ASNAU SENATE MEETING #4
TWENTY-SEVENTH SESSION
OFFICIAL MINUTES
Date: September 26, 2014
Date of Senate Meeting: September 25, 2014
Number on council: 12
Number present: 12
Prepared by Lara Kritz
Chairman Nicholas Startt called the Senate meeting of the 2014-2015 Associated
Students of Northern Arizona University Senate to order at 5:02 P.M. in the
Havasupai Room A & B of the University Union.
Roll Call
Approval of Minutes
Motion: Senator Startt move to approve the minutes from last week’s Senate
meeting
Second: Senator Hightower
Discussion: A general conciseness was reached that there are issues. Senator
Tillighast suggests that there be paragraph breaks in long speeches. Senator
Pomeroy suggest that the minutes be word by word. Senator Munhall urges
all the senator to send in their reports.
Motion to Table: Senator Startt moves to table last week's minutes.
Second: Senator Aguilar
Vote: Unanimous, last week’s minutes have now been table.
Call to the Audience
Brittany Simon would like to introduce two people who are involved with
Government Affairs and asks if they would like to address the senate.
The representatives thank the senate for allowing them to speak and apologize
for the interruption. They state that they represent NAU at the state and
congressional delegations. They are working on building a student regent
section through NAU. They state that they are open to all questions that the
senate might have. Dr. B states that in the spring there is a group of students
that they take down to the capital and coach them on politics. He states that
this is a great opportunity to learn about what is happening in the political
climate and the various potions held by certain members. They also teach
students on the hot topics that are being asked about universities. Brittany
Simon states that she is excited to work with the presenters and that this a
great opportunity for NAU.
Questions
Unfinished Business
Item A
Motion to Table: Senator Munhall moves to table Item A: SB 27-14: Chabad
NAU - $3,500
Second: Senator Silva
Vote: Unanimous, Item A: SB 27-14: Chabad NAU - $3,500 has been tabled.
New Action Business
Item A
Motion to Table: Senator Nobis moves to table Item A: SB 27-21: Partners in
Health (PIH) - $1,889.29
Second: Senator Emerson
Vote: Unanimous, Item A: SB 27-21: Partners in Health (PIH) - $1,889.29 has
been tabled.
Item B
Motion: Senator Buchta moves to vote on Item B: SB 27-22: NAU Jazz China
Tour – Charles Murray - $1,800
Second: Senator Munhall
Discussion: The NAU Jazz China Tour group presents their budget to the
senate. The NAU Jazz China Tour was an event for students to visit NAU's
partner universities in China to perform for and with students. The group
stated that this was a great experience for them and a culturally enriching
experience. They are asking for funding for travel expenses which where
paid out of pocket.
Questions: Senator Hightower questions the amount they are requesting per
person. Senator Soto points out that they are not an official club. She also
notes that in total, the senate would never fund a single club this amount.
Senator Nobis states that the total amount they are asking would be more
then the maximum that 3 clubs could apply for in one semester. Senator
Startt suggests that the amount per person to be lowered to $1,000 and that
the senate would not fund a single club $10,000. Senator Pomeroy states that
the senate should fund a group the same amount as a club. Chairman
Nicholas Startt states that an appropriate amount of money to fund the group
in total would be $3,500. Senator Buchta questions if this event happened in
the last fiscal year and if Paula would have a problem with refunding the
money. Dr. B raises the questions if asking for money from the previous fiscal
would be allowed. He feels that if the Senate approves this funding, Paula
would refund the money. Senator Soto states there was enough roll over
from last years funding to cover the cost. Senator Startt discusses granting
the amount of $1,000. Senator Munhall states that they have not received
funding from ASNAU for the last few years. Senator Tillinghast states that he
has sent away other groups asking for funding for the last fiscal year. Senator
Nobis states that if the senate allows this, it may give others a loophole to get
funding. Senator Soto states that in Spring 2014, the limit for club funding
was $4,000. She suggests that we might consider tabling this and consulting
the laws for funding. Senator Aguilar states that it would be unfair to clubs if
the senate where to allow the full amount of funding. Senator Alkhuzami
states that it should not effect the senate’s decision if they have o have not
received any funding in past years. Senator Soto suggests altering the laws to
have a cap on individual funding. Senator Emerson states that they should
not receive the same amount as a club because they are not a club. Senator
Buchta agrees. Senator Tillinghast states that he will vote no. He does not like
the idea of funding any group or club for the previous fiscal year, even if
there is rollover. The NAU Jazz China Tour states from the audience that it
was for a summer class. Senator Soto states that people cannot receive
funding when college credit was gained. Senator Startt states that they
should be responsible for the expenses because it was for a class.
Vote: Unanimous, Item B: SB 27-22: NAU Jazz China Tour – Charles Murray $1,800 was denied funding.
Item C
Motion: Senator Buchta moves to vote on Item C: SB 27-23: NAU Jazz China
Tour – Christopher Alagna - $1,800
Second: Senator Munhall
Discussion: See Item B
Vote: Unanimous, Item C: SB 27-23: NAU Jazz China Tour – Christopher
Alagna - $1,800 was denied funding.
Item D
Motion: Senator Buchta moves to vote on Item D: SB 27-24: NAU Jazz China
Tour – Jordan Butler - $1,800
Second: Senator Munhall
Discussion: See Item B
Vote: Unanimous, Item D: SB 27-24: NAU Jazz China Tour – Jordan Butler $1,800 was denied funding.
Item E
Motion: Senator Buchta moves to vote on Item E: SB 27-25: NAU Jazz China
Tour – Ryan Stigmom - $1,800 was denied funding.
Second: Senator Munhall
Discussion: See Item B
Vote: Unanimous, Item E: SB 27-25: NAU Jazz China Tour – Ryan Stigmom $1,800 was denied funding.
Item F
Motion: Senator Buchta moves to vote on Item F: SB 27-28: NAU Jazz China
Tour – Derek Engler - $1,800
Second: Senator Munhall
Discussion: See Item B
Vote: Unanimous, Item F: SB 27-28: NAU Jazz China Tour – Derek Engler $1,800 was denied funding.
Item G
Motion: Senator Buchta moves to vote on Item G: SB 27-29: NAU Jazz China
Tour – Joshua Landi - $1,800
Second: Senator Munhall
Discussion: See Item B
Vote: Unanimous, Item G: SB 27-29: NAU Jazz China Tour – Joshua Landi $1,800 was denied funding.
Item H
Motion: Senator Soto moves to vote on Item H: Senator SB 27-27:
Lumberyard Line for Rally Towels - $2,000
Second: Senator Hightower
Discussion: The towels would handed out on family weekend at the tailgate
and the game. The order for the 5,000 towels is just pending approval.
Vote: Unanimous, Item H: SB 27-27: Lumberyard Line for Rally Towels $2,000 was approved.
Item I
Motion: Senator Soto Item I: Senator Club Recognition: Bhakti Yoga Club
Second: Senator Aguilar
Discussion: The Bhakti Yoga Club is a sub section of the vegetarian club. They
are working to heal the Flagstaff committee. Their yoga involves deep
meditation to help relieve stress and to encourage people to live a stress free
lifestyle. They would like to reach out to students to help relieve stress
around campus.
Vote: Unanimous, Item I: Club Recognition: Bhakti Yoga Club has been
approved.
Item J
Motion: Senator Emerson Item J: Club Recognition: Jack’d Up!
Second: Senator Pomeroy
Discussion: The Jack'd Up club started with a group of 5 freshman that loved
to cheer. They would love to be recognized as a club in order to expand and
compete. There are 32 people interested and most have joined already. They
stated that if the numbers continue to expand, they will have to form two
cheer groups. They are working on creating a bond with the university cheer
team and is working with them to practice and compete. They are recognized
by NAU sports and are just waiting on ASNAU's approval.
Questions: Dr. B asks if there are any male members. Yes, there are at least 2
male members in the club.
Vote: Unanimous, Item J: Club Recognition: Jack’d Up! has been approved.
Item K
Motion: Senator Buchta Item K: SB 27-20: Tau Sigma - $1,250
Second: Senator Silva
Discussion: Tau Sigma is asking for funding for a national conference. The
funding would cover various costs for the trip including 2 nights in a hotel.
The members paid for the trip out of pocket and is seeking reimbursement.
Questions: After various amendments to the bill, it was decided by the senate
to not amend every mistake and to table the bill so that corrections could be
made outside of senate.
Motion to Table: Senator Startt moves to table Item K: SB 27-20: Tau
Sigma - $1,250
Second: Senator Pomeroy
Vote: Unanimous, Item K: SB 27-20: Tau Sigma - $1,250 has been tabled.
Item L
Motion: Senator Startt moves to vote on Item L: Senator SB 27-26: Open –
New Student Government Line
Second: Senator Poemroy
Vote: Unanimous, Item L: SB 27-26: Open – New Student Government Line
has been approved.
Executive Reports
a. President- Jillian Zuniga
⁃ First, I’d like to apologize on behalf of my vacancy at this week’s meeting. I was
truly looking forward to wearing my construction hard hat and accessorizing
with my shovel. I will have to bring both items next week, in person. Also, I
would like to thank Vanessa for taking diligent notes at the CoCoSus meeting;
I appreciate you sitting on the committee!
Here is an updated budget as of 9/24/14. You will notice that we have
changed a few things. The first is that we added member’s names to
the budget. WE have also subtracted amounts from the budget that
were either paid by p-card or IDB.
On Wednesday I attended the student regent meeting and we had a
very insightful meeting, which centered on a tuition and fee policy
that President Klein is presenting to the board and university.
Brittney will revisit this topic in her report however; I would like to
create feedback on this topic once it’s explained. So when I return, we
can have that conversation as a group and with Brittany’s guidance. I
also attended ABOR this morning and afternoon where I was able to
communicate with the other Student Body Presidents from the 2
Universities about a variety of topics. Most included, their Tobacco
and/or Smoke Free Policy, which is implemented on both campuses.
I have connected with the two other AZ Student Body Presidents to
discuss current issues on campus. This varied from sexual assault,
tobacco, IM SHACKED, and school spirit. I can elaborate more on this
next week.
Due to some unexpected situations with ITS, I have decided to push
back the 23 fee survey to a new timeline. The survey will be sent out
towards the end of next week. I’m looking at October 2nd. With that
being said, if you have thought of any additional services we should
additional services we should add to the survey that we haven’t
discussed, I’d love to hear your ideas. I apologize for the
inconvenience of the expected timeline.
I have been doing my research regarding the study abroad
scholarship for the Fall and Spring. I will be reaching out to CIE to set
up a meeting with the Committee, which includes Jared and myself
within he next few weeks. We will meet 4 times this year. I am hoping
to set a deadline towards the end of October with the committee for
Fall applicants. I am working on turning in my PR request to the PR
team, however, I suggested we use the same flier from last year since I
want the advertisements for this specific event to become more
staple. (FYI- last year was the first year we advertised for the
scholarship) Please provide any suggestions you may have.
I will be meeting every other Monday with Lauren and Nikki at
11:30am to catch up on a few things but not limited to: budget, ASNAU
email, daily procedures, hours, etc.
I will be speaking at the Celebration of Academic Achievements this
Saturday; I hope to see some familiar faces. Let me know if you’re
being recognized at this event!
b. Vice President of Student Affairs- Savannah Libby
- She attended ABOR and had lunch with the other universities senate
members. She states that this Saturday there will be another tailgate and
to sign up and come out. The band will be there again and feel free to
bring your families too. There will be pizza, cookies and games. She needs
one to two senators to volunteer for alcohol wristband checks. She is
trying to get a scanner so people don’t cheat the system and give their
wristbands to their friends. Also, she would like to remind the senate that
the tailgates do not allow glass containers, glasses, or bottles. She
encourages the senate to keep up the good work. She also would like the
staff and senate that attend the tailgates to be in their ASNAU polos. The
president of the university received a distinguished reward that only 12
other people have received for impacting and changing students lives. She
talked to some of the other universities and how they run their senate
and she finds that they may be some changes that ASNAU might make. Dr.
B would like to remind people that the tailgate tomorrow might be a bit
hectic due to the forecast for rain and asks that you come prepared.
Savannah asks everyone to hope for a sunny day and to see you all there.
C. Vice President of Academic Affairs- Nicholas Startt
- He reports that he has only 3 more senators to meet with for their
monthly meeting. He also states to sign up and attend your office hours
with constancy and a googledoc will be going out to sign up for time
frames. Also, if you cannot make your office hours due to illness, please
email and notify him. Tabling for genre voting will start soon so sign up.
He also attended ABOR and talked to other universities about their
senates.
d. Vice President of Government Affairs – Brittney Simon
- See attachment
e. Chief of Staff- Jared Gorshe
- He is working on getting a photo booth and is waiting on the insurance
papers for the carnival rides. Family night is tomorrow and he needs
someone to table from 7:30 to 10. Senator Nobis volunteered.
Homecoming packets should be out Monday and who ever wrote SB 2720, don't worry, everyone makes mistakes.
Staff Reports
A. Student State Affairs- Tia Yap, Nicole Ortega
- They attended ABOR and worked on the electronic administrator. They
will let the senate know how the electronic polls will work. They had their
first meeting with the new interns. Also the national voting in Flagstaff is
coming up and the city is looking for workers from 6am to 10pm on
election day. There will be no more t-shirts for voting, but there will be
buttons and flyers to hand out. They are really looking forward to tabling
and working with everyone.
B. Public Relations- Richard Trunzo, Kayla Boxberger
- They are working on the carnival ads and flyers. They are going to base
the poster off a cool old carnival advertisement that they found, and that
will hopefully be done by next week. They are looking to advertise around
the union on the TVs and napkin holders to increase attendance. Please
follow the social media pages and they are working hard to reTweet
current and past posts. Jared asks that the poster actually be hung up
instead of being left in the office like last week.
C. Special Events- Spencer Carlton, Jeremy Chan
- See Jared’s report.
D. NSG- Ryan Cook, Sara McCaffrey
- See Jared's report.
Committee Reports
A. Appropriations: Senator Soto
- The meeting was held and senate bills were written. She would like to
remind the senators to initial, state, and stamp there funding packets.
A. Legislative: Senator Buchta
- They report that they are reviewing the election commission and that
there will be no meeting next week. They have spoken with other schools
and report on the information they learned next week.
Senator Reports
College of Arts and Letters
a. Reed Emerson- This week she has completed her office hours and cleaned the
front desk. She has invented a senate communication log so that senators and
staff no longer have to communicate through sticky notes.
b. Scott Tillinghast- This week he worked with Tau Sigma to write a bill. He reports
that there where man errors due to communication mistakes and will revise
and represent the bill on a later date. He had a meeting with his dean and it
encouraged him to do more exciting stuff around campus. His college has
over 400 events planned for this year and he hopes to attend some of them. A
cool idea that is being implemented is barcodes on campus buildings that
when scanned, tell it's history. The barcodes should start appearing by the
end of October, so start looking for QR codes.
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
a. Benjamin Silva- He reports that he had a lovely meeting with his dean and that he
helped print funding packets at the front desk.
b. Alyssa Soto- She talked with ASU's and UofA's senate and asked questions. She
also talked about visiting there schools and vice-verse.
College of Health and Human Services
a. Libby Munhall- She had her meeting with nick this week and emailed her dean.
She stopped into the office to give Josh lunch and investigate funding for her
clubs.
b. Ryan Startt- He worked office hours and is waiting to her back about funding. He
needs to meet with nick.
College of Education
a. Cesar Aguilar- He worked his office hours and is contacting clubs on writing a bill
and should have one to present soon.
b. Vanessa Pomeroy- She worked her office hours and has several clubs looking for
funding, so she should have a few new bills coming in.
College of Business
a. Alexandria Buchta- She attended her dean meeting on Monday and attended
appropriations and leg. She has contacted ASU and UofA to compare
governing documents and perhaps updating our election code. She wants to
learn more about how they conduct their senate and perhaps implement
some of the practices here.
b. Alwi Alkhuzami- He had a meeting with his dean on Monday and wrote a senate
bill finally. He also reports that he has worked his office hours.
College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
a. Joshua Nobis- He reports that he has completed his office hours and has talked to
various people about course evaluations. There is also a flow chart that he
has completed that he will email out. Also, he vacuumed the glitter that
someone had spilled around the front desk.
b. Brett Hightower- He wrote his first bill and it was not amended or table. He has
been in contact with a few of his clubs about funding and has completed his
office hours for the week.
Advisor Reports (Rick Brandel and Art Farmer)
Rick Brandel— He would like to remind the senate that the packets for
graduating senior awards are due tomorrow.
Art Farmer— He reports that there have been some difficulty with the
software for the 23 Fee Survey and that release date has been delayed until
this problem can be fixed.
Discussion Items
- None
Announcements
The golden pine cone award this week goes to Reed for stetting up a new
communication system in the office. Senator Soto would like to remind the senators
that they need to remove the page with social security information before handing it
to the senate clerk. Nick congratulates the senate for a good decision in regards to
the funding for the NAU Jazz China Tour bills.
Important Dates
Adjournment
Motion: Senator Buchta moves to adjourn the meeting
Second: Senator Silva
Vote: Unanimous, meeting adjourned at 6:40 P.M.