Student Government Association

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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September 11, 2006
5:34 Meeting called to order.

Steve Gilmore resigns as speaker of the senate. Until new one can be elected, Carrie Mann will take over.

Assistant speaker coordinates what committees others serve on, and fills in for the speaker in his or her absence.

Nominations for Senate:
Steve, Thaddeus, Elani.

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Words from Steve:
Being speaker means giving up part of individual right as senator; have to think about entire group. Best as working as a team player, cooperating with others.

(Brittany) what kind of projects did you have in mind for coming up?
A: Harbor Hall Café. Important to redeem ourselves – show people we don’t just start projects, we finish them.

(Terrance) What strategy do you have for being an effective Speaker?
A: Communication key. Problems at meetings or issues outside, should be able to be brought up. Cooperative, but not going to let one person slide – will hold individuals accountable for actions.

(Avi) What ideas do you have for student outreach?
A: Going to students more – using Res halls for events more. Have to start thinking of Senate as not just “second floor of the commons.” Need to show presence around campus more.

(Adrienne) what is your availability?
A: Very involved on campus; Mamas Boys and Pi Kappa Phi, taking 18 credits (music credits). Made schedule to work around other things. Around all day long. When I’m not in class, around student orgs office.

(Alex) How formal do you plan to run meetings?
A: Need to keep formality to keep organization, but won’t be overbearing. Talked to Brittany recently about how important it is that everyone gets a chance to talk. Not going to be terribly strict on technical stuff, more concerned with making sure people can get their opinions out.

(Carrie) How do you see yourself keeping meetings short, to the point, and how do you see yourself facilitating that? Also, how will you help members keep you accountable?
A: Projects and committees shouldn’t be meeting once a month, should be more regular. If there’s legislation, need to more strict about when legislation is due. If not in by certain time, can’t be talked about on Monday (should have weekend to look at it).
Always open for suggestions and constructive criticism.

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Words from Thaddeus:
Junior, political science and sociology major. Think most qualified for position, most experience in legislative body. Think has leadership skills to run meetings, and can be impartial in situations that require speaker to be unbiased. Feel qualified to be able to address administrators and other students outside the meetings. Thinks leaders shouldn’t hold peoples hands and be in the forefront. Leader should lend advice, coordinate with others, collaborate, etc. Leadership style would be one of helping everyone else do their jobs and achieve goals they want to achieve. Think most effective way.

(Terrance) What strategy would you have to run meetings?
A: Sending out agenda, making sure everyone has seen everything before meeting starts, making sure committee reports get submitted, etc.

(Adrienne) Availability?
A: Significant course load, but doesn’t have anything on 2 days. Has a lot of time to commit to Senate.

(Brittany) What kind of project goals?
A: Culture of athletics change, more students involved (preferring to stay on campus on the weekends)

(Carrie) How do you see yourself keeping meetings short, to the point, and how do you see yourself facilitating that? Also, how will you help members keep you accountable?
A: Most project work should be done outside of meetings. For addressing an issue where there is a heavy split on, meeting is appropriate place for that.
Take SGA very seriously, including when he was in it as a Freshman. Always thinking about what the SGA can do. Thinks that can help him stay accountable. Also planners and personal notes.

(Brittany) How do you make sure work does get finished outside of meetings?
A: Lots of responsibility on project leaders. Knows schedules are crazy, hard to get everyone together at one time. Not matter of large amount of people coming together, matter of individuals sitting down and taking criticism to further project. Weekly reports are a great idea to keep people accountable.

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Words from Elani:
Sophomore, Political Science. Realizes doesn’t have a lot of qualifications, but is very passionate about what the SGA is doing. Has experience from high school, was the Commander of highest ranked cadet in ROTC in high school.

(Adrienne) Availability?
A: 19 credits. Honestly, could be better, but wouldn’t take away from effectiveness.

(Brittany) what kind of projects did you have in mind for coming up?
A: Maintain what we had at retreat. Flowing of ideas like we had at retreat. To finish the goals in time frame we decided to finish them.

(Carrie) How do you see yourself keeping meetings short, to the point, and how do you see yourself facilitating that? Also, how will you help members keep you accountable?
A: Understand need for formality, but not too much. Caucus could be used when necessary. As smoothly as possible. Because I’ve not been in many meetings, not really sure how to answer that question.
Deadlines are important – doing my best to get what needs to be finished by a certain time finished and of best quality.

(Brittany) Do you want work done in meetings or out? How do you plan to have that work?
A: Seems like a big problem is making sure you get the legislation in senators hands before meetings so they can vote. Accountability with senators is very important. If you have not seen legislation before, could take a lot more time, and if you have, then should speed up process of voting.

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Steve: 7
Thaddeus: 1
Elani: 2

New Speaker of the Senate is Steve Gilmore.

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Nominations for Elani, Adrian, Brittany, Thaddeus

Elani:
(Adrienne) Are you comfortable accepting position as opposed to position you originally ran for?
A: Definitely. One of my weaknesses is lack of experience and it’d be great to have this position and get to understand how things work better.

(Steve) How comfortable are you with accepting things the Speaker would need you to help out with?
A: Comfortable because I guess, it’s a little more specified, and I know exactly what I have to do.

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Thaddeus:
(Adrienne) Are you comfortable accepting position as opposed to position you originally ran for?
A: Yes.

(Steve) How comfortable are you with accepting things the Speaker would need you to help out with?
A: Conversing with Speaker outside of meetings to be voice by proxy. Could be speaking for Steve, if an issue you felt passionate about but felt it were inappropriate to speak about.

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Elani: 7
Thaddeus: 3

New Assistant Speaker of the Senate Is Elani.

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Parliamentary Procedures
Set of rules.
Speaker will make basic decisions about how meeting will run. Anyone has the right to challenge that by making a motion to overrule decision.
“I move to…” is the formal way to propose something happen.
“I move to amend…” is a special one because it takes priority.

Remarks from Kristina Gaddy
Is Assistant to the President. Work on internal things (making sure SGA has a place where it can work, ordering new supplies, organizing special projects Exec should do).
NOTE: All Exec members are required to work 10 hours of Office hours a week, and attend Executive meetings.

JL01-0607 Life Size Chess Board at UMBC
Alex B. working on this project, especially with the 40th anniversary coming up.
Makeitchess.com
Could be highlighted at communiversity day.
Plan is to chalk board by library, then have them by the pond permanently.
Very sturdy, will be there for a long time. Tradition.
Will be stored (Breezeway)
Will be used more for special events where Chess could be highlighted.
Legislation calls for $7,000.
Two sets; smaller one could be used more frequently.
Not only event at celebration; an event out of lots of events.
Money is already budgeted for 40th – Emma Curran has $10,000. Brittany Hoke has $20,000 to use for Communiversity.
Chance for SGA to aesthetically add to campus. Would really catch your eye.
Proposed place is across from Bio building, by pond, where bike racks are.
On good relations with company ordering from – not worried about getting pieces replaced and the such.
SGA would have an invested interest of maintaining this, as well as the Chess Club (Alex is V.P. of Chess Club.
SGA gets money from student activity fee and from money that’s unspent during year that accumulates in pot called the general ledger.

For: 8
Opposed: 1
Abstain: 1

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JL__-0607 SEB outdoor movie series budget proposal
Over the Hedge had already been playing and SGA cannot reimburse.
Seb is getting money for MI3 from welcome week committee.
Down from 12,000 to 7,263 dollars.
Over the Hedge had a good turnout.
SEB is taking a big hit by allowing them to be played for free on Saturdays.

(Thaddeus) Why does the SGA have to pay for an organization that we already fund?
A: This isn’t something normally comes out of their budget. Normally it’s not free, but they were trying to let people see it for free.

(Steve) Why did they plan an event that they couldn’t afford?
A: Yeah, not organized as well as it could be, but for those of you who went to Over the Hedge can tell that it did help students.

(Carrie) Is it possible for at the end of the year for SEB to come for an additional allocation from the House?
A: Can apply for more money later, yes.

(Carrie) We are not guaranteed they will run out of money later.
A: Eric told me that they will not have money later.

Motion to table. No objections.

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JL02-0607 Confirmation of Brady Walker
Junior, poli sci major. Chief of Staff under Jordan. Liaison between Exec and House/Senate. Also working on some projects within exec (making sure students know where student org space is, and organizing debate for upcoming elections?)

For: 10
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 0

SL02-0607 Confirmation of Executive Branch Director

Gabe Rettaliata(Director of Academic Affairs)– study group programs. Getting some professors to get on board. Helping with opening of study place (First floor of UC)

Jay Lagorio (Director of Communications) – take care of websites (ourUMBC and SGA’s channel on myUMBC). Works on office hour website stuff. Library – implementing SGA online library. Also text book capitalism. Also helping Jay out with a lot.

Narmin Anwar (Director of Diversity Affairs) – wants to focus on religion, also those students who are handicapped or married, making sure everyone has their representation at UMBC.

Amir Najmi (Director of Financial Affairs) – “Chris.” Assistant to SGA Treasurer, Phil Graff. Writing budgets in legislation to bring to House, tracking reallocations from student orgs, good resource for helping to planning an event.

April Lewis (Director of Student Outreach) – Public relations and developing programs. One is a voter registration drive – go to SEB and have them register, get a free movie pass to movie before end of semester. Also trying to get SGA’s name out in community.

Andrea Roskam (Director of Student Services) – New position to cabinet. Developing a “mystery shopper program.” Basically a student who goes through to do things that students need to do on a regular basis to evaluate how their experience was. Trying to get concrete information.

Kristina Gaddy (Assistant to the President) – see above.

For: 10
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 0

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SL02-0607 Confirmation of Executive Branch Assistant Directors

Tabassum Majid (assistant director of student outreach) – one of biggest goal is to get SGA’s name out. First year students.

Amanda Rosenbush (assistant director of diversity affairs) – was in house last year.

For: 10
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 0

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SL03-06-07 Confirmation of Executive Branch Staff

For: 10
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 0

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SL04-0607 Confirmation of Brian Bailey

Responsibilities: Go out in community and make partnerships with local businesses (eg. expand red card program). President of USM Student Council. Very highly qualified though he will be unable to spend full amount of required time on campus. Compromise is for Brian to receive half stipend since he will only be able to spend half required time on campus.

For: 10
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 0

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Carrie’s Executive report:

Fee forum is being postponed. Want to get 500 people there, and don’t feel it could be done as is, so going to wait.

40 students involved in study groups. Very big deal that the study groups are as successful as they are.

FY ambassadors will be getting informational emails and will be meeting sometime soon.

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Announcements

If you don’t have corp. time, please get on and post your schedule. Please see Jay if you have trouble.

House general budget hearing (to distribute money for rest of year) takes a week, but if it’s only House members (six members) that do this, it can’t be done. At same time, made a promise to organizations that this would be done (are funded for September, but not afterwards). Is Senate open to helping out with this?
Time commitment depends on how many people are willing to help out.
Third week of October.
There could be 30 people for 6 days, but if it’s only 6 people it’s going to be a lot more difficult.

First Year Council meeting is Wednesday at 5.

If there’s anyone (specifically First Year Ambassadors) who would be interested in trying to get SGA’s stuff in the Retriever, please let Adrienne know.

Meeting adjourned at 7:45.

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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September 18, 2006
Meeting called to order at 5:30.
Everyone here.
Minutes good from last week.

Mike:
RA’s in Harbor trying to put on some really new events for CIC. Possible idea: Forum with SGA.
Possible time: 2 weeks from now (29th)
Spot: Harbor multi-purpose area, evening or late afternoon.
Could SGA possibly provide some food for this event as well?

What would SGA members need to do?
Show up and answer questions people have.

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Thaddeus:
First athletics committee meeting. Talked to about sports club (with Dr. Brown). Concerns: athletics doesn’t have enough money.
Sports fees not in 10 year plan.
Building behind Harbor used to have tennis and bball courts – have been no replacements.
Building a parking lot on one of the varsity athletic fields.
Thaddeus trying to figure out who makes final decisions on that kind of thing.
Jordan: Parking lot in planning would take off one of corners of soccer field. Senate can make a huge statement. Varsity sports are going to have to go somewhere – probably will go somewhere where sports clubs are using now.

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Adrienne: Retriever will come out, wrote article about SGA. Poses question: what is the SGA doing for you? How do you feel about it?

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Terrance:
Off campus living task force: Need more info on red id.
Shady grove issue.
Poplar avenue parking problem. Invite residents to 40th anniversary celebration.

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SEB September Outdoor movie series budget JL__-0607
(House passed this, P.S.)

The Break up was not outside, will become Superman (outside).
Reason coming to SGA for money – outdoor movies taking up a big chunk of SEB’s budget. Budget for movies about $20,000. With this if it included would be about $12,000, more than half just in September alone. This is why SEB is asking for more money now, because they know they will run out later.

Thaddeus: SEB is student organization, charter organization, yes, but additional allocation is best way for giving you money. General ledger not pot for student orgs to access – very hesitatant to let orgs who want to do big things to go the General Ledger pot. House passed this on basis that it goes to GL, I’m not comfortable.

Adrienne: if we give you money now, is it a longer process to apply for money? (Thaddeus: actually shorter. Although, this will have to go back to House with new amendments)

Alex: How far off are these totals from totals you expected them to be?
A: Didn’t know of until beginning of school, and couldn’t get a hold of SGA until last week.

Thaddeus: Propose an amendment to strike “and whereas a detailed budget is attached to this legislation.” (Second)

Danielle: Do you cover any of this?
A: We pay regardless of what SGA puts out. We are asking for money because we know we’ll be short at the end of the year.

David H.: Why now rather than coming back in the spring?
A: Have to plan very early, and we know that we have enough money. SEB has to advertise very early with all movies, and if doesn’t work out with money, looks very bad on SEB.
Why not look at other parts of SEB Budget to fill gap?
A: Budget can’t be tapped into from other departments, based on how legislation of that budget was passed.

Dr. Fey: No rule that says you can’t reallocate.

Elani: Did you notice any changes in rate of students who attended movies at end of year (with finals and stuff)
A: Movie schedule in general has fluctuated a lot over the years. This year has been very popular, two year ago was very popular – doesn’t seem that certain parts of the year are more or less popular. Would prefer to have movies to show from late August to early May.

Alex: Outdoor movies have been a good addition to campus ;another thing getting people out of their rooms. Movie series might get more popular after the outdoor movies – might be wise to keep momentum going.

Thaddeus: Agree with what Alex said. Eric and Holly have explained why they are coming here for money now. In my opinion, GL is not the place to go for reallocation. Should be a House decision.

Brittany: Think it’s a great idea. I’m up for it.

For: 6
Opposed: 2
Abstain: 2
(PASS) Means the House will see this tomorrow.

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Dr. Fey – Readership Program
Most newspapers are gone very quickly.

Why we’re doing it and what we hope to accomplish by it: Started 12 years ago at Penn State. So successful that USA Today picked it up. Now 400 universities are engaged in this program. Idea is to enhance learning environment. Lots of faculty already require students to read newspapers.

Starting to see departments around campus who are willing to partner with this program. Preparing students to learn about global issues, and reading is an extremely effective way to do this.
Baltimore Sun and Washington Post very good newspapers that are involved in this program.

10% student body able to access newspapers. Just under 500 newspapers a day.

Dr. Fey willing to spend to get 5% without help. Recommending to get 10% level in partnership.

Thaddeus: locations of newspaper distribution centers?
A: Sporadically, usually the USA Today’s.

Would have opportunity to write case studies and have it published through website at USA Today. Looking at first year student success.

If SGA are the only one’s paying for this, and SGA decides that they only want underGrad’s to get papers, could use card swipper to make that happen.

Thaddeus: cost?
A: Whole year at 10% rate is $18,000; 5% is $9,000.
Could University fund this as opposed to SGA?
A: University wasn’t committed to doing this in the first place. Something Dr. Fey talked to Chett and Jordan about last year. If SGA can’t do it, Dr. Fey can only do it for a semester and then it will most likely die off.

Steve: Unfair to look at SGA and think, “Well they have a lot of money, they can take a hit.”
A: Hopefully GSA can help out too, but we’ve yet to talk to them.

Carrie: Whenever you think about large allocation and funds, think about all the possibilities – is there something else that would be a better buy?

Thaddeus: a regular $18,000 cost to the SGA every year is quite a lot, especially when it’s coming out of GL. This is not a bad program or a waste of money, but in order for us to seriously consider this, need to look at this years budget and next years budget, because it is quite a lot especially for a reoccurring program.

Adrienne: is there anyway to offer you a portion instead of the whole thing?
A: This is an SGA initiative – only here because Chett started it last year. Originally thought could be put together with lots of other organizations. Not Fey’s program. Only reason it wasn’t decided on last year was because ran out of time.

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Alex: If you make it difficult to get (swipe card) people are going to be more hesitant to – might see a significant decline in people to take a paper.

Adrienne: Is there anyway we can see how this works without having to dedicate certain amount of money up front?
Alex: I’d feel more comfortable putting 5% down with the swipe stuff and seeing how it goes from there.

Danielle: Might be a good idea to see how much other departments are willing to put forth.

Steve: so what I hear is that you want to wait this out a little?

Thaddeus: actually, I agree with Alex. I think it’s a good idea to do 5% for a semester, and see how it goes.

Woman from USA Today: It would take some time to get the swipe cards – probably a semester or so. Can definitely start process now if that’s something you want to do, but it is an expense. Works best when you get funding from other departments.

Adrienne: work for Retriever. Already trying to get people to read retriever, but there are tons of stacks left over. Seems like this would decrease incentive to read school paper.

Thaddeus: I think it’d be a counter effect – if you get people to read a newspaper, it becomes more habit and they will most likely read others. Would be a good idea for Retriever to have their papers close to professional papers.

Adrienne: might see less students complaining about Retriever – if the big issues are in professional papers, and there can be more umbc kind of news in Retriever, might have less strife.

Brittany and Danielle volunteered to be on this committee.

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Projects Senate wants to do this semester/year

1. Establishing better relations with Catonsville and arbutus. Getting businesses involved with red card program. Also advertising jobs on campus. Adopting a highway. Display of student art in community.
2. Channel 3. Can never have too many outlets. Even if it was obscure or wacky, get people interested.
3. Harbor Hall Café.
4. Stress Free zone.
5. Representation on 10 year plan.
6. Continuation of advertisement of SGA across campus.
7. Improving shuttle system (adding GPS on vehicles, to display info online for students)
8. e-suds
9. Improvement of commuter lounge

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Kristina’s report
All furniture for office arrived today.
Rules will be posted to keep space nice and professional.

Fee Forum on Wednesday. Thinking of maybe doing forums more often. Possibly having Chief Cook come in October to talk about violence and safety on campus.

Inauguration planning.

Also working on sports project.

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Jay’s report
AIM is bad for Office computers. Jay will send out info on how to use it if you need it so you don’t mess up computers.

If you’re confused on something in Jay’s reports, let Jay know.

Adrienne: didn’t get password. Lots of senators didn’t get it.
A: Jay will send out passwords again.

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Phil’s report
Nothing new to report

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Brady’s report
Nothing new to report

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Gabe’s report
12 groups. Most have a definite day and time to meet up. Coming up on a second round of advertising after first exams.

Carrie’s report
Office stuff came in today. If you find out who locked the cabinet in the office and took the key, let Carrie know.

Went around to different bodies to talk about ground rules for office.

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David’s report
Study place opening up in bottom floor of UC. Jordan and Carrie have been involved with bring that space to something that can be used. Developing for 7-8 months. Now at point of talking about things that need to get paid for – security cameras, locks, wiring, etc. Provost will most likely pay for a lot, but something to think about.

Seems SGA is getting hit with lots of requests for lots of money early. Way handled discussions tonight was very good, didn’t give up ground and made good points.

Fee Forum had a large turnout last year. Athletic fee increase reduced by $144,000 because of it. A lot less notice this year, less time with numbers. If Senate members don’t ask good questions, no one will get what they should out of it. Be ready to ask good questions. Be a skeptic.

Carrie: ?? would like to know where students are standing before the forum and also afterwards.

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Steve’s report
Send reports to kgaddy1@umbc.edu (Kristina Gaddy).
Will also get emails from Steve about specific committees.
To get on agenda must be emailed by Friday at midnight.

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Meeting adjourned at 7:11.

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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September 25, 2006
5:32 meeting called to order.
Thaddeus and Terrance not here yet.
Good with the minutes.

WEEK IN REVIEW –
SEB didn’t have outdoor meeting, rain.
New retriever article coming out tomorrow. This week would like to put in article about what SGA is doing.
Michael, this Friday 430-? Harbor courtyard, SGA open forum.
Alex, study of students feelings of parking. Carpooling idea, blackboard.

EXEC REPORTS
Jordan –
scholarship stuff, will send out an email.
Studentsavingsclub.com – essentially the red card program, on a national level. Charge students nothing. They charge businesses, and set up. Yale part of it, has worked well for them. Will even give UMBC the advertisements.

< ENTER TERRANCE >

Jordan had budget committee meeting, discussing fees. People seem to have problem with athletics at fee forum.
Recreational enterprises fee – creating and development of recreation facilities outside of the RAC. Outdoor basketball courts, vball courts, hockey spot, etc. $5 this time taken out of athletics fee. $5 only goes towards these recreational enterprises.
$5 more next cycle, $5 more next cycle. $15 total going only to recreational enterprises fee for students.
Fees not approved today, suspended a week.

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NEW BUSINESS

Reports and office hours -
Reports due Friday at midnight. Reports is a way of holding selves accountable. Stipends could be revoked if work not put in.
Alex thinks we should just write down hours.
Brittany brings up point that last year that was how it was and no one did it.
Jordan – computer kiosk could have sign in function on there.
David- do people get anything out of reading other’s reports? Do people get anything out of office hours. This stuff is in place to make SGA as effective as possible.
Avi – pays attention to what someone else on same committee has done.

< ENTER THADDEUS… and his toe >
Thaddeus – task board, to put up things need done each week. Centralizing in office more convenient.
Alex – might be better to say which projects were worked on each week, who was involved, and who’s needed for future. Reports shouldn’t be done in an individual basis. Should be organized by project.

Nayana
Tried to send a new legislation to house about getting two members.
House finance committee member will have to be present at every meeting.

FYA – will work for legislative branch, need to work on getting to know them better. Carrie planned event for them during free hour, Friday.

Senate and house having joint meetings? Asking for being able to all get together at once. Over a family dinner? Impossible to find time that everyone can be there at same time. Free hour best time so far.

Carrie sent out Excel spreadsheet.

Smoking policy effects all on campus.

Projects –

Advertisement, harbor hall, esuds came up a lot last week.

Avi doesn’t see relationship with Catonsville and arbutus as something SGA should take on.
Wouldn’t be an overnight project. If the SGA was to take this on, have to define what goals SGA has.

Shuttle system – GPS systems for directions and tracking.
Majority of drivers are students.
Thaddeus will research GPS stuff.

David Hoffman went to the Phi Beta Sigma pajama jam, and loved it.

6:55 end of meeting.

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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October 2, 2006

5:31 meeting called to order.
Avi Simon not present, has excused absence.
No objections to last week’s minutes.

There are a couple of new students interested in the First Year Ambassador position.

Brittany
Need volunteers for Communiversity Fest.
Jen Dress (SEB) allowing free ticket to comedy show and free t-shirt for volunteers.
Need Set up: 9-11:30; 2 people per game (Erickson Field); free play in game room all day (11-6); inflatable on Erickson Field; student performances hopefully on Erickson but if not, in Commons; clean up.

- Week in Review

Mike
Chill with SGA – about 25 people showed up. Thinks next time could be more successful.

Alex
Sat on alumni board committee (past Tuesday) – planning and advertising for 40th anniversary – will be mostly online. Basketball representatives came to try to get more people out to games. Also, Alumni associate wants to start Career Mentoring Program geared who would get a chance to talk to alumni in their field, and also a Showing the Ropes geared more towards Freshman. Finally, discussing the way alumni groups could be put together; what requirements would be to be a committee and be recognized by the board. Argued over whether it should be a percentage or not, because they want to make sure there are enough people in it.

Terrance
Approved over $1,000 of DVDs. Couldn’t get West Wing complete season and a few others – too expensive. Family guy vol 4, Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man’s chest, Chapelle show, Nip tuck 1 and 2, Simpsons season 5 and 8, office space, inside man, and more!

Adrienne
Sat on Food Action Team committee. Oscar told her that the meal plans while offered at 25% discount, but if you use all 19 meals you will have beaten the system. Brought up the fact that there is a lack of vegetarian/vegan/etc options. Started dismissing, saying why Adrienne was wrong. Feels like people doesn’t really understand how much they are being ripped off. Would like to organize a forum and bring Oscar. Said the Commons was built with plans that it wouldn’t be a serious competitor to the dining hall.

- New Business

JL04-0607 General Ledger Allocation for Dell Color Laser Printer 3110cn

Will come back to.

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JL05-0607 Funding for the Study Place at UMBC

First floor of the University center, which has been empty for a long, long time. Going to make it a study space, where you get tutoring, study, etc.
University decided not to fix a lot of stuff that is messed up there as is. GSA putting in some money, but $8,000 left (would pay for Security cameras, wiring, etc.)

Thaddeus – space will eventually be switched to something else, as far as I know. To put $10,000 into it for a study space, I would want to be able to take the stuff that can be moved out of there to put it somewhere else. Needs to be understood that when the time rolls around that the University wants to change it to something else, SGA has access to certain things.

Carrie – hoping that this space will be successful and University President won’t take away, but as is, the space is defined as a temporary space. The items that could be moved will be defined clearly.

David – the entire UC is deemed to one day be offices. Waiting for funding, aqua the state to do renovation. No one can guarantee how long until that happens, but hopefully enough will happen to that space that it doesn’t make sense for UMBC to convert it.

Thaddeus – access control? $4,000?

Carrie – does not have a bathroom, and state law requires that when space open a bathroom is accessible. Would pay for card swipper to be able to get to bathroom.

Adrienne – is there a way to know what $8,000 goes towards exactly?

David – have learned in past couple days that there must be something to put in so that people can enter without having police alerted. Office of Student Life will cover the marketing. The rest Student Life is coordinating payments – what dollar pays for what can be talked about later.

Thaddeus – may want to consider putting more money into it at a later date; furniture, etc, so that it attracts the crowd we want to attract.

Alex – what will the hours be and what restrictions on the building etc?

David – initially only have it open during times can staff it (9-4:30 M-Th, 10-2 F). Hope is to make it more like student orgs is now, any time building is open you can be in there.

Brittany – When is this going to be put into effect.

Carrie – October 20th is the hope. Not guaranteeing everything will be in there by then, but want this to be up and going this semester.

David – know it can’t happen the 20th, but no reason it can’t be the week after.

Thaddeus – will the bar area remain?

David – would cost a lot of money to get rid of it. Plan to use as natural barrier between tutoring, studying, and vending machines/talking area.

Alex – seems hours are middle of the day. What does this space offer that others don’t?

Carrie ¬– space offers drop in tutoring. Can go and check their questions before class, or right before a quiz. No other space designed for study group to meet. Lots of departments are hoping to have their Grad students have their TA Office hours there.

David – If you look at resolution for laser printer, in box at top of page, this legislation is for a general ledger allocation expenditure, which requires passage in both houses by 2/3 vote – move that into JL05-0607. Also after $8,000, add to be taken from General Ledger.

Adrienne – still hesitant to donate so much money to something that isn’t guaranteed space.

Alex – Carrie brings up a good point, need to push for it, as it may be the start to something a lot better. Thinks is a worth-while risk. Can only hope that the university will cooperate after seeing results.

Thaddeus – looking at location, center of academics, would be seen as a space for commuters to get internet access and get their stuff done – would give commuters another place.

Carrie – umbc is a do-it-yourself kind of place. This space is a space that students really made happen. This would be a real service to students.

In Favor: 9
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 1

- Projects

Elani – Thaddeus and I met about shuttle system, getting a GPS put into them. Trying to schedule meeting with Joe Regier.

Adrienne – part of esuds committee, but talking to students. Phil Graff said maintenance may get expensive if people abuse how many clothes they wash each time.

Alex – thinks a lot of students would have to find time to schedule laundry into day. Doesn’t see many students abusing it.

Thaddeus – capability to see online how many more minutes each machine has left should be main focus.

Danielle – talking about doing a trash monster for end of October. Students for Environmental Awareness would go around and collect trash, then put it in chicken wire costume to get point across of how much people litter. Lots of other organizations are interested in getting in on this. Only have to do 4 times a year.

Steve – Brittany and I met about Harbor Hall café. Came to conclusion that if going to do long projects, need to contact people who took on projects before, especially ch 3.

- Jake from Students for Environmental Awareness

Typically done during Halloween, set up as a service project, go through and get different organizations to help out. One week before Halloween, build urban sculpture on campus with facts about how much was reusable, not reusable, and how much was found on campus.
Will fill out raffle with how many pieces of trash are in the monster.
Is there paper recycling on campus? Yes, but a very lackluster project. Amount of man power that it takes to make it work for this size campus isn’t...

- Exec Reports

Carrie - Andrea making progress on mystery shopper program. 14 study groups. Dr. Sokolove has agreed to be Faculty advisor. Kristina Gaddy working on Safety Awareness. Jay maintaining websites. Making another push at end of October for study group.

Brady – no debate after October 15th from Ehrlich and O’Malley. Meeting with Lee Hawthorne about signs specifically for student orgs space.

Gabe – study groups. Looking forward to working with Dr. Sokolove.

David – Worked with study space stuff a lot. Has noticed there are a lot of people who respect the SGA, see the SGA as students who making things happen, instead of just talking. In meeting with marketing interns for communiversity fest and homecoming.

- Announcements

TheMarylandForum.com – former prime minister of Israel, bob Woodward, Cal Ripken, Al gore, etc. $5 for students, LOTS more for everyone else.
http://www.umbc.edu/window/

Res Life new polices about alcohol and smoking paraphernalia. Issues that SGA needs to work with RSA on.

6:42 meeting adjourned.

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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5:34 meeting called to order.
Everyone here.
No objections to last week’s meeting.

Week in review:

Thaddeus- Elani and I met with Joe Regier. Found out he hired 8 students to take phone calls (Nextel phone system). You can call and find out where the busses are, but does not put out info very well. UMBC just got on CollTown network – network of schools in and around Baltimore. We are responsible for that route one day a week. They have specific regulations we have a to follow (inside/outside video). CollTown uses GPS.

Brittany – Communiversity Fest. Need more volunteers, especially with inflatables. Carrie: maybe could give students extra credit for volunteering. Offering $125 to student org or sorority for running table for whole day. Also free ticket to comedy show and t-shirt. Brady: might be worth sending out email to woolies to ask for help. David:

Special Projects:
Possible bigger projects.

Fireside lounge. Conversations from 3 years ago led to use of student orgs space and uc space. Commons paid for entirely by students, but there is a space that is not accessible to students.

JL04-0607 Printer legislation
Can print color.
Crazy good deal.
House has already passed this legislation.
Copy machine supported by Xerox. We pay a monthly fee.
There is a method to manage the color printing capabilities. There would be certain people you would have to ask to print color.
Black ink 5000 page - $75
Color toner (2000) typically go for about $75-90
Opted for the next day warranty.
Need to save for x # of months before we’d have money for printer.
Requesting $800 as buffer. Bookstore does not charge shipping. $800 as buffer.

In favor: 9
Opposed: 1
Abstain: 0
Absent: 0

Announcements:
Jordan couldn’t be here but wanted to ask for 2 volunteers to work on fee that would be just for students and not varsity sports at all.

Next Thursday, Homecoming bonfire. We need 12 volunteers.

Elani: Parking petition. Has no proposal but, what is SGA prepared to do?
Overcrowding.
Alex – trying to get carpooling program together.

Carrie: Poli Sci 469 (senior seminar course) would like to do presentation on how to change SGA’s electoral system. Have 4 elections now. Would like to do presentation on other ways to elect SGA members. Presentation would probably be an hour long.

Elani: pay roll!

Everybody here.
7:04 meeting adjourned.

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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5:39 meeting started.
Everyone here.Annouce
Minutes last week approved.

Week in review.
Adrienne, FAT meeting. Flex dollar donation system. Being able to buy soup by grill. Canned food drive this Wednesday.
Big easy eat at Pub. Trying to have available for cash.
Upgraded website. Each venue has new food items.

Thaddeus, second resolution for next week.

Smoking policy forum on nov 15 during free hour. Implementation starts today.

Brittany, communiverstiy fest, gotten a lot of volunteers. Everything taken care of pretty much. Clean up and prize table still need volunteers.

Golden Harvest Community Service Project Oct 30, main street, 11-2

New Business
Students for a greater black and gold – go and gather trash and make trash monster. Trying to make tradition.
SR01-0607
For: 9
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 1

Special Projects
Possibility of moving bookstore. Profit from bookstore goes outside of Commons – since building is paid for by student fees, shouldn’t it

Religion week (Amanda Rosenbush)– religiocity ribbons to be worn that mean you’re open to talking about your religion.

Announcements –

Senate committees and sign up sheet for bonfire on Thursday.

Nayana – needs more volunteers for Friday movie.

Roll call – everyone’s here.
6:52 meeting adjourned.

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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5:33
no one absent
minutes fine from last week

week in review:
homecoming awesome. Bonfire, clutch. Talent show, ballroom was packed. Thanks to everyone who volunteered.
Special thanks to Brittany for her work on Communiversity.
Free give a-ways really successful.
Adrienne – new article in Retriever, protecting bashing of study space.
Thaddeus – couldn’t get to his meeting for athletics.
Elani – talked to athletics about: protecting practice fields, would like to post a student conduct around practice fields
Avi – last Tuesday went to classroom committee. Faculty running meeting questioned free hour, wanted to have a review session during free hour but is not allowed. Also, there will be reconstruction to LH 4. Avi asked if there would be power outlets under chairs – said no, that would be an extra $50 grand, but there would be power outlets on walls. Professors upset about that, said people would trip over the cords.
Danielle – library committee. Budget cut this year, trying to get more budget to keep up scientific journals. Will have to cut !% journals otherwise. Want to move LRC from basement to first floor, and the gov’t documents downstairs.
Mike – RSA meeting about block party. Students couldn’t use meal plans in Commons, and had to use meal to eat at block party because DH was closed.

New business:
SL05-0607 Religiosity Ribbons
Nov 13- nov 17. Events open to all students on campus. Asking for $140 for ribbons and safety pins. Black, yellow and white colors. Enough for 500 ribbons.

For: 8
Opposed: 1
Abstain: 1

Danielle – was everything closed? A: you could use flex.
Carrie – wasn’t advertised as event you had to pay for. Students didn’t know couldn’t use meals in commons. Don’t think fair thing to do to students.
Mike – I think rsa put stuff up in the dh about it.
Adrienne – did a lot of students have a problem with that?
Carrie – not a lot of students were upset, but a few were. I feel we have obligation to be forthcoming to students about student events.
Thaddeus - lots of advertisements in Commons. Heard a lot of people didn’t want to have to go over to the Block Party to use their meal.
Carrie – what policies are there around how meals are used and who has controlled there. If students had to use meal at such and such event, how would that work.
Mike – only one meal was restricted.
Thaddeus – it’s tough to get food in-between classes when there’s only a few minutes available. When you mess with that, people will be upset.
Adrienne – let’s look into who makes the decision about meals and try to do something about it.

Senate underwent a problem-solving exercise.

Announcements:
Student advisory committee – next Monday 9:30-11.
Mamas Boys concert this Saturday
Nov 1st – study space opening
Danielle got email at 4pm last Friday saying trash monster cancelled. Went through run around, and doesn’t know who cancelled it.
Nov 18 – College bowl (It’s academic for college). If interested, talk to Mike P.
SGA could perhaps do thing for freshman to help with class selection.

Everyone here except for Elani

Adjourned at 7:37

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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October 30, 2006

5:31 meeting called to order.
Everyone present.
No objections to last week’s minutes.

Week in Review-
Steve (Advising) There has been conflicts with trying to motivate faculty to do advising the way administration wants. Advisors should be there to talk about career goals, not just stopping after giving the clearance for registration. Considering having professional advisors, outside of present staff, working with first and second year students mostly, helping them pursue goals (career and internship), and then as upper-classman, faculty members will act as advisors for students.
If anyone is interested in attending these committee meetings, contact Steve.

Adrienne – Went to restaurant that participates in red card program, and that was awesome. Also, about food at block party: raised 91 pounds of food at food drive recently. Flex dollar donations supposed to be set up, though SGA hasn’t really been contacted about this. Campbell’s soup dispenser coming soon. Concerns about RSA Block party: 1, wanted people to come. 2, swipe machines in DH and Commons were offline. Also not enough staff to run Block party and DH. Formal dance committee also met last week. Approaching SGA within next week to get money for deposit. Any questions, talk to Adrienne.

Thaddeus – Student Athlete Committee meeting. They’re attempting to connect more with campus who are not athletes or coaches. Thinking of doing 6 man club for lots of other sports. Punch cards with rewards like t-shirts. Adopt an organization/adopt a team – sports team would go to student org events and student orgs would go to sports events. Also, conduct policy in RAC (no swearing, no physical contact, etc). Probably won’t be a huge deal, but good to have rules in case things to get out of hand. Also had the idea for black out games and gold games – dressing in all black or all gold.

Danielle (readership program) – Dr. Fey. Pilot program, 11,711 students saw papers in that month. Said all copies were basically taken on daily basis. Said what he wanted to do is increase Washington Post and decrease rest, come to 665 copies. 75 posts, 75 usa today’s, 70 suns. $18,000 a year. Other departments to fund this project? Dr. Fey hadn’t had time to look into the matter. Asked students if they would be willing to pay for paper, 60% said yes (about 300 students). Danielle told him that despite his unwillingness to promote own project, thinks it is a good project. Only way thinks it will get passed without paying for all of it, will be to go out and find others to help fund project. Dr. Fey told Danielle that he’d talked to one person about the program, but he didn’t know which department it was or who the person was. Could’ve been the Sondheim program. Maybe we could do a survey of our own. Seems that Dr. Fey put this together with intention of passing the program off to the SGA.
Carrie – General Ledger, although has $300,000 or so, it’s not a lot of money, and it’s not smart to let people think they can just take from the pot. Next years Senate may not even want to keep the program going. People have started to think that the SGA is a bank. The SGA shouldn’t have to fund a program by themselves that benefits the entire campus when everyone uses it.
Terrance – keep the program, but limit to who can get the newspapers.
Danielle – when woman came to talk about swipe cards, said we’d have to be on board now to get them by February.
Nayana – machines could be huge investment, and we don’t even know if we’ll keep this program.
Carrie – might be a good time for Senate to define how people should present things to the Senate in the future.

Elani – study space looks pretty good. Opens Wednesday at noon.

--

Progress of Projects –
Thaddeus – transportation, Joe Regier. Issue now is CollTown is being sluggish in finalizing contract and getting UMBC on their route. Trans lock is low initial cost and high maintenance cost. On hold until fulfill contract.

Adrienne – 1, dance. Biggest issue is looking for funding. 2, ch 3. Will stop by ch. 3 guy this week.

Elani – hopefully by end of week, legislation for SGA library advertising.
Smoking forum, is it possible to have some kind of tangible idea like the pie idea for the fee forum.

Avi – website where students can go and rate off campus housing.

Danielle – thinks there should be some kind of SGA representation on the 10 year plan committee.

Terrance – dance committee. Also working with Joe on DVD proposals.

--

Announcements

David – study place opening Wednesday at noon. Preparation from 9-12 Wednesday morning. SGA t-shirts if you come to set up.

Danielle – meeting with Dr. Fey again this Wednesday. Adrienne – will you ask him to seriously consider co-sponsorship.

Brittany – UNICEF. Donations go to help children in need.

Nayana – budget hearings are this week.

6:31 meeting adjourned.

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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November 6, 2006
5:34
Everyone here but Thaddeus
Approval of Minutes from last week.

Week in Review

Danielle – Dr. Fey said he’s going to House meeting ASAP. Unknown how much he’s willing to contribute, said he will talk to GSA. Gave Danielle the name of someone who she can talk to about conducting a survey.

Terrance – DVD committee; almost every movie that the SGA bought are always checked out or being recalled. Seems that we need more of certain movies. Talked about

Adrienne – supposed to meet and talk to Ch 3 on Friday. Man who runs Ch 3 got sick on Friday and couldn’t meet. Said he’s very supportive though, and would like to meet soon.

Elani (and Thaddeus) - met with Joe Regier. 13th (Monday) having a presentation for GPS equipment, at 10:30 (should be on everyone’s Corp time). If you can’t make it, please send Elani questions you think should be asked.

- -

FYA must be a part of the FYC (First year council). This is only the second year for the FYA program, so specifications aren’t too narrowed down yet.

Before there used to be specific seats (Political Science seat, Bio seat, etc). When we moved to a senate that didn’t have specific seats, got rid of fall elections, since the voter turnout was so low. Still needed Freshman in SGA. Don’t vote since not elected by students. Always want to have connection to Freshman class, and furthermore, required partnership with First Year Council. Last year, 11 people applied for 6 positions – SGA took 5. Some ran in house, with exception of one, all returned to SGA in following year.

Matt
Found out about the position during the Events Fair – involvement fest. Immediately interested, wanted to get involved with the SGA but was unsure how to do so. Felt first year position would be the best way to do so, also just want to get involved on campus.

Steve – do you have any specific issues that come to mind about the campus or anything on campus that you would like to change?
Interested in the environmental issues on campus. Noticed here was a bit of discussion on the pond recently, which would improve the image of UMBC. Interested in getting freshman involved with campus, too.

Carrie – this position is specifically designed to bring the freshman perspective to SGA. How will you do that?
Lots of peers are freshman. Able to talk to a lot of other freshman in classes and outside of class. Freshman forum is a great idea. Something similar to the fee forum would be a great idea to bring them all together in one place, sort of like orientation week.

Adrienne – huge time commitment. Do you think SGA will get in the way of your acclimation to college.
Taking average course load, now. Also involved the LRC and Retriever. So far has been handling things well. Don’t feel as if SGA would be conflicting with those other interests. Wouldn’t be applying for position otherwise.

Avi – Past experience?
High school was in the Student Council for a while. Also senior year founded the Philosophy club at high school. Also other leadership positions, like in Relay for Life, etc.

Alex - what do you think the ideal Sga would be?
Help students connect to each other, and make for a great academic campus. Build a better campus overall.

Question from Matt – asked to do a photo for the budget hearing for the Retriever (Steve – talk to Nayana after the meeting)

-

Jennifer

Steve – do you have any specific issues that come to mind about the campus or anything on campus that you would like to change?
Came over the summer for field hockey stuff, talked to David, then Carrie. Thought FYA would be best fit.

Steve – specific issues on campus you’d like to change?
Dining hall situation. Meal plan, not being able to use more than one meal per meal period and fact that at the spot there are things you can’t get with a meal.

Carrie – this position is specifically designed to bring the freshman perspective to SGA. How will you do that?
In first year council already. FYC does a lot of things to get First Year perspective, so through that. Also through word of mouth, as well as surveys, things like that.

Adrienne – huge time commitment. Do you think SGA will get in the way of your acclimation to college.
Don’t think it’ll be a problem. Am involved with a lot of clubs, but they are all pretty flexible. SGA is main focus in terms of main focus, and kept that in consideration when planning for other clubs and organizations.

Avi – Past experience?
SGA in high school since Sophomore year. Junior – VP, Senior, President. Also in SADD.

Alex – what do you want to get out of your first year with SGA.
Meet people, find out new ways to make SGA better.

Adrienne – as a member of the SGA, you will be representing the average student. Do you feel that you’ve had enough experience thus far in order to do this successfully.
Have talked to a lot of freshman about things, and in enough organizations to see where flaws and strengths thus far.

Danielle – what are all you in.
CAB, UMBC Ambassador Program, Admissions office, SEB

Danielle – what would your ideal SGA be?
Supportive, something to help freshman get acclimated and make school better.

Gabe – one word to describe self?
Awesome. No but seriously, well-rounded.

-

Heather

Steve – do you have any specific issues that come to mind about the campus or anything on campus that you would like to change?
I found out from the Sga, I went to the tabling event. Got an email about FYC and FYA.
Orientation process, getting last leg of all classes. Holding off some seats for freshman.

Carrie – this position is specifically designed to bring the freshman perspective to SGA. How will you do that?
If there are any issues getting word of mouth to First Years, and getting the opinions from First Years. Being a bridge between First Year and Freshman.

Adrienne – huge time commitment. Do you think SGA will get in the way of your acclimation to college.
I think so. Classes have been stressful, but am getting study time in. Want something else to do, too.

Avi – Past experience?
SGA since 7th grade. Since 9th grade, Secretary of class. Secretary of Arts club and vocal ensemble.

Danielle – what would your ideal SGA be?
Bringing everyone together. Being able to see changes and now SGA was a part of those changes.

Alex – what would you like to personally get out of the SGA in your first year.
Friendship and more leadership (hoping to pursue field of scientific research). Also in FYC and BioCom.

-

Projects/Progress

Mike – Talked to professor. Sodexho contract is public domain. If people give us a hard time about it, hypothetically could sue them for it. Could make copies of it. Adrienne has talked to Oscar and others about Food forum. Will be taking Dec 6th, Wednesday, free hour.

Carrie is part of the retention strategy committee. There is an opportunity on table to think about. Everyone pays graduation fee ($100). Retention strategy people decided to do this when you enter. Also don’t do exit interviews – and some leave when their problems could’ve be solved easily. Going to generate around additional $2000 additional dollars. These funds be used for retention efforts. People will be listening to proposals for how to use funds.

Avi – working on website where students can rate off campus housing. A dozen or so off campus housing places.

Danielle – readership program. Think it’s a good thing to help with, but will need a lot of help.

Terrance – question for mike: how do we get sodexho contract? Can be accessed by anyone. Chett Miller has some experience on how getting the contract.

Adrienne – formal dance committee. Approaching different organizations about formal dance. Hoping to have something off campus, that wouldn’t necessarily need to be repeated next year if the SGA wasn’t interested.

Carrie – talked to SGA’s of two private schools in Boston. Does programming themselves. Has 200 members, all stipended. BC runs rate your faculty website. Would you be interested in finding way to spend some time with other SGA’s from other schools?

Gabe – informing freshman of cool classes to take; idea is to have forum like session where upper classman could share with primarily freshman the classes they’ve taken in the past that met GFR requirements that were fun too.

Announcements
Meeting with Ch 3 (10-11 in ACIV 4 where studio is)
Meeting set up on corp. time, Wednesday at 4 for stress free planning.
There are people in the study place!
Study space hours M-TH 9:430, Friday 10-2

Everyone except Thaddeus here.
6:59 meeting adjourned.

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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November 13, 2006
5:34 meeting called to order.
Everyone here except for Terrance who is on his way.
No objections to last week’s minutes.

Adrienne Mercer - Director of human relations
• Received grant last year to establish center for mediation and conflict resolution.
• 13 mediators on campus.
• Want center to be first step to help. Center is completely voluntary.
• Handles all kinds of conflict with exception of credible counts of violence, any kind of abuse.
• Located in administration, 9th floor. Mediations can be held anywhere, however. Also can be held at night. There will be two mediators present, as well.
• RA’s have been notified and are using the service.

Week in review

Thaddeus –
• Stress free get-together
• Elani sent out assignments of what people are going to be responsible for.

Carrie –
• General ledger expenditure talk.
• This week or early next week to create form (3 step process), a lot like organizations do.
• Form, presentation to senate and house, then legislative bodies would vote next week.

Steve –
• Met with ch. 3 guy in new media studio in ACIV 4.
• Studio under construction.
• Retirement community will be using space, and is doing renovations on it now (most likely Erickson school). Umbc has limited use to the studio now, but will be able to use after next year.
• Could come up with a club/organization to do mini-news thing, or have freelance where students submit work (ch 3 guy could then put on web or TV).
• Are now using ch 3 as art channel. If we wanted it to use an extra channel, would cost $3,000 more.
• Fine arts has recording studio (room 507).
• Carrie – might be worthwhile to have a conversation with Erickson school to see if there’s a way to use some of the space.

Thaddeus
• Talked to Joe Regier about bus tracking system stuff
• High ball number for this project: $108,000 plus
• Will be negotiating with transit and tracking company for a lower price. Matter of price and features.
• Meeting Monday after thanksgiving to talk about what features we’d want and arrangements in terms of money. Could probably bargain down to $75-80,000

Terrance
• Flex dollar donations talk (said someone talked to SGA, but not sure who that person was).

Adrienne
• Will have help from Emily G. for formal dance

New Business

SL__-0607 Funding of SGA Resource Library Advertising Campaign
• Compile database of forms that students would need to do various things around campus.
• Requesting $230 for advertising (1 banner in commons and 6 outdoor signs).
• (senate additional allocations has $5,000 to use for whatever purpose SGA sees fit; has nothing to do with general ledger).

For: 9
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 1

-

Thaddeus – if we focus on reaching out it will help all of our projects.

David – should start thinking about how to close up projects.

Adrienne – didn’t foresee projects taking as much time as they have taken.

Exec Reports

• Gabe – cool classes discussion is next Monday (study place, 4:00 pm)
• Tabassum – go to religiosity events this week.
• David – go to leadershape! Go!!!! “I would encourage you to apply.”
• Brady – bookstore. Things looking good to move bookstore out of commons. Also, language diversity forum (Feb.), faculty forum for advising, bookstore forum.
• Nayana – budget hearings, hopefully finished by Thursday.
• Elani – Wednesday at 4, student org space, another meeting for stress free zone.
• Steve – Wednesday during free hour, smoking forum, student orgs space. (UHS, judicial services, and chief cook coming). Also, next Monday, advising group meeting.

6:11 meeting adjourned.

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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November 20, 2006
5:34 pm
Everybody here except Mike and Elani

Week in review:
Adrienne – talked to common vision, will have flyers to put in DH about food forum. Terrance put it on facebook. Dec 6th, free hour.

Steve – last Wednesday, smoking fee forum. Not as high attendance as would’ve wanted. Retriever didn’t send anyone to write article about it, so Steve did.

Thaddeus – Steering committee. Talked about ways to improve mail system on campus. Gearing up to make 60-70 thousand dollar purchase. Would remove a lot of the sluggishness in (e)mail server. Looking to set it up to run with 50% capacity (2 servers in PP basement, 3 in engineering basement) Also, implementing outsourcing of webmail to google or Microsoft. $10,000 estimate. Looking for student representation for committee. (Enter Mike Pollard) Not looking at student increase fro $60,000 – looking at using budget have now with limited freedom. Also, stress free zone planning.
Mike – will email out ads for t-shirts soon.

New Business:
Adrienne – (Enter Elani) Moonlight cruise, 11-2. $20 a student gets you light fare, DJ, admission. Cost will be about $16,000. Need minimum of 300 people, maximum of 500. Will provide transportation for 300 people. SEB is paying for advertisements. In conjunction with 40th. Places no obligation on next years SGA to put on event. April 14th, Saturday. What happens if you fall short of 300? SGA would end up having to pay more money.

Elani – stress free zone. Car bashing, Lambda Chi Alpha funding. 45 foot canvas, spray paint or paint. Study space is just going to be food. This event will require lots of volunteering. Student organizations who are around the most (3) will get money for flyers from Commonsvision.

For: 9
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 1

Nayana –
$18,000 over

Gabe –
Cool classes “smashing success”

Tabassum –
Long sleeve shirts.

Brady –
Diversity of language, bookstore and advising initiatives coming for next semester.

Announcements –
Go to food forum.
Event hall of fame for SGA.
No FYC meeting Wednesday.
Academic misconduct committee (Elani). If you have stories or research, get in touch with Elani.

Everyone here.
6:11 meeting adjourned.

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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November 27, 2006

5:33 meeting STARTS!
Everyone here.
Minutes from last week… approved!

Week in review:

• Alex – alumni board
Mentoring program to start with freshman; start second semester. Give each freshman peer mentor, faculty and alumni mentor. Alex argued it might be a good idea to introduce peer mentor first semester. ALSO, huge advertising campaign being launched for UMBC. 90% online, a little radio and newspaper. Mission statement. Alex found quite bland.

• Thaddeus – IT Steering committee meeting. OIT gearing up to make a $60,000 upgrade to the Webmail system. Gray listing system – supposed to help block Spammers. Outsourcing mail system to Microsoft of gmail ($10,000).

Classroom committee – 50% of available classrooms are level 4 (AV service equipped). Trying to get to 100% (will cost like, $300,000 to do that though). Lots of classes that need lots of tech will move to having classes later in the week.

GPS stuff. Have to post an ebid (will take 30 days to post), then have to talk to procurement office about overall cost and negotiate with bus company. Looking to put good amount of money from GL into project as well as reaching out to others for money.

• Elani – academic conduct committee. Institutionalizing penalties for cheating.

• Steve – met with Kyle Carter. Commons advisory council.

New stuff:

• Stress Free Zone coming up quickly. Shirt design in. Look for the volunteer sheet and sign up! WOO!
Total minutes divided by people in organization. Whoever gets greatest number winner.

http://www.umbc.edu/registrar/schedule/F06Finalexam.html

• 2 weeks left!
Current projects: Sga library, GPS system, Ch 3, formal dance, Off-campus student services (Avi), Harbor Hall Café

-

SGA should send out physical letters that let new committees know if they want SGA representation, here we are!

-

Mike Pollard disagrees with the policy of no non-motorized transportation devices other than bikes.

-

Danielle heard they have a 10 year plan and a 25 year plan. Thaddeus heard there’s also a 50 year plan.

-

SGA meetings in town halls and other places around community? Do we still want to do this?

-

Food forum next Wednesday at 12 noon.

-

Danielle – The green way (?). Connecting green places on campus, going to start at CERA.

-

Executive reports:

David – back from vacation. Went to Pittsburgh, then to jersey. And he’s grown out his beard some. Lookin’ sharp David!

Gabe – done for the year pretty much in academics. Peer advising coming up; planning for study groups over the winter.

Nayana – finishing deliberations soon.

Announcements:
• Go to food forum
• Mosaic center, hosting Baltimore Ravens game night (Thursday). Held in Flat Tuesdays. Free wings.
• Look out for Mamas Boys Winter Ball which will be right after last meeting (Dec 11th)

Roll call: everyone here.
Meeting adjourned at 6:32

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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December 4, 2006
Roll Call: 5:35; Mike and Avi Elani and Brittany late
Approval of minutes: GOOD!

Week in review:
Adrienne – Food action committee: Food forum Wednesday, free hour.
Steve – Entrepreneurship. David suggested social entrepreneurship. Seemed interested in having SGA members – having competition for changing something on campus.
Danielle – undergraduate council. Couldn’t make it because weren’t given enough notice.

Andrew Rose (previous SGA president at College Park) –
Working for Mobile Campus.
Provides colleges with program to build out applications and mobile solutions, tailored to what their needs are. Plan to use text messaging to help connect students to each other and campus. Generate groups with Student organizations, fraternities and sororities, etc. No cost to university or students, or organizations. Permission based – students aren’t’ obligated to get in. Can click and choose groups to belong to, as well as venders and merchants. Integrate with OIT. Professors can set up mobile groups with students. Can set up within 45 days of contract.

What kind of initial marketing would be done? Table at event, flyers, hire students to get other students interested, iPod raffles, give-aways. Launch with something else on campus. Facebook ads, newspaper ads, etc. all paid for by mobile campus.

Student Jobs – would have to have an office off campus. Sales rep, marketing manager, and enrollment. Could hire students.

Not charging to sign up – charges to receive will apply to what current text messaging plans are. Mobile campus reviews message that merchants and vendors send out, but save $5 for each message they send out – students can save a lot of money.

About how many messages – no more than 2 a day from vendors and merchants. If they’d like more, can set that preference. When they enroll in M.C., can set who they want to receive messages from, when; also open access groups and closed groups, etc.

How successful has it been on campus it’s been implemented – over 25,000 students enrolled, over 9 schools. 3 of 9 M.C. has been in for over a year. Over 40% enrollment at each school. 30-40 merchants sign up at each school within 3 months. 8-10 more schools by January.

Other schools haven’t had a lot of faculty involvement in the program, mostly focus on merchants and vendors. MC hasn’t made the effort to incorporate professors as much, but plans to soon. Ability to have professors to use the program there, but not really implemented currently.

SL11-0607 DVD Committee
Recently issued movies are hardly ever there. In Dec 2003, under 150 people that went to use Media Center. Oct 2006, over 3,500 every week for DVD’s. Given $1,500 for year to purchase DVD’s. Found not enough given how high demand is. Asking for $500 more for next semester. Buy from Barnes and nobles, get deal buying bulk. The library has purchased multiple copies of some movies. Also trying to branch out to other cultures.
Started with $5,000 and will have $2,000 ish after this semester for rest of the year.

For: 7
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 1
Absent: 2

JL08-0607 Confirmation of Shane Spencer as SGA Justice
SGA Justices mostly have work during elections.
Shane served as justice last year. Both took one year terms, this will appoint them for a two year term. End May 15, 2008 (for both candidates). They have the option of resigning if they wish.

Shane - Interested in law. Not heavily involved with SGA – good for election board to be non-partisan. Will be at Stress Free Zone!

Lisa - Appointed same time as Shane. Served as chief justice. Involved with formal dance committee. Less involved with BSU – has a lot more hours available.

Chief Justice receives stipend of $160.

Table JL08-0607

JL06-0607 Formal Dance
40th Anniversary Formal Dance – unify greater campus community
asking for $16,400 from general ledger
if this becomes an annual event, can be turned over to SEB.
May 5th.

David - there will have been an SGA election, with new people and old. Should be a plan for handling this.

If SGA can sell 500 tickets, the cost will really only be $3,900.
Haven’t heard anything back from GSA or RSA. Looking to get local businesses to sell ads for tux’s and stuff.

Thaddeus – SGA needs to fund some kind of marketing scheme
Adrienne – looking to use SEB as tool to get resources; SGA would then put up.
Mike – will propose idea of them doing additional advertising.
Carrie – concerned that people can afford both their Quadmania ticket and the formal dance ticket.
Jordan – lots has to be planned over break. Need to have goals for ticket sales before the event. Need to establish safeguards, financially.
Adrienne – doesn’t have to be a tux, but definitely formal (no jeans, etc)
Thaddeus – glad there’s a safeguard in terms of transportation. Would feel more comf voting on his next week after talking to Joe Regier about transportation.
Adrienne – preferable to pass this sooner than later. Hesitant to leave something as important as this for last meeting.
Alex – there are a lot of safeguards, and it’s tedious to add on more money, but if we decide we’re going to do the event, we need to stop stalling.
Avi – set deadlines for ticket sales.
Lisa – needs to be finished over winter break.
Danielle – look into other funding sources. This is really low compared to prom in high school.
Thaddeus - $400 more for advertising.
Brady – $400 doesn’t really get you that much in terms of advertising.
David – need plan for money.
Carrie – it’s hard to put a number on advertising when you don’t really know what $400 is going to get you. There are items in SGA budget that go unused.
Thaddeus – shouldn’t only advertise in Commons with $400, but $400 isn’t that much more.
Elani – everything seems good except advertising. Should request more money when we have a more clear cut idea of where it should be going.
Alex – advertising only concern right now. Could pass on the condition that the committee could go to SEB to see how money they’re willing to put for advertising, and come back with plan.
Mike – contact all the groups on campus.

For: 10
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 0

JL07-0607 confirmation of KB Singh as SGA election board chair
No written application and not present.
Tabling till next week.

Executive Reports:

Carrie:
Sga last year helped Alumni association give gift to graduating seniors. Doing this again.
Booked space for conference that Carrie and Tabassum are working on. Hopkins, Towson and someone else invited. Focusing on elections, diversity in SGA’s, food, etc.
Committee meeting with CCSAG – saving for next week to talk about.

Jay, Gabe, Brady and David:
No report.

Announcements:
Dec 11th, Mamas boys, 8:15, LH1.
Food Forum, Wednesday, free hour.
SGA cookie swap, reading day, office.
STRESS FREE ZONE.
Commons advisory council meeting Wednesday, free hour.

Everyone here.
7:19 meeting adjourned.

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

---

5:34 meeting called to order
Everyone here except for matt.
Minutes approved.

Week in review:
Adrienne: article made front page. Food forum turn out not as big as hoped. Seb willing to help, not pay for. Allocated $300 for photographer – that money will be used for advertising now. Want to start advertising in April.

Mike – RSA meeting – talked about dance. Seem to be interested in helping with $, but need formal proposal from SGA. Suggested first x number people get $y off ticket. Put up a few hundred dollars (RSA) to help cover first x cover discount.

Thaddeus - athletics meeting – talked about field hockey team being gone. Saving athletics $175,000 a year to not support field hockey. Thaddeus was asked if SGA could illustrate want for replacement field; no way we’re going to be able to keep practice field by research building. Erickson foundation had to help renovate driving range field (only alternative at this point). ALSO, SAC meeting – promotional stuff, frequent fan cards, lots of questions about field hockey team. Athletics was in a deficit that was greater than $500,000, and university has required paying back some of deficit.

Elani – Commons advisory board – 11 members, how commons is utilized.

-

Solidarity coalition not here, so, moving on.

JL07-0607 KB Singh for Election Board Chair
Has been on for 2 years. asking to be appointed as election board chair. Questions can be asked to KB through email.
Carrie – chair has to remain impartial. How will you do this? Talk to separately, figure out solution.
Steve – your committee, ideas? Have some people in mind, know them well. Looking for professionalism and being able to keep privacy.
Carrie – diversity. Do you have a plan to help recruit diverse candidates? Hoping to go out and talk to people, instead of just noting that elections are up. Won’t be as much advertising. Don’t want everyone to be tired of it before it starts. Want to also make sure it’s separate from Quadmania.
Adrienne – less advertising? Don’t think advertising has as much to do with turn out as presidential candidates.
Avi – too much publicity can be bad publicity. Yes, people eventually get sick of it, I think.
David – what replaces publicity? Publicity still there, but looking to change long drawn out advertising to short, sweet process. Don’t know for sure yet though, don’t have a board.
Steve – referendum questions. Pro con section? Not aware what happened last year, but did advertise year before. So, yes, planning to.
David – can you estimate what a reasonable turn out would be? With 5 serious candidates. Looking to get 2,500 votes.
David – recruit people to run for president and vice president? what will you tell them? part of them has to want to be with sga, and can only work with people who want to but don’t know how.

IN FAVOR: 9
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 1

-

SGA Ad in retriever
Full page ad in 12 issues of retriever – 20% discount – works out to be $3,888
Also will have 2 from last year that were never used.

SGA pays for Retriever (everything that keeps them running), and also pays to put ads in their paper.
Ads don’t cover all of expenses.
SGA gives Retriever $50,000. Many other campuses are funded independently of the SGA.
No one considering removing them as charter organization.
Retriever can’t put event that happens over weekend, can’t go in until almost 2 weeks later.
Location of ad within in paper important (mike). Would paper be better spent doing print ads at common vision?
Creeeeeeepy (steve looking over president Hadfield’s shoulder)
Possibly not doing an ad every week – just when we have something big going on.
Alex – we should have something to put in the paper every week.
Elani – might over look if there were an ad every single week.
Carrie – SGA update not guaranteed to get in each week.
Deadline for paying retriever? Don’t think so.
Mike – half page ads?
Alex- more appealing ads would make the $ worth it.
We could work out details over the summer before next school year. Then SGA could ask for new details between SGA and retriever.
Carrie – no organization is SGA’s.
David – why not commit to 7 ads, get discount, then get more if need.
Thaddeus – table till next semester?

In favor: 1
Opposed: 8
Abstain: 1

-

JL09-0607 Lesa Marks
A Sondheim scholar. Because is in other organizations, should there be something involving organization she’s involved with, she would recuse herself from the situation so it didn’t look biased.

In favor: 9
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 1

JL08-0607 Shane Spencer
In favor: 9
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 1

The piece of legislation has been friendly amended – lesa and shane will serve for 2 year terms, not 1. (for: 8, opposed: 1, abstain: 1)

-
Carrie – sent out report, will send out another before finals.
Gabe – working on study group program over break.

Announcements – winter ball tonight, 8:15 doors open, 8:30 start.
Sga retreat coming up!!! Woooo.
SGA cookie swap.
Something pertinent, from mike.
SGA stress free time. volunteer sign up.
Roll call: everyone here except for matt (Danielle and Elani left early)

6:59 meeting adjourned forever!! (the semester)

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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January 29, 2007
5:34 meeting begins.
Elani not here yet.
Approval of minutes: yes.

In review:
Thaddeus –
Met with Dr. Brown from athletics. Dr. Brown said that athletics wasn’t getting a lot of help from the school. Athletics not included in 10 year plan when drafted in 2003 (10 year plan given to regents). Said not enough money to keep athletics going, definitely can’t be building new stuff (like tennis courts, basketball courts, etc). Donations of corporate sponsorship would have to fund, not student fees.

Jay –
Working to get a better online undergraduate catalog search engine going. Should be up and going soon. Will be sending out a giant report of everything he’s been doing soon.

Adrienne –
Formal dance committee. This topic one of the possible topics in the Retriever next issue.

Steve –
University Steering Committee and Retention committee. Researching how we can improve retention. People will be coming to SGA meetings to present what they think will strengthen retention – want our opinion and support to develop.
Also, Jay and Steve have been attending Super Bowl Party committee. Still want to do a party in the Commons.

________________________________________
The Event: Frequent Fan Card
Wanted to start this Feb 10. Between SGA and Athletics, and Student Athletics.
Incentive for individuals to attend athletic events. In pats have had incentive for organizations – this more individual. Get card punched, then eligible for certain prizes.
Plastic cups, t-shirts, stuff from bookstore, professional sports tickets, etc.
Targeting students first, secondly staff, and thirdly off-campus community.
Asking SGA to co-sponsor.
Money is for card development, advertising, and initial prizes.
Looking for $1,500 ish ball park figure.

Might be more likely to get money from the House instead of the Senate’s GL. (Nayana) Have you gone to other organizations to try to get money? (Nayana) Not yet, no. Will
though. Wanted SGA to be primary co-sponsor.

Since this requires man power, SAAC is required that they wouldn’t be able to do a few events. Could SGA help out with this? Also, requested money from House during budget hearings and were denied. Can still get money. Just means they were denied initially. (Nayana)
To get best response, will probably need layout to see what money is going to specifically. Where is the money going to be coming from in the future? (Alex) Depends on the success in the Spring semester. Being a new program, was not budgeted within the athletics budget. Athletics has said that if it is successful, will take it over in the future.

Athletics isn’t giving any money to this right now? (Steve) Right.

Have you looked into donations from outside companies? (Danielle) Sponsored by Coco-Cola, and some other larger corporations. Looking into it currently.

________________________________________

JL__-0607
General Ledger Allocation for SGA ad in Retriever Weekly, Spring 2007

To clear some things up from last meeting: Event turn-around can be within a few days.
SGA can use Retriever to bring up large concerns within University, promote our own events, letters from administration, etc.
Have had this space for maybe 5-6 years. Last year never missed an ad. This last semester had 2 weeks where there wasn’t anything to post.
Jay and Phil asking for this to pass.

If organization had event coming up and needed space, they could approach Jay about it? Cost? (Adrienne) No cost.
How much is allocation in SGA budget? (Thaddeus) Only for fall, $4499 or so. $50,000 given to Retriever. Not really going to get more money on top of that, haven’t needed it in the past. Reason not budgeted for Spring, SGA was working with increase cost and decrease revenue. Chett only budgeted money for Spring in prediction that there would be money from last year that would roll over from last year to pay for Spring ads.

One of the things we talked about was relationship between SGA and Retriever. Because we give them 50 grand, why are we paying them another 8 for ads. (Thaddeus) Giving them 50 grand say they can run. They are providing us with a service. They don’t need that money to operate, though. One thing both sides are looking for is that SGA doesn’t need to give them 50 grand. If we start taking freebies from the Retriever, where is the line drawn. (Phil) If we took this money away, they wouldn’t need the money anyway to operate. (Jay)

With that mentality, couldn’t we demand to be admitted to any event from any organization for free since we fund everyone? The 50 grand that we give the Retriever is given because we are the SGA and that’s what we do. (Alex)

Relationship between SGA and Retriever is getting better. Some things have changed within Retriever, and things are a lot more flexible. (Adrienne)

Not looking at it like, “we don’t like you, so why should we give you more money?” More like, we’re providing you with a third of your money every year, it shouldn’t be a big deal for the SGA to get one page a week. Are we asking for a freebie or asking them to do their job since we give them 1/3. (Thaddeus)

The proper way to do that, then, would give them 40 grand and then 10 for ads. Better to keep ads separate and pay for ads like anyone else or else where does special privilege end. (Phil)

In future, if we wanted to talk to them about making a compromise about including our ads for free within money we give them, but for this semester, it seems we have the option of either having ads of not buying them and not having them. (Alex)

Agree with Thaddeus, but also think Alex’s point is valid too. Would rather students know about organizations on campus, be informed. (Danielle)

Especially with all big projects coming up, cultural events, etc, would be inconsiderate to let us not have ads in Retriever. (Elani)

$360,000 in GL. 50 grand rolled over from unspent money last year. (Phil)

Even if we get the ads for 8 grand, not killing us. (Steve)

In favor: 10
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 0
________________________________________

JL__-0607 General Ledger Allocation Super Bowl Party

Asked to sponsor game room, IFC in Sports Zone, GSA Pub…

Is our $500 only to Game room, or other things too. Would go to Office of Student Life as our contribution. Easier to have money centralized in OSL. Not only people contributing money to this event, lots of others.

In favor: 10
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 0

________________________________________

Winter retreat this Saturday, 10a-5p. Providing lunch and breakfast. If anyone can help out, let Steve or Nayana know.
Can we attend portions? There are different sessions. Will send out schedule. (Steve)

Gabe:
Starting study group program again for Spring. 5 new classes. BIO 100, PSYCH 100, PHYS 111, MATH 150, ECON 100.

Nayana:
Thursdays at 8, House meeting time.

David:
Election planning coming up soon.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Adrienne – putting final touches on formal dance.
Danielle – Readership program. Representative coming here soon.
David – any discussion needed by Senate before representative gets here.
Phil – GSA and RSA have separate budgets that could help. (GSA has no money – Jay)
Steve – retention group meeting Wednesday 1-4

Roll call: everyone here.
Meeting adjourned at 6:29

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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5:34
Everyone here except Brittany and Danielle.
No objections to minutes.

Weekly minutes:
Elani –
• Commons advisory comm..
• Art week – tell friends (in March)
• Emphasis on referendum questions for elections –
• UMBC of decades room redecorations

Enter Danielle, dramatically.

Gabe
• Campus connect, Philly’s program. Trying to target rising sophomores, mentor mentee program. Older students would be mentors, as well as faculty. Gala for mentor prospect in beginning of April, then do more events to try to recruit.
• Alumni raised questions, such as whether or not Seniors will be involved.
• Backbacks to briefcases – what alumni association boards are looking for in mentor programs.
• Hoping to start up next year.

Elani –
• Update corp time schedule

Danielle
• Met with woman from readership program representative
• Doesn’t serve 11,000 students; that’s just how many people we have on campus (as Dr. Fey previously said)
• Actually cost 25 grand a year, as opposed to what Dr. Fey said of 18 grand a year
• Most schools use GSA
• Depends on how much $ we get from Dr. Fey, as well as departments.
• OSL paying for it this semester. One year contract.
Thaddeus – would have to be built into SGA budget at the end of the year to continue. If no support, SGA can’t contribute to this on a yearly basis.
Adrienne – if people find out there are no more newspapers, and SGA tied to it, could be bad. If it’s a one time expense, might not be so bad.
Avi – SGA wasn’t the ones to come up with the program – great program, but not right that it’s been dropped in our laps. Would like to see more numbers.
Danielle – surveys from stress free zone? Steve – basically, if people read Retriever, they are reading papers. 1/3 of students aren’t reading Readership papers.
Thaddeus – SGA could put forth the last little bit to do this, but SGA doesn’t have a lot a lot of money to do this program
Steve is not environmentally conscious because, get this, he’s a music major.
Adrienne – sign petition to get Dr. Fey to one of these meetings.

Steve
• Retention committee
• If you come to umbc, leave, come back 5+ years later, you can have up to 15 credits removed.
• If you come to umbc, with certain major, and do poorly first semester, then change majors and don’t so well, you can have that first semester erased
• Someone wants to reduce the 5 years to 2-3 years.
• Graduation fee ($100) – turn that into a fee that you pay when you enter. Have to make sure that money gets used for what it should be used for.
• Changing advising to more than just getting permission to register

Thaddeus –
• Super bowl party, 20 cent wings, travesty in terms of wings.
• Reagan Sidney proposed that RA’s could get students to commons – takes so long for information to pass through everyone.
• Nothing mentioned from Reagan’s end to RA’s – that never happened
• Thaddeus ruined the Super Bowl. That’s why the Bears lost.

New Business

Steve – house did not pass legislation about Shane, had to be rewritten with Carrie as President.
In favor: 9
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 1

The Retreat
Gabe – excellent change to refocus on goals. Reoriented self on projects that have been going for months or years. People bonded.
Jordan Hadfield resigned as President, PS.
Steve – good experience, thought it might be bad with Jordan resigning, but went well.

Weekly reports
Will resume this week. To Kristina, by Friday.
Legislation, by Friday, midnight, to Steve.
Make sure you log your office hours.

Formal dance
May 5th.
More legislation will most likely come soon.
If you plan to go to, need to purchase tickets. No tickets will be reserved.

Executive Reports

Gabe –
New pamphlets for study groups program, giving out at involvement this week

Narmin
Faculty forum

Jay
Nothing new to report this week

Announcements
• UMBC Paint ball team – Thaddeus
• Advising working group – Steve
• ecoFest – Danielle

Roll Call: everyone here except for Brittany (feel better!)

6:16 pm meeting adjourned.

The following are meeting minutes from the Senate meeting. The Senate meets every Monday at 5:30 PM in Room 318 on the third floor of The Commons. These meetings are open to all students to listen to discussion. If you would like to present an issue, please contact the Speaker of the Senate, Steve Gilmore, in advance so you can be added to the agenda.

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5:36 pm (February 12, 2007)

Danielle and Mike not here.
Minutes approved.

USA Today representatives:
• 10th year of program
• on over 450 campuses nationwide
• Convenience, choice, cost = s-u-c-c-e-s-s
• Free to students (because shared between students)
• EBI Survey surveyed 11,000 students. Students who read newspaper are more likely to be informed on national and global issues, as well as being more likely to express own views.
• www.usatodaycollege.com
• important to work with student leaders to tie in student initiatives with newspaper
• RA’s can use newspapers for programming and bulletin boards
• Reaches over 90% of student body over course of one week (based on surveys across nation)
• In past have worked with SGA’s that have put forth a referendum question (passed on all campuses)

Specific to UMBC
• Sept 11 – Oct 6 (4 week pilot)
• Baltimore Sun, USA Today, Washington Post
• Fall consumption (avg. copies a day): 646 newspapers a day
• Pass-along ration of 4 (reaching approximately 2,400 students)
• 79% of students surveyed believe reading newspaper is important to education
• on campus availability of newspapers was most important factor for people reading
• surveyed approximately 300 students
• before pilot, 15% reading 3-4 days a week; after pilot, 25% reading 3-4 days week
• 44% said would pay $4-7 a semester (60% would actually pay)
• cost is based on per-copy consumption, so we only pay for what we use – delivery, displays, recycling, marketing and programming support are complimentary.
• Each newspaper offered at a discounted education rate.
• 14/20 top 20 collegiate readership program are paid for through student fees
• The schools that paid for program through SGA pulled money together from administration and SGA.
• Average copies (Sun – 192, TODAY – 217, Post – 237). 646 Total.
• If consumption remained same, cost would be $2.70 per student, per year, based on 11,900 students, or approximately $32,000/year
• Cost to get swipe access to restrict to just under grads – free.
• If Readership program doesn’t get picked up, probably will be dropped. (Although there is the possibility to wheel and deal some in the future)
• Reps meeting next week with RSA, GSA and House

Week in Review
Elani-
• Turns out, in the future every class must have a part of it that is writing intensive.
• SGA met for referendum brain storming party. Hoping to get questions written for next week to have them out for elections.

Adrienne –
• Met with Jennifer-White Torres (SEB) about flyer (how many quarter cards/banners/etc)

Thaddeus –
• Frequent Fan Club
• Program should be happening soon, would be nice if SGA could fund

Steve –
• Stress free planning

Tabassum new Vice President!!! WOOOOOO!

Thaddeus – how are you going to integrate old tasks with new VP tasks.?
Can put old tasks into sub-category of VP-cy

Alex – pros and cons of being first year student?
Can get advice from older students.
Favor: 8
Opposed: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 2

________________________________________

Thaddeus – came into as if we didn’t think the program was good, and needed to be convinced.
Adrienne – could we please get a meeting with Dr. Fey?
Avi – didn’t come here with any expectation, liked that.
Alex – responding to Adrienne, we have to detach it from Dr. Fey at some point. Up to us at this point. Things we could go to Dr. Fey for help, but our awkward situation now.
Davi