ASNAU SENATE MEETING #16
TWENTY FIFTH SESSION
OFFICIAL MINUTES
Date: February 21, 2013
Number on council: 12
Date of Senate Meeting: February 21st, 2013
Number present: 11
Prepared by Shelby Burton
Senate Chairman Ryan Lee called the Senate meeting of the 2012-2013 Senate to order at
4:04 P.M. in the Havasupai Room A & B of the University Union.
Roll Call
The following Senators were not present at the meeting:
-Senator Cross
Approval of Minutes
Motion: Senator Woodhouse move to approve the minutes from last week’s Senate
meeting
Second: Senator Chan
Discussion: None
Vote: Unanimous, last week’s minutes have now been approved.
Call to the Audience
An ASA representative from UA speaks on behalf of the ASA lawsuit. He believes that the
lawsuit protects ASA’s right to accomplish its mission statement; under the current
structure set by ABOR, they cannot do that. Instead of spending time lobbying for student
rights, they will now be lobbying for funding. He believes that they should not be punished
for speaking on behalf of the students—regardless of political views. The result of this
lawsuit could have the potential to make waves throughout the state and the country; it
will allow students to voice their opinion without fearing that the organization’s funding
will be questioned. After one decision was made, ASA suddenly became “flawed,” which he
considers unjust. He guarantees that if ASA does not go through with a lawsuit, they will
not be able to go back to ABOR to later change the policy from an opt in model to an opt out
model. ASA must take corrective action, in his opinion.
A second year law student from UA also speaks in favor of ASA’s lawsuit. He argues that
you cannot support ASA without supporting the lawsuit. He believes that it is essential that
ASA go forward with litigation, which will allow ASA to function the way that it has.
Without the funding that they used to receive, ASA will become a shadow of itself. It will be
vastly different and will not be able to do the same things. This was a decision that was not
taken lightly and many voices were considered. He comments that this is the only option
that ABOR has left them with. He says that “senators will send a chilling effect to the rest of
state in saying they do not support ASA.”
Questions from senate: Senator McDiarmid notes that they mentioned that ABOR will not
go back to an opt out fee; why do they say that? They are not confident that the opt in
model will fully sustain them long enough to fight for another model in a few years. ABOR
asked for new material for restructuring, so the UA representative explains that they
brought a 300-page document that explains the budget line-by-line, yet they still find
reasons to be against it. Their main reason for not having support is because ASA
supported Prop 204, which he does believe they need to defend. He believes that they
should not change something that is already working. Chairman Lee requests a copy of the
document. Dr. Brandel asks where the funding for the lawsuit comes from; it will be
coming from the student fees. The representative wishes to remind everyone that the fee is
sued to advocate for students and this is no different just because it is in the courts.
Senator Lake asks what will happen if the litigation fails; they reply by stating that they will
have the opt in fee and try to sustain the organization. However, they do not believe that
they should sit back and watch this organization spiral downwards. They will stand up for
what they believe in and will not fear failure. From a legal perspective, the UA
representative says that they must take action now before the statute of limitations runs
out. Otherwise, it would appear as if ASA was approving the decisions that have been
made. Chairman Lee asks what efforts they made to inform all elected officials of all three
universities; once the lawsuit passed, the other UA reps sat down with elected officials to
talk about it. They note that many aspects were confidential as part of the legal process.
The ASU ASA’s resolution was struck down 6:4. They kept directors in the loop and
presented to speak on behalf of ASA. They notified people through emails and every UA
director was present for the meeting last night. They send the information to the entire
borad when the decisions were made. Chairman Lee says that our directors did not know
about the vote until the Wildcat contacted us. ASA prides itself in student unity in all three
universities, so why was Sammy Smart not informed? They explain that it is not ASA’s
fault, but his own fault for not communicating. Senator McDiarmid asks what actions they
have taken to reach out to their student body; they have volunteers and directors and are
working on the details, but within the next two weeks, they will be hosting a town hall
meeting so that the UA population can have their voice heard. The Wildcat has also been
keeping the population informed. They do not use their interns for these matters, but use
them to focus on Lobby Con and other projects. Dr. Brandel asks which lawfirm they
secured to defend them; Steven Montoya.
Health Promotions Office: A representative from the health promotions office wishes to
receive feedback from the senate about a program for freshmen that requires them to be
more informed of alcohol and drugs. It is an evidence-based program that provides
feedback on their own drinking behaviors and the possible consequences of them. It also
includes strategies to stay safe; currently ResLife is using the intervention aspect of this
model (which is successful), but has not yet implemented the prevention aspect. It would
be an online program that they would take before orientation and then be followed up by a
discussion with the orientation leaders. Senator Fox likes the idea, but wonders how
effective it will be. Past universities have done it, but he inquires about their methodology.
She explains that they used a baseline of information of incidences and then compared
them with the next class who was required to take the test. Freshmen are at the highest
risk. Senator Woodhouse asks if it can be integrated into NAU100; she responds by saying
that only half of the class takes the class, so it is a great start but will not appeal to the
entire population. Senator Lake asks how they will make it required; it will appear as a
hold on their account or they may even be charged a fee. They wish to have the support
from organizations before requiring it. Senator Creer mentions that in other states, they
have similar programs. She says that it is similar to eChug; it is interesting and
personalized. Dr. Brandel says that the only result of this program is a safer campus; what
other information would they like to know? Chairman Lee suggests having a subcommittee
to sit and discuss these exact issues. Senator Tenney adds that he is against the fee as a
repercussion, but in support of a hold. He also asks about incentives; they have played with
the idea of free iPads, iPods, or other technology, but are still looking for how to fund it
exactly.
Chairman Lee entertains a motion to add a the club recognition as item e, an OA as item f,
and a bylaw revision as item g. (all items at once)
Motion: Senator Fox move to add item e to the agenda and title it “Club Recognition: Alpha
Lambda Delta Honor Society,” to add item f to the agenda and title it “OA: Delta Sigma
Pi, $500,” and to add item g to the agenda and title it “Bylaw Revision”
Second: Senator McDiarmid
Discussion: None
Vote: Unanimous, item e is now on the agenda and titled “Club Recognition: Alpha Lambda
Delta Honor Society,” item f is now on the agenda and titled “OA: Delta Sigma Pi, $500,”
and item g is now on the agenda and titled “Bylaw Revision”
Unfinished Business
None
New Action Business
Motion: Senator Fox move to vote on item a, IA: Jack Fleming, $400
Second: Senator Reddig
Discussion: The IA will fund an individual to attend a national art education association
conference in Fort Worth, Texas in March. Workshops will benefit lower and higher
education teachers and administrators; they will learn about professionalism and
curriculum. Senator Woodhouse asks what they will bring back to NAU; they will bring
back information about curriculum and personal development, connections and
networking, and research in current educational trends. Senator Woodhouse asks if other
NAU students will be in attendance; he has not heard of any other confirmed students.
Vote: Unanimous, item a (IA: Jack Fleming, $400) has been approved
Motion: Senator Woodhouse move to vote on item b, SB 25-66: Delta Sigma Pi, $1920.04
Second: Senator Tenney
Discussion: The conference was held this past weekend and is held twice a year; they
learned many professional and leadership skills and had many networking opportunities.
To NAU, they have brought back connections, seminars, and workshops in the FCB. Eight
people were in attendance; each paid a varied amount but will be reimbursed by this bill in
full. Senator Boruch asks if they have participated in any fundraising events; usually the
event is later and they have time to fundraise, but it was earlier this year so they did not
have that capability. Senator Fox points out that they did a program sales and Chili’s give
back night last semester that is not shown on the budget. Senator Lake asks why the
registration fees are varied; earlier registration was a different cost. He also voices a
hesitation with funding the entire event and proposes that each participant pay $50.
Senator Woodhouse agrees.
Motion: Senator Lake amend the bill to read $1520.04 rather than any mention $1920.04
Second: Senator Reddig
Discussion: None
Vote: Unanimous, the bill now reads $1520.04 rather than any mention $1920.04
Discussion: None
Vote: Unanimous, item b (SB 25-66: Delta Sigma Pi, $1520.04) has been approved
Motion: Senator Lake move to vote on item c, SB 25-67: Bass Fishing Club, $2350
Second: Senator Boruch
Discussion: This club allows students who have never had the opportunity to fish
competitively to do so. They attend tournaments along with the other western regional
conference teams. These tournaments are a great way to get NAU’s name out there.
Senator Lake asks how much the individuals are each paying; they will be splitting gas
(rounded to be about $200/trip) and lodging. These costs estimate to be about $100 for
each trip and there are about 8 tournaments. Senator Woodhouse asks if the club has done
any fundraising; they have not, but they have looked into doing a youth tournament at local
ponds and lakes which will benefit the club. Senator Woodhouse asks how much their dues
are; they are $20/semester, which pays for sponsors and products. Senator Lake asks how
many people are in each team; there are two teams with two fishermen to a team. Senator
McDiarmid points out that the second mention of “act to allocate” does not match the first
amount. They want the $3,000 mentioned as the second amount. Senator Lake points out
that it seems that ASNAU will be funding the entire amount; in addition, he points out that
they cannot fund tournaments taking place after July 1st so they cannot fund the
tournament taking place in October. Senator Boruch asks for a breakdown of the 9
tournaments listed; Senator Woodhouse explains that there are 7 in-state competitions and
2 out-of-state ones, one of which ASNAU cannot fund. Senator Lake suggests that they each
make an individual contribution of $50; Senator Fox agrees, stating that this will push them
to do more fundraising. Senator Creer speaks on behalf of the club, explaining that they are
a newly organized group that is still developing. They have many ideas to fundraise but are
waiting for the spring tournament. This is one of the few times that they have ever asked
for funding. Senator McDiarmid inquires about the gas estimations and how they were
created; Chairman Lee explains that it was probably based on the miles per gallon divided
by the miles. Senator Creer reiterates that the club is new. Senator Woodhouse says that it
seems odd that each gas estimation was$200; Chairman Lee reminds them that this price
may also include boat fuel. Senator Lopez points out that Lake Roosevelt is actually a very
far drive from Flagstaff. Senator Tenney asks how many days each event is; they are all one
day only, except for the California tournaments (which are overnight). There may be
discrepancies due to estimations. There was an OA for gas last semester; however,
everything else was paid for by those in the club. They will need to bring two boats to
Roosevelt, which adds mileage. Senator Fox says that even though they are a new club, it is
still a lot for ASNAU to be responsible for. Senator Lake suggests taking $400 off of the bill,
$50 per person. Senator Lake sympathizes with the club because he understands how
much more expensive California gas prices are and did not realize that they had to tow
boats. He also suggests changing the wording of the bill, altering “at least 9” to “up to 9.”
Motion: Senator Lake move to amend the bill to replace any mention of $2350 or $3000
with $2600 and to change the second whereas to read “up to 9” rather than “at least 9”
Second: Senator Fox
Discussion: None
Vote: Unanimous, the bill has now replaced all mention of $2350 or $3000 with $2600 and
has changed the second whereas to read “up to 9” rather than “at least 9”
Vote: Unanimous, item c (SB 25-67: Bass Fishing Club, $2600) has been approved
Motion: Senator Lake move to adopt item d, Resolution 25-3: ASA Litigation
Second: Senator Tenney
Discussion: In summation, Senator Smart says that the resolution states that ASNAU
supports ASA as an organization, but that they do not support the lawsuit being funded by
student dollars. Senator Lake asks if they should strike the last whereas out; Chairman Lee
mentions that they can discuss that later. Senator Lake asks whether ASA members feel
that they are being punished for donating money in support of Prop 204; is this our last
option? President Smart does not feel that it is a punishment; originally, it was seen as a
punishment but not any longer. Now, the regents have worked with other opportunities
(such as an opt in model) which will help them grow. Senator Fox agrees; when looking at
the fight between ABOR and legislation, legislation is not heading toward the voice of the
student. Picking a battle against ABOR is not in the students’ best interests. ASA believes
that they can eventually get an opt out fee in an unspecified time period. Senator
McDiarmid’s concern is with the timeline of events. He considers adding a whereas about
students not being involved with the decision. Chairman Lee asks them to be considerate
that students would not have been allowed to be part of the decision because of
confidentiality purposes. Senator Lake says that the resolution is more than a timeline and
a conclusion. Senator Smart states that the last whereas does include the conclusion that
using student dollars does not align with their mission statement. Chairman Lee says that
he believes the resolution is written in a way that their successors will be able to
understand it. Senator Tenney believes that ASA delegates should be elected by the
student body. Chairman Lee says that they are currently appointed by the president (much
like our actual government). The lawsuit states that the regents violated the first
amendment. One issue is that they do not know if ASA directly represents the student
voice if they are not elected. Senator Tenney does not believe that each individual
benefitted from Prop 204. President Smart notes that she is taking all concerns in mind
when structuring ASA. Senator Woodhouse expresses her concern that if the entire
process is funded by reserves, what will happen if that money runs out? Senator Lake asks
if NAU will suffer any repercussions for not supporting the lawsuit and they end up
winning; Jack replies by saying that it will not affect ASNAU at all. Senator Lake points out
that by not supporting ASA, it is just going to hurt them in the lawsuit, but he notes that he
does not think this is the best move for all of the students here at NAU. Senator McDiarmid
notes that ASNAU’s stance is going to have a huge effect, so please speak if you have no
already. Senator Reddig says that after the phone call, he believes that having our support
will make or break them and has encouraged him to think about supporting ASA. Senator
Chan says that even after the phone call, he is not for using student money to go through
with the lawsuit. Senator Lopez understands that ASA feels as if they are being pushed
around, but agrees with Senator Chan. Senator Creer is not for it because she does not
believe that they have the best interest for the students and that lititgation does not align
with their mission statement. Chairman Lee suggests doing a silent vote, but the senate
feels they are ready to do a final vote.
Vote: 9 are in favor of the resolution, 2 are not in favor of the resolution, item d (Resolution
25-3: ASA Litigation) has been adopted
Motion: Senator Fox move to vote on item e, Club Recognition: Alpha Lambda Delta Honors
Society
Second: Senator Boruch
Discussion: This club recognition aims to reactivate the chapter at NAU; the point is to
allow freshmen with a 3.6 or higher to feel a sense of community and to strive for academic
success. They will provide tutoring and socials in the future. Senator Lake asks if it is for
freshmen only; you must be a freshman to be accepted, but you can remain a part of the
chapter for all four years of college. Senator Fox inquires about the awards; the Joann Row
Undergrad Scholarship is a national award. They will simply help with applications.
Senator Boruch asks about those who slip under the GPA; they are no longer in the
organization. Seantor McDiarmid asks about membership dues; they will set an amount
after a few years. For now, there is $1700 in the account. Senator Lake asks what
members do after their first year; there will be guest speakers and socials. Senator Fox
asks if it is the national organization’s policy that does not admit sophomores, junior, or
seniors. She believes that it is to aim their membership toward freshmen to keep striving
for excellence.
Vote: Unanimous, item e (Club Recognition: Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society) has been
approved
Motion: Senator McDiarmid move to vote on item f, OA: Delta Sigma Pi, $500
Second: Senator Boruch
Discussion: None
Vote: Unanimous, item f (OA: Delta Sigma Pi, $500) has been approved
Motion: I move to amend the current ASNAU By-Laws as follows: in Article VIII Section 5,
strike the words for clubs and organizations, add sub section m. which will be Alcoholic
Beverages, furthermore add an additional sub-section, i. to read: for the purposes of subsection m., If alcohol is on the invoice or receipt, no money will be reimbursed even in part.
ASNAU is not responsible for the individual consumption of alcohol at any event.; and
strike the mention of alcohol in section 6 of article VIII.
Second: Senator Reddig
Discussion: The amendment was in response to organizations who asked for funding, but
they could not give money to those organizations if there was alcohol involved in any
portion of the event (even if they were not directly funding the alcohol). In the legislative
meeting, they decided not to limit it that much. They decided to move it to parallel the
federal, state, and NAU guidelines for alcohol; if they have a receipt with alcohol on it, they
cannot receive funding. The section would now read “As per federal, state, and NAU
guidelines, ASNAU will not funding the following…” which would clarify that they cannot
give a check to reimburse any receipts with alcohol on it, so that they are not responsible
for the drinking aspect of the event. Chairman Lee says that this will allow organizations
who have members who are 21 or older to have alcohol as long as we are not paying for it
nor are we responsible for it. To get a better idea, PRISM will be hosting an event at the
Orpheum theatre, which has a bar in it. Originally, in the old bylaws, we would not have
been able to fund the location because there was an attachment to alcohol. Another
example would include tailgates. Now, with this new bylaw, they would be able to fund the
venue as long as they are in line with the law. Senator Tenney asks that if they break rules,
would it look like ASNAU condoned that behavior? With the proper documentation, they
cannot claim ASNAU as liable. Dr. Brandel suggests discussing how situations should be
handled if injuries or other unpredictable actions occur. Because the Orpheum is an
alcohol-licensed vendor, they are comfortable funding it. They will have to be very clear
about which vendors will be licensed as well. His advice is that they should constrict
circumstances. The intention for the amendment is that it would create flexibility about
funding organizations. Senator Tenney suggests getting legal counsel before officially
voting on it. Senator Lake asks if it is a time-sensitive issue; Senator McDiarmid says that
as long as it is voted on by next week, he agrees that legal counsel is a valid reason to be
postponed.
Motion: Senator Lake move to table item g, Bylaw Revision
Second: Senator Fox
Discussion: None
Vote: Unanimous, item g (Bylaw Revision) has been tabled and will reappear under
unfinished business next week
Executive Report
a. President- Sammy Smart
-President Smart will be creating a cleaning schedule for senators. She needs
two students to sit on the learning committee; Senator Creer and Senator Fox
volunteer. She will be out of the office on Friday and Monda. There will be a
cyber bullying event on campus in reaction to the NAU Confessions page. On
March 1st, Pitch Perfect will be shown at the pool, so that could possibly be an
ASNAU social!
b. Vice President of Student affairs- Annsley Niemann
-VP Niemann accommodated 15 international students to use the Snowjack
Express this weekend, which will be leaving at an earlier time than usual. She
ordered four computers through club headquarters; three will be going toward
headquarters and one will be going toward VP Academic Affairs. The last
computer will be reimbursed by the state, as there was a flood that ruined it.
The grand opening for headquarters is March 6th so please email your clubs!
There will be food and raffles and it will be from 4 to 7. During your office hours,
please keep the office looking clean. Please send the link to the “It Gets Better”
video to your clubs, as well!
c. Vice President of Academic Affairs- Ryan Lee
-VP Lee reports that he is happy with how these meetings have been run; the
student demand is high and mistakes happen, but the senators are being served
at a very high rate. Last year there was a total of 81 bills; we already have 67
and it is February. Pay attention to your university committees and contact the
chairpersons if you have not heard fro them. Tonight, there will be an elections
information session at 7.
d. Chief of Staff- Makenzie Mastrud
-Chief of Staff Mastrud went to the RHA meeting on Monday; they are holding
elections and ASNAU has one vote. Elections packets will be due on Monday at 5;
reminder that all packets must be stamped, initialed, and placed in the folder. If
you are attending Lobby Con, make sure that the packets are due at the proper
time.
Staff Reports
A. ASA- Jack, Danielle, Shayna
- Lobby Con and Lobby Day will be this weekend. They will be discussing how a
bill becomes a law; in addition, at the capitol ,they will be lobby on SB1399 and
HB2333—which are pledge bills going through the house and senate and they
are not looking good right now. For HB2412, there is not much attention being
brought to the bill so they hope to focus more attention on it. The interns have
had days of actions this week and last; on Valentine’s Day, some interns made a
“kiss HB2169 goodbye” themed card with student signatures. They have also
been collecting statements of support.
B. Public Relations- Matt Villa
-Matt is finalizing the concert posters.
C. ITS-Joey Smoll
-Most of the pictures are up on the site and the minutes and bills are updated.
Please keep sending Chief of Staff Mastrud the bills.
D. Special events- Tony Buchta, Sara Martin
-Tony and Sara will be announcing the concert next Thursday; unfortunately,
they had to cancel last night’s event.
E. NSG- Representatives
-NSG reports that they are looking into a finalized date for their dance-a-thon
event on April 19th or 20th. It will be decades themed and the funding will go
toward a philanthropic cancer organization which prepares bags for chemo
patients. In addition, they have looked into asking Red Bull to be their sponsor
and are even considering putting their logo onto a t-shirt. They will be selling
tanks for $15 and the entrance fee will be around $5 to $10. As far as a social
with ASNAU, they are looking into doing battleship.
Committee Reports
A. Appropriations: Senator Woodhouse says that there were not very many
completed forms
B. Legislative: Senator Lake reports they will be meeting again this Sunday at 4:00
PM.
Senator Reports
College of Arts and Letters
a. Shannon Boruch-Senator Boruch reports that she emailed her clubs;
office hours have not been very busy.
b. Anthony Lake-Senator Lake reports that there are many
performances going on in their college. He is working with two clubs
on bills.
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
a. Samantha Cross-Not Present
b. Jeremy Reddig- Senator Reddig reports that he emailed his clubs,
made copies, and helped around the office.
College of Health and Human Services
a. Derek Lopez-Senator Lopez reports that he works tomorrow and will
be making calls for Chief of Staff Mastrud.
b. Dominique Creer-Senator Creer thanks Senator Woodhouse for
helping with her first bill; thanks for approving the bill.
College of Education
a. Kelsey Smart-Senator Smart reports that she has been in contact with
the dean’s assistant; they are trying to meet with the assistant dean.
New mentors will be scheduled this next week.
b. Adam Fox-Senator Fox says that he met with the Future Teachers
Counsel about fundraising ideas. He is meeting with two clubs;
Quidditch will be going to the World Cup tournament.
College of Business
a. Jeremy Chan- Senator Chan reports they are still waiting for a reply
from their dean; in his office hours, it was not very busy.
b. Darrell Tenney- Senator Tenney reports that he met with AMA. They
want to have a conference; their advisor was in Sedona, so there was a
delay. He discussed fundraising ideas. He talked with the business
clubs about potentially funding a main event for all of the clubs in the
college. He is sad that he cannot serve on the committee, but he is
unavailable on Sundays. Please consider finding a better time.
College of Forestry, Engineering, and Natural Sciences
a. Oregon McDiarmid-Senator McDiarmid reports that he and his dean
discussed strategy planning, as well as the ASA lawsuit and the bylaw
revisions. He attended the civil ordinance hearing. He wishes to
congratulate the D3 hockey team going to nationals! He is excited for
lobby con this weekend.
b. Shayla Woodhouse-Senator Woodhouse reports that she is working
on a bill for next week; in her office hours, a club asked about funding
information.
Advisor Reports (Rick Brandel and Art Farmer)
Rick Brandel— Dr. Brandel reminds us all to stay healthy and keep our grades as
our priority; he also appreciates everyone that listened to his advice in reference tot
the bylaw revisions item.
Art Farmer— No Report
Discussion Items
VP Lee would like to bring an amendment to the bylaws to legislation in regarts to stating
who can run for elections. Some people who have qualifications expressed interested but
because they came to NAU in the spring, they cannot run. The current bylaws state that to
run for an executive position, the delegate must have attended NA for three semesters and
for those interested in running for a senator position, the delegate must have completed 15
credit hours. VP Niemann suggests that this discussion may be better for the elections
commission.
Announcements
Adjournment
Motion: Senator Fox
Second: Senator Boruch
Unanimous
6:09 PM