The General Student Senate meeting began with roll call and the approval of the previous meetings minutes by Senate Clerk John Cyr.
General Good and Welfare:
Vice President Zachary Wyles gave his Robert’s Rule item of the week, which was bringing an item from the table. This is used to bring back a bill that was tabled indefinitely so that it can be talked about again.
Executive Reports:
President Harrison Ransley met with administrators about restructuring tuition bills. They are trying to roll general fees into the overall bill. This way students are not getting fee updates throughout the semester. Vice President Wyles will be meeting with the director of the bookstore later in the week to try and negotiate textbook pricing. Vice President of Financial Affairs Jake Tauke spoke on unallocated funds, as well as some funding requests that are coming in the next couple of weeks. Vice President of Student Organizations Emmeline Willey is trying to restructure the student organization page online. Vice President of Student Entertainment Chase Flaherty thanked everyone for their support in the Q& A with Terry Crews. He is beginning to work on some in-person Maine Day plans, including food trucks and mini golf. Advisor to Student Government Lauri Sidelko is still recovering from surgery but should be back soon.
Periodic Reports:
Faculty Senate Student Representative Kylie Trawick announced that administration is looking at hybrid commencement, with a pre-recorded walk, and a virtual ceremony. However, this is currently still in discussion. Vaccines will not be required to come back to campus next fall. Old Town City Council Liaison Camryn Hamill said that the city of Old Town qualified for new construction grants and the construction will likely be seen later in the year. Old Town will be opening its town office on March 22.
Reports of Standing Committees:
The Membership Committee is trying to order quarter zips for the senate, but the order can’t be fulfilled until May. Apparel order forms will be in the works soon. The Policy and Procedure Committee voted on several resolutions. Representative to the Provost Council Blaize Vail reported that there has been a lot of success in regards to the pass/fail change. The administration is also searching for new dean positions for the university. The Student Mental Health Committee is trying to jump start the student mentor program and is urging senators to volunteer. The Multicultural Affairs Advisory Committee had its first meeting this past week.
Representative Board Reports:
Honors College Student Advisory Board has begun planning for the Maine Day Meal Packout. They will be hosting a forum on Friday,March 26. The Interfraternity Council is finalizing a demo of chapter builder, which will be a way for all of Greek life to virtually connect.
Community Association Reports:
The Feminist Collective is trying to get books related to women’s history distributed to the group, as well as starting some women’s history campaigns. Wilde Stein is fighting a bill in the Maine government that would forbid trans girls from being able to participate in high school sports in the state of Maine. The International Student Association will be having a coffee hour on Friday this week.
The senate went into executive session, and shortly after, the senate adjourned.
