The General Student Senate meeting on Sept. 29 began with a roll call, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice President Zachary Wyles.
General Good and Welfare:
The minutes from the Sept. 22 meeting of the student senate were approved. Vice President Wyles gave his Robert’s Rule of the week on voting, which can take many forms. It can be done by majority, roll call, ballots, voice and pleasure of the senate. The Backcountry Squatters Organization was seeking recognition from the senate. Backcountry Squatters is an organization that strives to create a community network for college women in the outdoors. The organization was officially recognized by the senate.
New Senators, Officer Appointments, and Resignations:
Sen. Brindisi has resigned, and Micheal Delorge was sworn in as a new senator. There will be elections held next week for two positions: the chair of the mental health committee, and a spot on the executive budgetary committee. Sens. Caisullo and Bray were nominated for the chair of the mental health committee. Sens. Chaplin and Delorge were nominated for the executive budgetary committee.
Executive Reports:
President Harrison Ransley spoke about the student government scholarship. The scholarship is meant to recognize those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership. While senators are not permitted to apply, they are encouraged to tell others about the opportunity, and nominate individuals outside of the organization that they believe will be a good fit. Ransley also encouraged senators to focus on community outreach to better strengthen the senate’s relationship with the community. Finally, Ransley reminded the senate that he will be taking a leave of absence later in the semester. While he is gone, Sen. Peter Alexander will be acting as senate pro tempore, working closely with Vice President Wyles. Wyles commended the senate for its improved attendance over the last couple of weeks. He announced that sign up forms for senator committees should be coming soon, and to be on the lookout for those. There should also be a program developed on learning Robert’s Rules in the future. Vice President of Financial Affairs Jason Tauke spoke on the topic of unallocated funds, as well as two funding opportunities for Outing Club and UMaine Renaissance. Vice President of Student Organizations Emmeline Willey, informed the senate that club forms are available online, and that all club forms should be submitted by Oct. 16. Vice President of Student Entertainment Chase Flaherty announced that the Maine Event tour is happening this fall. These events will take place on Wednesday nights, with the first act being Cheat Codes. Promotions for these events should be going up soon. College nights at the Bangor Drive-In have been successful so far, and there are hopes to continue this for as long as weather allows. Advisor to Student Government Lauri Sidelko, spoke about events happening on campus. Humans vs. Zombies is taking place on Oct. 1.
Periodic Reports:
The faculty senate student representative had their first meeting with the faculty senate last week. There was lots of talk on trying to improve the ease of moving credits from different schools. They also are in need of students to join their Gen Ed Committee. The school also wants to work with libraries and hotels after Thanksgiving to help accommodate students after the university goes remote. The Director of Communications, Danielle Jarosz, wants to reintroduce the marketing and public relations committee. The Center for Undergraduate Research liaison reported that the undergraduate student symposium is happening on Oct. 2.
Reports on Standing Committees:
Membership Committee is going to start having Zoom meetings on Thursdays to help boost membership. The committee on policy and procedure voted on resolutions to update job descriptions, and they are going to continue making those changes in the coming weeks. The Services Committee is trying to plan out library time for the coming winter.
Reports on Special Committees:
The committee on Student Conduct Code and Oversight reported that the board will have their annual review later in the year.
Representative Board Reports:
The Board of Commuter and Non Traditional Students has its Discord up and running. They also said that the Black Bear Exchange will need more volunteers. The Honors College Student Advisory Board had its first Forum Friday with Dr. Stephanie Welcomer, the new dean of the Honors College last week. They are going to hold a nonpartisan election forum at the end of October as well. They are looking to integrate the Student Advisory Board into the Honors curriculum. The Interfraternity Council had its meeting discussing hazing prevention this week. Panhellenic Council has finished its formal recruitment process. They have also updated the bylaws and standing rules. The board on sustainability and environmental action has a meeting with Laury Ohser. They want to collaborate with Transportation for All to make public transportation more accessible for everyone.
Community Association Reports:
Feminist Collective will start meeting on Monday instead of Friday from now on. Wilde Stein has been in a transitional period. They have recently made adjustments to their bylaws and are holding elections in the coming week.
Consent Agenda:
The senate needed to pass two items on the agenda. First, they voted to establish a new special committee, the Multicultural Affairs Advisory Committee, and this was passed. Then, they made an amendment to modify the standing rules, and have the senate room be sanitized after all senate meetings, including all high contact surfaces.
There was no executive session this week, and the senate adjourned.
