The senators were frightful in festive Halloween attire, which set the stage for a very interesting senate meeting. Chair Leah Wentworth was a Christmas tree, Parliamentarian Jessica Roy was a kitty-cat, Vice Chair Tyler Stanley a rough and tough college football player, Kathleen Pease, coordinator of Student Senate operations was a queen and Chris O’Connor, assistant to the Dean of Student Life was a bunny rabbit.
Should we Stay or Should we go?
Although the Senate has an office at 11 Baxter Blvd., the Senate decided earlier in the year to alternate once a month to Gorham. However, a few senators were concerned with senators not attending the meetings held in Gorham. “This is the second meeting in Gorham and we have limited showing,” Wentworth said. ” I feel the accommodations are not as nice in Gorham. There isn’t even a coffee maker.” Sen Ben Hoffman pointed out that the fact that we don’t have our records and a coffee maker in Gorham is irrelevant. “It is not necessary to go into this much discussion. It took people three minutes to unlock the door, we voted to be here [Gorham].”
While some Senators deem alternating meeting locations is fine and accept this role as an opportunity to serve the student body. “I do this for the pure love of representing the students,” Sen. Joshua Dolby said. Sen. Shaun Quinn said that they set a standard to alternate meeting locations. “I don’t have a problem coming here once a month.” In regards to the missing executive board members Sen. Ben Strout suggested Wentworth speak to the absent members.
Senate soon to investigate student conduct code
Dolby proposed that the Senate thoroughly investigate the University of Maine System Student conduct code. Recently, the UMaine case where two football players were charged off campus with sexual assault and suspended from UMO has caused discrepancy in the code. It is important to “clear up the vagueness in the conduct code,” Dolby said. Sen. Kevin Chabot tried to direct the discussion. “Are you concerned with this case or the code written? Hoffman agreed that there is no clear definition but is concerned that University has abused their power and the code needs to be investigated. “This is also a jurisdiction issue, some of these things are occurring off campus,” Quinn said. “I have no patience to have students determine whose guilty or not,” Roy said. Sen. Rob Barss suggested the Senate invite Stephen Nelson, assistant to the vice president to facilitate a discussion regarding the student conduct code.
Music of the heart
The Senate in conjunction with Portland Events Board is seeking musicians to play in the Amphitheater, if interested contact Joe Frechette at 228-8507.
Haunted House Success
On Halloween, 11 Baxter Bvd. turned into a spooky sight when BSO groups decorated their offices and had an open house. “It’s a wonderful way to get students involved, I urge you to pass funding,” Sen. Dorn McMahon said. The Senate voted to give $400 to the public relations committee to fund for the open house.
American Pictures comes to USM
Jason Bradeen, intercultural development coordinator, presented to the Senate a proposal to have Jacob Holdt speak at USM. Holdt is a photographer who has hitchhiked across America capturing what he saw during his journey and with a powerful multi-media event he focuses on racism, oppression and poverty in the United States. Bradeen asked for $1,000 from the senate. “On this campus, you can be shielded and lose track that there is racism out there, this event will make sure everyone sees that,” Bradeen said.
“I’m not a big fan of spending money,” Roy said. This began a heated discussion and the ongoing concern that the Senate needs to watch their funds closely. Some Senate members were curious as to what student body will get out of this. Bradeen explained that viewers will gain a social payback and that the money raised will go to American Pictures which is a non-profit organization. Quinn said we are here to assist and this event promotes diversity. Strout was concerned about attendance at the event. “100 people is that worth $1,000?” McMahon said for what you are going to get out of it is worthwhile. “I didn’t want to imply that this is a money-making body, my concern is that we are running out of money,” said Roy redeeming herself. The Senators finally decided to give $1,000 for the event.
Camera
Joe Frechette chair of the Portland Events Board, presented a proposal for a donation toward a video camera. The camera would be available to BSO groups. Frechette suggested that members of the Portland Events Board be trained to use the camera to ensure the whereabouts of the camera. Hoffman said this would be a tool to create bonds for student groups who might not have the means and access to a camera. The Senate approved to give Portland Events Board $200 for a new camera. Frechette jumped up and down and enthustastically shouted, “Yeah!”
Can I ASSK you a Question?
The group formally known as the Visual Arts Society caused an astronomical ruckus at the Senate meeting. The group wants to change their name to Art Student Society (ASS)
” I think there should be a line, I just think its distasteful,” said McMahon. Pease informed the Senate that the group renamed on purpose for a marketing and logo purpose. “It’s a great marketing strategy – everyone will stop to see if ASS is written on a wall,” Roy said. However other senators felt the issue needed to be discussed with the student organization. “Even though it’s intended to be used as a marketing ploy, it reflects poorly on the BSO,” said Quinn, president of the BSO. Quinn suggested the senate table the issue until they speak with the organization. “In my mind its inappropriate; call me a prude,” said Wentworth. Hoffman agreed with Roy. “We know their reasoning, our degree of oversight is to prevent groups from abusing the student activity fee. This micromanaging is getting out of control. Prudish has no position in politics,” Hoffman said. In the end the Senate approves the name change and accepts ASS.
Editorialize this!
McMahon suggested to the Senate that they have a senate editorial in the Free Press. “This would give a play by play action and a person’s [senator’s] perspective,” he said. Besides the weekly Senate Update which describes the senate meetings in full detail.
Big Daddy
The Senate elected Ben Hoffman to the USM Childcare Advisory Board. “I think I can represent the students perspective,” Hoffman said.
Student input
Shaun Quinn, Rob Barrs and Anthony Pergola have been elected to be on the Student Academic Compliance board.
Is your stirrer long enough?
Stanley announced that ARAMARK now has stirrers long enough to correctly stir one’s coffee.
Finances
Approximate funds are 3,433.70
Absent
Treasurer Sen. Michael Norton
Secretary Sen. Gretchen Chesley
Sen. Brittany Esposito
Sen. Carolyn Ezzy
Sen. Daryl Morazzini excused absence