is it going to be?
LUG: Main Street.
Harsh: What time?
LUG: From 11am to2pm first 4 days. On install fest day goes from 10am to 5pm.
Silva: What made you want to start this org?
LUG: Linux is cool software that is all free. University uses it. Wanted to provide resources for people interested.
Harsh: Is the Install fest a separate event, or is it part of the Linux awareness week.
LUG: It’s the end part of it.
Harsh: can just combine events?
LUG: Ok.
Discussion: N/A
Decision: Agreed to combine this event with the Install Fest below since they are related. Date changed to 11/3-11/7. New total $251.50. Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

Install fest:
Questions: see above
Discussion: N/A
Decision: Event was combined with the Linux Kiosks (see above)

Not attending

Social Work Student Association: Breast Cancer Awareness
Questions: N/A
Discussion:
Yasmin: Have issues with the giveaways. Also can’t fund the one on the 20th, can fund the 30th.
Yasmin: Maybe bracelets and stickers for awareness, but candy seems unnecessary.
Harsh: I say we give them $100.
Some issue of the event being in line with the org’s mission statement raised by a finance board member who shall remain anonymous.
Yasmin: Not sure if giveaways are what we want to be funding. Maybe if event were more informational.
Maybe if they were giving out pamphlets.
Yasmin: Would maybe give them $50 for two days so they could buy pamphlets and bracelets.
Harsh: Lets take out decorations and food. Brings total down to $100.
Decision: New total $100. Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

Arab Student Union: 1001 Arabian Nights Additional
Questions: N/A
Discussion:
Harsh: Had extra costs come up. $115 for increase scheduling gave them.
Decision: Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

Anime Society:
Scheduled Showings Fall 08
Canceled the request – they forgot they had already received funding for the showings last semester.
Scheduled Showings Spring 09
Questions: N/A
Discussion:
Harsh: $350 for spring meetings.
Decision: Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

Orthodox Christian Fellowship: Coffee house
Questions: N/A
Discussion: N/A
Decision: Members For: 3, Opposed: 0, Abstaining: 1, Absent: 1

The UMBC Russian Club: Russian Ballet
Tabled - did not submit description.

Post Meeting Discussion
Email assignments:
Silva: SASA, KOS, UMBC Table Tennis Club
Yasmin: All tabled orgs. Russian Club, PSA, Ethiopian.
Christine: Paksa, Mama’s Boys, Social Work Student Association
Harsh: Musicians for World Peace, UMBC Club Tennis, CSA, Linux Users Group.
Stefan: Arab Student Union, UMBC Anime Society, Orthodox Christian Fellowship
Announcements:
Steve: Looking to do a campus security walk.
Homecoming this weekend.
Election night Extravaganza coming up.
Cellular solutions: cell phone charging units. Have an advertising venue on 15 min cycle.

Roll Call
Christine leaves early @ 6:41pm. Emily leaves early @ 7:50pm.

Adjournment
7:50pm

UMBC SGA Senate Agenda
Monday, October 20, 2008
Commons 318 5:30PM

I) Call to Order (5:32 pm)

II) Roll Call

A) Present:
1) Speaker Gabe Rettaliata
2) Assistant Speaker Jen Kent
3) Tasha Ebhomielen
4) Brian Frazee
5) Sunaina Khandelwal
6) Amber Spry
7) Aditi Srivastav
8) Rahilla Tarfa
9) Whitney Torchia
10) FYA Toby Le
11) FYA Matthew McNey
12) FYA Simmi Singh

B) Absent:
1) Neketa Kakar (excused)
2) Chidinma Ukonne (excused)

III) Approval of Minutes

A) Minutes approved by general consent

IV) Special Guest- Dr. Lee Calizo, Director of the Office of Student Life

A) Lee Calizo: Thank you for inviting me. I am excited about coming to this group and have been keeping in touch with Steve about what this group is doing. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of the students, it is appreciated and needed. Gabe asked me to give you a little information about student life. I wanted to tell you that we are a bit short staffed in the Office of Student Life. Our hope is that in the spring we will find one staff person. We are going full force of supporting students even without that one staff member. We have reshaped Erin Hundley- Carter’s role after she left and Erica’s new role is molded around student organizations. Over the course of this year, Erica will be spear-heading the programs of advisers for student organizations which is a huge priority. We are also trying to figure out how to keep supporting student organizations. The Event Planning and Conference Services has been a great help so that Office of Student Life focuses more on the missions, constitutions, and aid to organizations and not consumed by event planning. Our staff is committed to helping student organizations. CAS Review is another focus. A group of administrators across the country have set standards for universities. Leadership programs and event planning will be assessed and focused on this year for student life. My hope is that at some point during the process some of you will be interviewed and asked about the process. Another focus is leadership programs. The LATTE retreat for example is trying to pull leaders together. Leadershape is now the STRiVE retreat that has been developed by our own staff that will be in January. The last area I will mention today is reshaping the mission and focus of the Mosaic culture center. It is time for us to look to our partners and find the shape and purpose of center to make sure we are meeting the needs of our campus. The piece that remains the focus is supporting students.
1) Fouad Kanaan: What exactly do you guys have planned for the Mosaic space? I am a cultural peer.
a) Lee Calizo: I want that to be shaped by students and partners across campus, I do not have an exact plan at this time.
2) Jen Kent: I have a question about the retreat. What does it look like? Do we have an overview:
a) David Hoffman: It is going to be four days and three nights at Camp Letts. We are going to focus on using resources on and off campus to form the world in groups. The groups will focus on things they want to do and change. There will also be leadership simulations. We will be orienting people to recognize when leadership will be helpful. You are in a situation that is chaotic and you need to recognize when you need to step up as a leader. The students involved are Steve, Brian and Yasmin in this room.
3) Amber Spry: I know you gave a little bit of an overview about the CAS Review. What do you plan to do to meet those requirements?
a) Lee Calizo: The assessment is a checklist of must haves and things that would be good to have. We are trying to see where we stand on the standards and my guess is that we won’t quite meet what they say we have and we would hope to move in those directions. My guess is also that we have things that most schools don’t have. We are just hoping to set priorities for the next few years.
b) Amber Spry: Who reviews it?
c) Lee Calizo: Good question. Last week we had the assessment of the Greek Life, externally. For CAS Review there will be teams of 3 or 4. Each of those groups would contain one student life person and two external members outside of OSL.
4) Jen Kent: What kind of resource do you see yourself as to us?
a) Lee Calizo: Steve and I meet once a month to keep in touch. I have every Friday afternoon several hours blocked out for students so if anyone wants to meet I am absolutely welcome to meeting with you. I think I see my role with you as being a source of information and an access way to other information and resources. Whatever ways you can envision for me to being helpful, I am absolutely available.
b) David Hoffman: Lee is the point person for helping students outside of academic life. Lee is thinking about these things and she is also someone who other people turn to see with what is going on with students. So this is an opportunity for you to talk with her to say what you want other people to hear. Lee is someone who Dr. Hrabowski, for example, would turn to, to know what is going on with students.
c) Lee Calizo: Once a month I attend the meetings with a group of students and that is another place where students and administrators turn to me for what is the voice of what students would say. So I want to hear messages you want to get out.
5) Whitney Torchia: One of the main things we are working on right now is the transcript fee. We are trying to find out why it was implemented and trying to find alternate options of paying $8 for each transcript.
6) Brian Frazee: We are also working on 24 hour spaces and the only place is the atrium library and with over 4000 students living on campus we need more space that is open to all students to use 24 hours a day.
7) Gabe Rettaliata: Lee, I have a question. I was wondering if there has been any talk about changing the use of the Fireside Lounge? Students are not allowed to use that room, even though they paid for the Commons.
a) Lee Calizo: If there are students who want to take that on and look into it, I am welcome to meeting with students about it.
b) Steve Gilmore: I heard that students are welcome to the Fireside Lounge now.
c) Michael (UMBCtv): Simon says it is now able to be booked. So I don’t know what the changes are because he said it was.
8) Amber Spry: What is one of the biggest needs that you see on our campus that SGA might be able to address with you?
a) Lee Calizo: I think it is changing campus culture about what students say. We have the power to change messages such as there is nothing to do on campus and we can do that. We need to help students feel empowered to make change. There needs to be efforts to change things students do not like. Students have a whole lot of potential to make change so bring those frustrations forward and let’s do something about it.
9) Amber Spry: What is the main thing to do to change the culture of the school?
a) Lee: One thing I have been working on is marketing and we have hired students to be marketing interns. Hopefully some of their efforts to change word of mouth is changing the culture. I guess what I would offer is if there are things that you want me to be voicing opinions for students please come to me.
10) Jen Kent: I was an OPA this summer and a lot of the freshmen were extremely excited about coming here. People would say “I know there is nothing to do on campus,” I think there needs to be a change of what people say. There have been staff and administration who say such things and I think that needs to change.
a) Lee Calizo: There are people who talk about UMBC like that because they knew about twenty years ago. I absolutely agree that needs to change.
b) Aditi Srivastav: I was a woolie and students were really excited about the first few weeks of school. Students started going home after 3 weeks and things on campus shut down. SGA has been talking about students feeling like the campus shuts down and there is nothing to do. I think it would be helpful for students to move in a day early when the come in from winter break. Students move in on a Sunday and maybe it will be helpful to move in on that Saturday.
c) Lee Calizo: If any of you have ideas about the winter programs please come talk to me.
11) Jason Brand: What can RSA and ResLife do in conjunction with OSL and SGA to improve the quality of resident students’ experience?
a) Jen Kent: I know I have talked about this before, there are a lot of little things to do on the weekends and instead of spending of $500 on little programs lets combine the money and have a lot of larger programs. Condense things into big things.
b) Michael: I was a spring transfer and I did not think winter welcome week was nearly as informative as the fall welcome week. I pretty much asked other students and my roommates were a big help.
c) Amber Spry: About RSA, I think that one thing I have noticed that there are a lot of little events and we need to encourage student organizations to co-host events. Most students are a part of at least one organization, so organizations should join together.
d) Brian Frazee: I think big programming is a good idea and I think we need to gear programs towards students’ interests. For example computer games, we can do in the Commons instead of students being in their rooms.
e) Jen Kent: Things need to be open. It is not all about an event, everyone needs to eat food for example. So the Commons needs to be open.
f) Whitney Torchia: I want to Food Service Committee, they are moving the sub place to the Grill so they described it more like a Quizno’s so that will be open and students will have more options. They are going to look into who is closing early and making sure places staying open to at least 7:30.
g) Matt McNey: Why not just have a big huge blow out every other weekend? Like a giant pool party.
h) Aditi Srivastav: Things need to be visible.
i) Michael: There are a lot of students that are doing events by themselves such as Flag Football. OSL should be more proactive about finding these events and advertising.
j) Lee Calizo: Do you think that spontaneous student events carry more weight?
i. Michael: Yes. A lot of events seem like have to appeal to a broad amount of people so specializing events would appeal more to specific students.
ii. David Hoffman: That is the opposite point that Brian made.
k) Amber Spry: I just had another comment. I really feel like perception has a lot to do with culture. If we were walking down academic row and it looked more spirited people would feel that way. Where do you see yourself as a tool to making this place look more active? You cannot look at the school and tell what the mascot is.
i. Lee Calizo: Let’s talk about what it should be like.
ii. Aditi Srivastav: This is kind of like a plug. Me and Whitney are focusing on this, one of our main concerns was what are we going to get out hanging up banners that are spirited. Teachers could also be wearing UMBC colors and such. Would you be able to help us?
iii. Lee Calizo: Absolutely. I would agree there is great power within the students but it would also helpful to have faculty and staff to be spirited.

V) V. Open Discussion

A) Review of the past week
1) Sunaina Khandelwal: One of the representatives put out a proposal for an “On the Hills” program. RSA wants to host an event there and they are looking at Friday night. They are looking to have a maze and cider and such in Mid-November. There is only a proposal put in so far but it looks like it will past.
a) Amber Spry: I think they should find a location that will be a bit more central to campus.
i. Sunaina Khandelwal: They want to have it close to the apartments and residential halls.
ii. Michael: We are now looking at using the open space to Harbor where the dam is.
b) Whitney Torchia: Isn’t it going to be cold in November? Will they have a fire?
i. Sunaina Khandelwal: Everything is the planning stage.
c) Jason Brand: If anyone has suggestions, email them to me.
d) Amber Spry: What is the purpose of the event?
i. Jason Brand: It is a harvest fall themed festival. Mike and CJ are the people to talk to.
e) Brandon Cottom: I think RSA should put this out to more students and organizations rather than keeping it to itself.
f) Amber Spry: Involving many student organizations increases the amount of people that come out to events.
2) Toby Le: First Year Council met and there are about 15 students. We are reflecting on the first year experience.
3) Whitney Torchia: I have a lot of information about the UMBC food services meeting. I can directly contact Chartwells. There are open to suggestions. Next July will be Starbucks. There is going to be a revamping of the Dining Hall. You can see the cooks and interact with them and such. It will be completely different when we get back in the fall. They will provide me with the brochure next month. They’re changing Pizzarena. Higher quality. Trying to do meal plan stuff. Taco and quesadilla instead for meal plan. UC Express where Chick-fil-a will be… offer meal plans while they’re trying to get Chick-fil-a running. Join texting on campus. Go to their dining site. Sign up there. They give coupons out. They’re doing surveys in dining hall. You get free water as incentive. Recipe from home. Sub place is starting five dollar foot long. Fresh fusion place… Indian place. They can put anything you want in that spot. Anything cultural.
a) Amber Spry: for the Fresh Fushions, can they incorporate soul food? And maybe Thai Food. Also, were they working on diversity of meal options in the commons?
i. Whitney Torchia: Yea, like with the burrito thing. They’re trying to do it universally like the pizza place. They’re trying to have more than one meal option.
ii. Amber Spry: can they do a low carb meal options?
iii. Whitney Torchia: they’re actually doing wheat bagels
b) Jen Kent: I tried to get a grilled chicken sandwich with a drink and it was like $9. It was ridiculous. I think they should do something about it not being $9. It went up because it didn’t start with that. It was sandwich, fries and a drink. Maybe ask them why there was a price increase.
c) Fouad: The computer at the spot is stupid. I genuinely thing from my IT experiences, the computer yesterday night wasn’t working. I could swipe $100 and it’ll go through. It’s so retarded there and it keeps changing.
i. Simmi Singh: So I thought I had 4 meals left. Sunday night, I had to have food. This Saturday, I have to have at least 2 meals. I had 4 according online. Whoever was working there said I had no meals. I checked online yesterday night and it said I have 4 left. I just walked away
ii. Fouad: Basically, something is going there. Card services with that computer. There’s no coordination going on. Instead of talking to my boss, I’m talking to you.
iii. Whitney Torchia: That computer is the only one that’s messed up. It’s the only one that’s detached. Campus card actually comes to our meeting as well. I’ll send an email again saying there are a lot of issues. Address unlimited meal plan issues. The campus cash guy said that they were giving people a gift. They said it wasn’t Chartwell’s fault.
iv. Simmi Singh: if I’m eating in the dining hall, it’s $9? And when I get outtakes, it’s $5.
v. Whitney Torchia: You get a meal when you go to the dining hall. It’s the meal deal. You get one meal, and that’s what you get.
vi. Jason Brand: I think the reason of the way it works… I think they basically want you to eat at the dining hall.
vii. Whitney Torchia: commuters have an option to buy a meal plan.
viii. Aditi Srivastav: I remember last year when they were chosen, no more meal periods. You can swipe in whenever you want. That’s the impression I got.
d) Whitney Torchia: they’re actually proposing a plan. 200 meals, you can use it whenever you want. An athlete said that her practice schedule won’t allow her to eat on meal times. They’re working on proposing it for next semester or next fall for sure. That’s the option you’d choose.
i. Fouad: you can’t swipe 2 meals at the spot.
ii. Whitney Torchia: I was under the impression there isn’t at 200.
iii. Fouad: there is but it’s not working the way it should be.
iv. Simmi Singh: my friends have unlimited and they said they don’t have a 4th meal.
v. Fouad: it’s only that computer.
e) Whitney Torchia: re-name the dining hall. They want suggestions for that. Another input is tray-less day. That way you can get one plate… minimize having excess food. They’ve been weighing how much food we waste and it’s a lot.
f) Yasmin Karimian: I don’t really want renovations while I’m paying $10. I think they should prioritize. I think it’s clear that we want our students to eat Sunday nights so they need to fix that computer. That situation should not be happening with the register at the Spot. People that have 200 meals should get 200 meals. I’m saying that there needs to be something said that whatever you’re doing over the summer is great, but they should be prioritizing. There are situations that should not be happening.
i. Whitney Torchia: those situations are getting worked on.
ii. Yasmin Karimian: I don’t care if they are working on it, it should just not be happening.
iii. Fouad: they should have an emergency meal option.
iv. Whitney Torchia: if you have any more suggestions, please e-mail me.
4) Brian Frazee: I’ve been talking to USM council; Josh said there was going to be a bunch of budget cuts. I just supervised exact numbers. A lot of services are going to be cut. Write a letter to administration when the budget cuts are going to happen.
a) Gabe Rettaliata: This was talked about at the University Steering Committee on Friday. Lynne Schaefer was giving us overview of what happened with the budget. 1.3 million dollars is being taken out of base budget out of UMBC. To meet the cuts on the 1.3 million, so far we’re meeting that with our hiring freeze. Reducing facilities project. Cover the budget for this year…09. Fiscal year ’10 is a much tougher year. As far as the reserved funds, that’s going straight back to the state. She did forewarn that there could be more cuts.
5) Jen Kent: Gabe and I. Academic Conduct Committee. Conduct policy changes are done. We’ll bring it to the senate. McCauley and I are working on senior gift. We have been asking student organizations that are art based on feedback.
6) Rahilla Tarfa: update from the Commons Advisory Board. Social Justice Lounge. What they’re going to do is have shelves installed. Display educations pamphlets from educational programs on campus. They’re going to place frames on periodical rotations. They’re also going to keep reviewing the lounge to see how far it’s coming along when it comes to passive programming. The TV was removed because it was broken not because of the passive programming. They have a committee right now. This Friday, they will have the final proposal. They’re not going to put the TV back. When the TV was there, people just kept changing the channel to MTV. Also, the game is called Corn Wall. That’s the game they’re thinking about putting in the game room. They’re welcoming ideas that we want to see in the game room. I think that’s pretty much it.
7) Gabe Rettaliata: UMBC Steering Committee. Gave us number participation that happened last year in MD Charities Campaign. Increased in raising $120,000 to $122,000. SGA contributed a total of $40 from senate sponsored activities. They’re not pressuring us to give. Other than that, the budget thing was a big deal. Steve also talked about the security deal. Something that’s going to be coming up, PeopleSoft is going to be changing. Computer system used to do everything computer related here. It’s going to be kind of significant when it changes over. Changes from signing up classes, adding and changing classes, etc. everything is changing.
a) Jason Brand: I heard blackboard is going to be changing.
b) Gabe Rettaliata: there is a new version of blackboard coming up. They didn’t mention it then though.

B) Opening Res Hall Earlier for Spring Semester- Fouad Kanaan
1) Fouad: Last year first year council came up with what bothered about campus. One of the ideas that didn’t follow through is coming an extra day after winter break. It’s restricted to the academic year only resident halls. Idea behind this is come in on Saturday night. Something that will keep students out of their dorms or getting into trouble. I was talking about motivation with a lot of SGA members. What motivates students?
2) Yasmin Karimian: Basically residential life… budgets were already made. Res life would have to cut a couple of other events to help fund that day. It’s not just electricity. It’s also having the RA’s come back the day before. Basically she was saying it was a go if we could get RSA to do it. There was a little logistical stuff but res life would eat up the cost this year, and the following year, add it to the budget.
3) Fouad: I’m meeting up with RSA tomorrow night. The president and vice president are really excited about this idea. I haven’t heard a negative response about this idea. I hope this goes well. When it comes down to it, an event is going to occur and a cost is going to be made. I’m not quite sure how that’s going to work out. Res life might provide a majority of it. Ideal wise, we might have to come up with something. What are your thoughts?
4) Jason Brand: I think co-sponsor it with SGA and RSA would be perfect. Maybe something as big as a block party somewhere on campus. Maybe a second block party?
a) Jen Kent: Big crazy fun night, part 2. Seriously, I think it should be in the commons.
b) Aditi Srivastav: we feel like when it comes to co sponsoring this event, I feel like it’s more of res life’s responsibility. I think it’s something they should want to do. They should cultivate a good campus life. Whatever we do, I think we should just have one big thing. We shouldn’t try to do too many things at once.
c) Sunaina Khandelwal: Res life has the money right now to do just that.
d) Fouad: They will absorb the majority of the cost. I’m trying to get ideas from here. You guys have a lot of great ideas as well and it’d be nice to work together.
e) Michael: as far as RSA is concerned, I’ve seen their budget and I don’t think they’ll be able to fund this cost.
f) Fouad: Res life is funding it.
g) Michael: Unless the event we’re voting tomorrow does not go through, they will not have the money.

VI) Project Updates

A) Increased Library Hours
1) Sunaina Khandelwal: Matthew was supposed to figure out… how much it would cost to keep commons longer. They said they’re going to cc to acting director.
2) Matthew McNey: they haven’t sent me an email in a week now. I sent them another email.
3) Sunaina Khandelwal: emailed possibly looking dining hall as an option as quiet study area. He’s concerned like some food items are left out there overnight. As much as students say that they wont help themselves with food, they will. He was concerned about security. Perhaps looking at harbor café or multipurpose room. Talked to community director for harbor and she gave me a “this looks like a good proposal. Keep me updated.” It’s like she didn’t want to have anything to do with it. Toby researched our peer institutions. 7 out of 10 are open beyond 12am.
4) Rahilla Tarfa: how many are 24/7
a) Toby Le: University of Arkansas is open 24hrs.
5) Michael: as far as harbor multipurpose room, talk to harbor CAB.
6) Gabe Rettaliata: where do you guys see an end to this project and when do you see it happening?
a) Sunaina Khandelwal: I don’t see an end. We’re getting slowed down by people not replying to us. We’re trying to figure out a different approach to this. Maybe it’s through OSL. Or maybe harbor CAB.
7) Gabe Rettaliata: What would be one accomplishment out of this committee in the next month?
a) Sunaina Khandelwal: a proposal.
b) Brian Frazee: either a proposal or agreement between SGA or library to see if we could possibly fund some of the cost.
8) Rahilla Tarfa: would we realistically be willing to fund the cost?
a) Sunaina Khandelwal: Personally I don’t think so.
b) Jen Kent: I was in the committee last year… 55,000 was a number. I don’t think it’s opened for 24/7… I think it’s only until 2.
c) Brian Frazee: we talked about proposing a $2 library fee.
d) David Hoffman: All resources are at your disposal, you could find 55,000 that benefits student less than keeping library hours open. If you continue to get closed doors, I was just wondering what might happen if a list of 10 things that cost 55,000 that’s less used than library hours appeared on the Retriever.

B) Stress Free Zone Revamp
1) Jen Kent: We definitely want to expand out of student org space. We want to do paintball for sure. Car smashing… we can pretend we want to do it this semester to get permission but we’ll do it next semester. Less snack food. Breakfast give away thing. Lunch everyday. Schedule times to do this. We want breakfast from 9:30-10:45. We’re trying to hit peak times. Similar thing for lunch. While we’re doing lunch, we’re going to get music to play in the commons. We’re trying to get a capella groups to perform. We’re looking for the 4th band. It’s going to be in December during finals week. If anyone knows any on campus bands for free, email me. It’s going to be on main street so no drums. Food giveaways. Pizza. Chipotle, chick-fil-a, etc. we’re also going to be doing the free money thing. Throughout finals week, we’re going to have different fake money dollar bills hidden. At the end of the week, you can redeem them like free drink, free lunch at skylight lounge, etc. If you have ideas about that kind of stuff, email me with those. If you have connections, please have them donate.
2) Jason Brand: If anyone knows anyone from Starbucks, they get a pound of coffee a week.
3) Jen Kent: We’re also going to get stress balls. We want to do stuff like talking to professors and have them give stress balls before the students take the exam. We’re going to hit up the library. Midnight to 1am treats. We’re also going to have a nap zone. We’re debating where that’s going to be. We’re also going to have areas roped off that are stress free zone. We’re going to have finger painting. Decorate own coffee mugs. Another big change, usually we have someone staffing a table. We’re thinking about our t-shirt giveaway… get cheaper t-shirts, etc. it wont be in the student org space. We’re going to buy snacks that don’t need to be replenished. We’re going to staff the study place still. Gabe is looking into stress balls and donations.
4) Jason Brand: what about the place in the UC for the nap time?
a) Jen Kent: we were thinking about that too but it has the same creepy vibe.
5) Michael: throw t-shirts out of windows.
a) Jen Kent: I’m just going to drop money on people.
6) Aditi Srivastav: how much do you think all of this going to cost?
a) Jen Kent: it’s not going to be super cheap. We’re getting cheaper shirts. Bands are playing for free. Discount from a lot of places. Fact we’re not going to giant to buy 800$ worth of chips is going to be a lot of money. We’re trying to spend wisely.

C) Reaching out to International Students
1) Toby Le: I talked to Mosaic center and she said that there have been several international student outreach program that is also happening in the same slot as us.
2) Gabe Rettaliata: where do you guys see your end game happening and when?
a) Toby: if this November is packed, it is an international week or something, maybe we can push for next semester. I’m not sure yet.
3) Gabe Rettaliata: you see it as an event and it just needs to be planned.
4) Jen Kent: I’m taking David’s class… and there’s a group that wants to do what you guys are doing. I can give you their contact information.

D) Black and Gold Campus Signage
1) Whitney Torchia: Basically process of meeting people. We’re collecting and getting the art and picture on the signs. Information on companies that we’ve worked with before. We just need to get things done. Landscaping obstacles, try to figure out how to work around them.
2) Gabe: do you see it getting up by this semester? Can it happen?
a) Whitney: I think it’s possible.

**Quorum was lost at 7:15, so the meeting was ended. Minutes stopped being taken**.

Final Roll Call:

A. Present:
1. Speaker Gabe Rettaliata
2. Assistant Speaker Jen Kent
3. Sunaina Khandelwal
4. Whitney Torchia
5. FYA Toby Le
6. FYA Matthew McNey
7. FYA Simmi Singh

B. Absent
1. Tasha Ebhomielen
2. Brian Frazee
3. Neketa Kakar
4. Amber Spry
5. Aditi Srivastav
6. Rahilla Tarfa
7. Chidinma Ukonne