83rd MSSA Senate
March 16th, 2016
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Call to Order by 83rd Speaker Farah
Roll Call
Presentations
a. Students Event Team – Spring Speaker (Absent)
b. Athletic Budget Presentation
“Building champions”
Focused on student-athlete development from a holistic perspective:
 “Life in the Balance”
 Live both sides of the dash
 Champions both in sport and in life
Fall sports start the ball rolling:
• The women’s soccer team won another NSIC regular season conference
championship before falling in NCAA regional tournament play.
• The football program also won the overall NSIC conference championship before
losing at home in the first round of the NCAA playoffs.
It was a “Super Saturday”!:
• The men’s and women’s track programs both won NSIC indoor track and field
championships and the women went on to finish 18th nationally, while the men
placed 17th . Collectively, the two programs had a total of seven student-athletes
earn All-American honors, including Myles Hunter with a new NCAA Division
II record in the high hurdles.
• The women’s swimming and diving program placed 24th at the recent NCAA
Division II championships and had it’s first All-American performance in the
past six seasons.
It was a “Super Saturday”!:
• The wrestling program finished 9th nationally and had three All-Americans,
including a runner-up finish by Malcolm Allen.
• Coach Matt Margenthaler’s basketball team reached the regional round of the
NCAA tournament for the 11th time in the past 12 seasons and scored a first
round upset of MSU Moorhead before falling in the round of 32 to Northwest
Missouri to finish 17th nationally.
“Ice, Ice Baby”:
• The men’s and women's hockey teams settled into their new home at the Verizon
Wireless Center during a season that also saw the installation of a new centerhung video scoreboard.
• The men’s hockey team repeated a regular season championship and earned a
share of the MacNaughton Cup title, playing to crowds that once again lead the
WCHA in home attendance by a wide margin.
Head of the class:
 2014-15: Five Academic All-Americans, with 7 Myles Brand Award recipients
(3.75 GPA) and 11 WCHA Scholar-Athletes (3.5 GPA).
 More than 35% of SA’s on Fall 2015 Dean’s List.
 Cumulative GPA (Fall 2015 GPA reports):
• Women’s Athletics: 3.37 GPA
• Men’s Athletics:
2.92 GPA
 Women’s teams: Volleyball-3.65; Basketball-3.61; Cross Country-3.45
 Men’s teams: Hockey-3.08; Baseball-3.06; Cross Country-3.02
Standing tall in the community:
More than 3,500 community service hours annually:
 “Trick or Treat With The Mavericks”
 “Munch With Mavericks” (in-school reading program)
 “Mavericks for Make-A-Wish”
 Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
 The Kiwanis Holiday Lights project
Msu athletics: by the numbers Student driven:
 20 teams (18 NCAA Division II, 2 NCAA Division I)
 11 women’s teams/9 men’s teams
 More than 525 student-athletes
 Also student coaches, student team managers, student athletic trainer and
student support groups, such as cheerleading and dance teams.
Msu athletics: by the numbers; Student supported:
Student Rewards-1,750 members
MavAlerts (text message database)-1,250
“Maverick Machine” – 100 member performance band provided opportunities to play at home
athletic event.
Student attendance (Avg. per game):
Hockey: 1,100; Football: 2,500; Basketball: 500; Stomper’s Facebook & Twitter followers-4,100
@msumavericks Twitter followers-7,651 (hockey-4,690; football-2,897)
MSU Athletics Facebook-1,600
“Building champions”
 The price of success: Unfunded NCAA postseason expenses
 Increasing expectations-taking it to next level
 Is current athletics budget sustainable?
 University budget climate-5% budget reduction
 Correlation between resources and competitive success…$$$ doesn’t buy
championships, but it sure helps!
 Does it matter?
“Success is Expensive”-Roger Thomas
Fee support/credit hour history
Good intentions leading to bad outcomes:
Challenges with separate fee structure
 Agreed to separate fee structure in FY’13 as previous fee structure was approaching cap:
 4th year of new student fee structure. Fee support dropped dramatically
in first year by over $100K and has never completely rebounded, with
FY’16 support still less then FY’11 support.
Challenges with separate fee structure
 A 3% fee increase no longer leads to a 3% increase in total fee support (%
increase in per credit hour fee has not offset % decline in credit hour base).
 Declining enrollment erodes percentage fee increase (i.e.-based on FY’17 credit
estimate Athletics will be down nearly 16,000 credit hours in base allocation since
FY’13)
 As a result total fee support in FY’16 is almost $20,000 less than it was in FY’11
while operating expenses have increased dramatically (estimated 15% increase)
over the same time period.
Haffield: Even with budget cuts, others have been as successful as you so why is your group
more important than others?
KB: Athletics is highly visible and it is how others see us. I’m not saying we’re so important,
but just trying to put into context our relevancy.
Haffield: Because we can’t raise all fees need to look at those more deserving. Why you?
KB: I understand that. Don’t’ want to pit against others but state again the visibility and impact
on ancillary areas including enrollment.
Sam: Always seeing comparisons to other institutions but feel MSU is ahead. We have many
other depts.. that are also about success. So many requesting increases. We would like to hear
more than it just being about success.
KB: Those aren’t only benchmarks we use. Think part is complexity of budget model. Felt leap
of faith moving to credit hour fee but probably were better off operating under previous budget
model. This is all a collaborative effort and we all work together.
Sam: I don’t feel we are at that level where it is affecting our enrollment.
Martin: The reason I came to MSU was for an opportunity in swimming but was during the
same time that the swimming program was cut. If we were to go with average, would you be
adding programs?
KB: We would initially invest in current programs as we need to be very mindful if adding of
Title 9 programs.
Green: What are the priorities? I know a student with a full sports scholarship and who had to
give up their goal to be in athletics as it conflicted with nursing labs.
KB: That is unfortunate situation and we continue to work with Academic Affairs, Nursing,
sports mgmt., etc., as it is difficult and hard to hear. We will continue to work around those
schedules but also need help of AA.
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c. Campus Rec Budget Presentation
Why the Fee?
To re-build and add much needed outdoor recreational fields, replace the original
outdoor track, build an on-campus fitness trail and light some of the fields so we could
play at night.
Quality, safe fields for softball, flag football, soccer, rugby, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee and
more.
The need for storage buildings and restrooms.
The Fee
Shows up on your Tuition & Student Fee bill.
Much discussion took place over two years, including a failed referendum in 2007.
Motion made and passed by MSSA in Spring 2008 and began collecting student fees in
Fall 2008.
Debt Service for the construction will be paid back over 20 years (FY2029).
Breakdown of the Fee-Revenue
$2.50/credit banded at 12-18 credits, or $30/semester.
Take in approximately $820,000/year in student fees.
Earn approximately $7,000/year in interest.
Breakdown of the Fee-Expenses
Debt Service on approximately $7 million in outdoor recreation and athletic facilitiesover $503,000/year.
MnSCU Fund Assessment-over $14,000/year.
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Operations and Maintenance-staff, fuel, utilities, materials and supplies-approximately
$135,000/year.
 Renewal and Replacement Fund-equipment/mowers, facilities/track, etc.approximately $70,000/year.
 Operating Reserves-3 month minimum-over $105,000/year.
Haffield: What % are you asking for?
TP: We are not asking for more here but only giving you this info. 2029 construct. Bonds paid
back but didn’t talk about oper. And main.
Haffield: what exp. Do you share with Athletics?
TP; A couple facilities are primarily used by Athletics. They don’t contribute but we are in it
together. Budget is under Facilities Management.
Sam: How would you feel about a decrease and how would you deal with it?
TP: Steve Smith might be the better one to answer that as we need 3% in operating reserves.
Mark Constantine: Todd is only here to inform you on the fee and there is a separate budget for
them. This is usually a fixed fee that stays the same.
a. Maverick Adventure Proposal – Sam Steiger & Students
 Really excited to share why this is important.
 (Student Stories shared about positive impact of Adventure Ed Prog)
o Three diff. aspects: rental center, trip & travel, clinics & certifications.
o Staffing needs.
o Dedicated space: prime location would be current RPLS area
o Cost: (MSSA Funding) $251,000
o Maverick Adventure Testimonials (handout)
o Benefits
 Offset student costs; Enhance academics and all interdisciplinary areas on
campus.
 Professional competiveness
o Survey sent out in 2014
Smith: Thanks for sharing your personal stories. Initial fee disc., talk about maintaining equip.
costs?
Student: Some built into it.
Aris: Is this primarily student driven or other depts.?
Student: Basically, across the entire campus.
Torgeson: I appreciate idea, but have you looked at off-campus for equip rentals to decrease
costs?
Student: The prices they’d be renting for would be higher than what we would rent for. Also
would mean keeping this all on campus for students
Sam: The testimonials are great but what is the university doing to help create this and how can
you make happen for less than $40,000?
SS: We do have the support of VP Jones and Dr. Wells. VP Zierdt’s testimonials shares how
credit hours can be taken for it and how it would benefiti recruitment and retention. Not
possible on $40,000 as it is a significant risk. Can’t do it halfway but has to be the right way.
There are currently 30 universities around the state that do this, why not us?
Sam: What is the university doing to help with this?
SS: That is a good question to ask your administrators.
Martin: Have you looked into private funding?
Student: Not at this time but could be possible avenue.
Martin: I feel it would be good for students to educate ourselves on the outdoors.
Green: Thanks for coming. I think it encourages being active and also helps with mental
health.
Dahir: Could you explain more about the RPLS classrooms relocation??
SS: It is not being vacated but would be ideal for this program. Been talking with academic
partners and asked for data specific to these rooms.
Dahir: Then how do you justify asking for this much money without having dedicated space?
SS: Then lets’ get at it.
Haffield: I think it is a wonderful idea but with cost and others asking for such large amounts,
how can we justify adding this?
Students: This is a draw for students but for those considering coming. Makes college
experience that is much richer and connecting to the natural world.
Bui: What are the 6 positions total and costs given?
SS: That is very rough estimate and would be addition to my current salary.
Sam: I don’t think my business to challenge admin., and is your job to come with proposal
when asking students to provide $251,000.
Haffield: What is per credit hour fee?
Student: We don’t have specific fee but only estimate of what things might cost.
Constantine: This would mean approximately and additional .91 cents added onto the fee.
Bui: Have you considered a phased in approach?
Students: If we’re going to do it, why not do it right? Want to fully embody this program going
in.
 Open Forum
VP Jones: Yik Yak discussion: spoke with MnSCU legal counsel and possibility of coming to
campus the week of March 28th – early April. May be another day other than a senate day and
more open forum format, let me know.
Martin: Any idea on how it feels on their part?
VP Jones: Yes, don’t agree and feel infringes on free speech. Even if apprv’d by President
Davenport, it would then go to MnSCU and possibly court.
 Approval of Consent Agenda
Appointments:
Commission on Ethics & Standards:
Recognized Student Organizations:
Student Allocations Committee:
1. Recommend allocating up to $30 for non-food related travel expense the Muslim Student
Association to assist 3 students travel to attend the Minnesota MSA Chapter Meeting to be held at
Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN, March 5, 2016.
a. Amount Requested: $30
b. Per SAC Guidelines, Section IV, Item 16, travel funding provides a maximum of $50/student,
with a maximum of $1,000 per fiscal year.
Meeting minutes 03.02.16
Approved.
 Vacancies
o Off-campus Senator
o CSET Senator
 Officer Reports
o President Haffield
a. Cindy retiring in May. Amber Enz will be starting May 9th.
b. HLC coming March 28-29th.
o
Vice President Al-Mohamadi
a. MSUSA Washington, D.C. overview
b. Didn’t feel most MN reps were that helpful; met with Senator Franken over
MSUSA items supported and also supported by Franken.
c. Also met with Colin Peterson, Rick Nolan, Amy Klobachar and John Klein whom
were also supportive. Most not in favor of free tuition.
d. Overall, felt that minds were made up on both Democratic and Republican
sides.
o Speaker Farah
a. M & C update. Discussions on: Yik Yak, budget hearings by VP Straka, HLC visit,
policy review.
b. Elections update: Commission trying to get all rules readings done, please reach
out to us with questions.
 Senator Reports
o Senator De Ruiter
 Student Affairs haven’t met last couple weeks so no updates.
o Senator Smith
 AA tabled and talked with many students on academics, Yik Yak, etc. and trying
to get in routine of tabling more often. Possibly diff. approach to MTRP
program and tabling for student input.
De Ruiter: Is there any process for donating old textbooks as I’d love to donate.
o Senator Fontana (Torgeson)
 Met with Buisman for input on Athletics budget.
o Senator Gibson
 Working on open forums with VP and formulating topics. Next week will be on
immigration.
 Also working on a senator transition plan for new incoming senators.
Old Business:
Consent Agenda Item from February 24, 2016:
6. Recommend allocating up to $237 to And Now …The MSU Undergraduate Literary
Magazine to assist with expenses associated with the editing, printing (500 copies) and
distribution of one (1) issue of an undergraduate literary magazine that will provide opportunity
for undergraduate students to have their work recognized and published contingent that the
printed issue is available for distribution to students on or before April 1, 2016. It is further
recommended to allocate up to $1,136 for three (3) additional issues (500 copies of each issue)
to be published monthly during the fall of 2016. The club is advised that SAC will consider future
funding of the magazine in the fall of 2016 after two (2) of the three (3) issues have been
published.
Funding source: travel/programming annual allocation.
a. Amount Requested: $497 (part 1)
b. Reduced recommendation due to SAC discuss of the number of copies to be printed
and their recommendation to reduce the number from 1,184 to 500 for the spring 2016
issue.
c. Amount Requested: $3,919 (part 2)
d. Reduced recommendation due to SAC discussion of the number of copies to be
printed and their recommendation to reduce the number from 1,184 to 500 for each of
the three (3) fall 2016 issues.
#83 MM 03.09.16.01
Amendment to SAC Item 2.24.16 - MSU Literary Magazine
Al-Mohamadi/Gibson
It is further recommended to allocate up to $237 for one (1) additional issue (500 copies of the issue) to
be published during the fall of 2016. The club is advised to return to SAC for further funding
consideration of the magazine.
Furthermore: The MSSA encourages the club to seek outside funding through such things like grants.
Motion passes.
Aye: 21 Nay: 2 Abstain: 1
Perez: When this was passed it was same day as bowling so all were glazed over. When he came to SAC
we talked extensively about this and thought would be a good trial run.
Sam: Now it is being recommended that they will have to come back for $237 for each issue.
MC: It reads $237 for fall. We already gave go ahead for spring so think unfair to them as they want to
have out by April.
Sam: It will stay the same for spring but not for next fall.
Dahir: Why are changes being presented to us?
Sam: Thought is we are recommending for next year and next year’s senate should be doing it.
Dahir: There is value to what they are doing but they don’t have an outlet to publish their work. This is
specifically targeted at MSU students. Don’t think we should take this away from them.
Aris: I agree with this as they still get funding for one issue but can come back next year.
Riesterer: This isn’t a big deal even if overlapping a little bit.
Martin: I think it is fine for them to come back in future.
Smith: I think this is good as we’ve promised that money for next year and will have issues to support
this.
 New Business
#83 MM 03.16.16.01
Senator Transition Reports
Smith/Gibson
Whereas, new senators can join the senate
Whereas, it is difficult to succeed without specific knowledge of a senate seat
Whereas, transitional documents would benefit the senate for years to come
Be it resolved: each senator must complete a transitional document for their successor
Be it further resolved: these documents must be completed prior to inauguration and
submitted to the speaker for records
Be it further resolved: these documents will be distributed by the speaker
Be it further resolved: the transitional document will follow the following prompts:
1. Description of position
2. List typical positional contacts
3. Methods used to connect with constituents
4. Goals for the year
5. Accomplishments as a senator
6. What you wish you would have known at the beginning of the year
7. Ideas that weren't able to be completed (outline progress)
Motion passed.
Aye: 24 Nay: 0 Abstain: 0
Smith: The idea is the same as what’s asked from RSOs. The reason they are to go to the speaker is in
case someone needs to leave, some sort of file is saved yearly. Also provides multiple perspectives.
Gibson: This would not be time consuming and could be helpful.
#83 MM 03.16.16.02
Mandatory Student Actions on Racial Issues.
Ruiz/Martinez
Whereas: In light of the recent conversations regarding racist, hateful, and discriminatory comments on
our campus;
Whereas: The senate agrees actions must be taken;
Be it Resolved: Students must engage in action to build a caring and inclusive community. Students and
university leaders should have more conversations about how to ensure a campus environment that
embraces and respects all forms of racial, cultural, gender and religious identity, expression and sexual
orientation.
Be it Further Resolved: The MSSA Diversity and Academic Affairs Committees will collaborate with the
Office of Family and New Programs to ensure that the First Year Seminar Class syllabus has at least one
program that ensures students develop the skills necessary to promote social justice and to have
constructive conversations surrounding differences.
Motion tabled.
Ruiz: I feel as a student government we need to uphold values of social justice. I personally feel
education is best way to tackle issue.
Green: is FYE required for all freshmen? Feel in this age of Trump, it is a good motion.
Ruiz: I only highly encouraged.
Yang: Have you talked to those in charge?
Ruiz: yes, professors are able to include on syllabus and are in favor of this. These are skills that
students will need after college.
Yang: what are other ideas to make a bigger dynamic?
Ruiz: open to other ideas. Also another writing intensive class.
Martin: I don’t think it is enough and should be included in other avenues as well.
Ruiz: I do agree but this will be the first step.
 Announcements
o African night this Saturday.
o Gibson: discussions every Weds about inclusiveness.
o Senator Steele’s birthday last week
o Martin: IBE started selling their products this week.
 Roll Call
 Adjournment
o Meeting adjourned at 6:53 pm.