The General Student Senate meeting on Jan. 21 began with the approval of the Dec. 10 meeting minutes and agenda.
General Good and Welfare:
Vice President Chase Flaherty welcomed everyone back from the winter break in classes.
New Senators, Officer Appointments, Resignations:
Vice President Chase Flaherty reported the resignation of Sens. Mikaela Shea, Elisabeth Redwood, Daniel Adams and Matthew Fishbein. Anthony Frebiso was appointed as a senator.
Executive Reports:
President Bentley Simpson reported that Student Government would be having a meeting regarding their plans for “Fresh Check” Day that is put on by the Student Wellness Resource Center each year. Additionally, he reported that there would be a meeting for senators regarding Winter Carnival on Jan. 24, and a cabinet meeting on Jan. 22. Lastly, he reminded senators of the Student Organization Fair occurring Jan. 22 in the Memorial Union.
Vice President Chase Flaherty welcomed senators back and reported that nominations for vacant positions would occur during this meeting and that elections would be held next week.
Vice President for Financial Affairs Jack O’Donoghue reported that there are new positions for Executive Budgetary Committee (EBC) available and that the University of Maine Student Government, Inc. (UMSG, Inc.) would consider hiring an Executive Administrative Assistant (EAA) during the medical leave of the current EAA.
Vice President for Student Organizations Taylor Cray reported that the Student Organization Fair would be held on Jan. 22 in the Memorial Union.
Vice President for Student Entertainment Logan Aromando shared that most entertainment acts for spring events had been booked and that the production for events is in the final stages. He shared that the Maine Day concert date (April 25) would be shared on social media on Jan. 21. Additionally, he reported that there are many volunteering opportunities for senators during Winter Carnival.
Student Government Advisor Lauri Sidelko reported that Winter Carnival would occur during the second week of February. She shared that there will be updates in the Memorial Union consisting of new furniture, decals on the walls and new tables in front of the bookstore. Lastly, she reported that there is a new event management process being instituted from the university for events meeting certain criteria (50+ people, bonfires, etc.). These events will need to start filling out event management paperwork, moving forward.
Periodic Reports:
University of Maine Board of Trustees Student Rep. Abby Despres reported that there is a board meeting on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 that is open to the public. She reported that there is a new graduate representative to the board of trustees. Lastly, select members of UMSG were invited to the president’s office to discuss academic affairs positions with the university’s trustees.
Chair of Fair Election Practices Commissioner Matthew Akers reported that spring executive elections would be held in the upcoming days. Additionally, he shared that he would be holding office hours to answer questions regarding the positions.
Director of Communications Owen Vadala reported that the Maine Day concert date was posted on UMSG, Inc.’s Facebook page and would be shared on other platforms in the near future.
Representative Board Reports:
Commuter and Non-Traditional Students Rep. Ian Johnson reported that the first pancake breakfast of the semester will be held at some point during the week of Jan. 27 to Jan. 31.
Honors College Student Advisory Board Rep. Dominique Dispirito reported that they would be holding elections for their vice president and other vacant positions. Lastly, Dispirito reported that their board has been working on their plans for Maine Day and received a grant from the campus activity funds.
Senior Class Council Rep. Joshua Minor reported that the council plans to host another night event with Orono House of Pizza this semester. Additionally, he shared that the council will be participating in Winter Carnival by hosting a trivia night. Lastly, he stated that any senior is welcome to join the council.
Sustainability and Environment Action Division (SEAD) Rep. Dalton Bouchless reported that there are three new executive board positions open within the group. SEAD is working with another group to promote alternative transit in Orono. Additionally, SEAD is hosting U.S. Senate candidate Lisa Savage and she will be coming to campus during the month of February. Lastly, SEAD will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day this year and spring fling.
Community Association Reports:
Feminist Collective Rep. Hannah Thomson reported that the vagina monologue auditions would be held on Jan. 23.
Wilde Stein: Queer-Straight Alliance Rep. MJ Smith reported that pride week, lavender prom and their drag show are currently being planned.
International Student Association Rep. Hannah Holbrook reported that on Jan. 24 they will be holding elections for their vice president position. Additionally, coffee hour is happening every Friday at the North Pod of the Memorial Union.
New Business:
Vice President Chase Flaherty held nominations for open positions within UMSG, Inc.
Accepted nominations for Faculty Senate Student Representative:
President Bentley Simpson nominated Sen. Austin Westfield.
Sen. Benjamin Orgel nominated Sen. Camryn Hammill.
Accepted nominations for Student Legal Services Liaison:
Sen. Gabriela Reyes nominated Sen. Elisabeth Redwood.
Accepted nominations for the Representative to the Graduate Student Senate:
President Bentley Simpson nominated Sen. Sarah Brindisi.
Sen. Peter Alexander nominated Sen. Harrison Ransley.
Accepted nominations for the Orono Town Council Liaison:
President Bentley Simpson nominated Sen. Peter Alexander.
Accepted nominations for the Old Town City Council Liaison:
Sen. Frank Kelly nominated Sen. Peter Alexander.
Vice President for Student Organizations Taylor Cray nominated Sen. Austin Westfield.
Accepted nominations for University of Maine Security Representative:
Sen. Frank Kelly nominated Sen. Peter Alexander.
Accepted nominations for the Center for Undergraduate Research Liaison:
Sen. Gabriela Reyes nominated Sen. Olivia Lovejoy.
Accepted nominations for the membership position:
Sen. Zach Wyles nominated Sen. Gabriela Reyes.
Accepted nominations for policy and procedure:
Sen. Gabriela Reyes nominated Sen. Harrison Ransley.
Sen. Harrison Ransley nominated Sen. Zach Wyles.
President Bentley Simpson nominated Sen. Emmeline Willey.
Accepted nominations for political activism:
Sen. Gabriela Reyes nominated Sen. Cody Embelton.
Vice President for Student Organizations Taylor Cray nominated Sen. Frank Kelly.
Accepted nominations for services:
Sen. Gabriela Reyes nominated Sen. Emmeline Willey.
Accepted nominations for President Pro-Tempore:
Sen. Zach Wyles nominated Sen. Harrison Ransley.
Sen. Harrison Ransley nominated Sen. Zach Wyles.
Vice President for Student Organizations Taylor Cray nominated Sen. Emmeline Willey.
Accepted nominations for Sergeant at Arms:
Sen. Peter Alexander nominated Sen. Benjamin Orgel.
Accepted nominations for Executive Budgetary Committee (EBC) positions:
Sen. Gabriela Reyes nominated Sen. Frank Kelly.
President Bentley Simpson nominated Sen. Camryn Hammill.
Sen. Emmeline Willey nominated Sen. Olivia Lovejoy.
Sen. Peter Alexander nominated Sen. Gabriela Reyes.
President Bentley Simpson nominated Sen. Frank Alexander.
Vice President for Student Organizations Taylor Cray nominated Sen. Sarah Brindisi.
Accepted nominations for Student Organizations Committee (SOC) positions:
Sen. Frank Alexander nominated Sen. Anthony Frebiso.
Sen. Emmeline Willey nominated Sen. Kylie Trawick.
Sen. Harrison Ransley nominated Sen. Gabriela Reyes.
Sen. Benjamin Orgel nominated Sen. Camryn Hammill.
Sen. Gabriela Reyes nominated Sen. Cody Embelton.
Sen. Harrison Ransley nominated Sen. Sarah Brindisi.
Sen. Gabriela Reyes nominated Sen. Harrison Rainsley.
Main Motion:
Sen. Camryn Hammill moved the main motion.
President Bentley Simpson reported that UMSG, Inc. would hire an EAA during the medical leave of the current EAA and for prior training. This position would be from Jan. 27, 2020 through May 1, 2020. The work schedule would be Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the amount of $3,900.
The act to hire a temporary executive administrative assistant was passed by the senate.
The meeting was then adjourned.
