83rd MSSA Senate
October 7th, 2015
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Call to Order by 83rd Speaker Farah
Roll Call
Presentations:
a. Laura Schultz - Violence Awareness & Response / Cyrenthia Jordan - Title IX: Handouts
i. Handouts; review of services.
Farah: What is the reporting process?
Laura: We start with Security then share the report with Affirmative Action process (interviews, decision maker). We’re
also an advocate for CADA when they need to be called. Often times they are victims of violence, sexual assault in their
lives. Typical perpetrator may use alcohol.
Cyrenthia: I work with issues regarding Title 9 and also handle issues around diversity in hiring practices in addition to
this policy. I’m surprised that so few are aware of our sexual violence policy. The policy covers sexual assault and other
actions. Can access both policies on our website. MnSCU does oversee this policy but we also work with other
organizations around campus life. Many situations involve students where they’re not sure if they were violated as
possibly alcohol, drugs have been used. We handle not only student but staff actions. Although there are clear
definitions around sexual assault/violence, definitions are not clear around each situation. More information will be
heard as laws are changing with reporting. (Aug. 2016). Currently, there is also a D2L model in place.
Sadeghi: Do you have any suggestions as to what students can do?
Cyrenthia: Take a look at policy so you understand and also support them. There are also a number of ways you can
reach out to report and be resource to others.
Callais: How is handled if victim doesn’t know who it is?
Cyrenthia: That is where the reporting and fact gathering process begins. From there, the decision is made and goes to
another level. Discipline is then decided (Student Conduct).
Dahir: How effective is the policy and how can we improve?
Cyrenthia: I think we have a good policy and it is very clear as to what actions to take. However, need to access how it
is implemented. Getting more education and information out. That is where you can help.
Bui: Thank you for talking to us. My view is that you are either part of the problem or the solution. We need zero
sexual assaults on campus.
Sadeghi: Do you know of ways to prevent?
Cyrenthia: There will be more presentations around campus as to what you can do. There are also brochures/posters
being updated and changed so there are a lot of resources. There are also videos on Security website on preventing
these things. Will be looking at enhancing all of these things.
Ashley Strom – RSO overview - PPT
We’re here to give the facts so I ask that we all please drop victim/villain act. Please let us all take a deep breath and put
aside for the moment. There were 242 organizations who actually sought recognition this year. One of the reasons that
MSSA is not the villain is that it is policy. They are just upholding the policy that was put into place by those and other
administration. I feel like some of this is just accountability. We need to act cohesively as a group. The January
recognition process hasn’t always been here and was added to assist in the process. This is not meant to be punitive but
is meant to teach that deadlines are important. In the scheme of things, this is only a slap on the wrist.
Sam: Why is the process changing every year?
Ashley: Actually, not much has changed. You submit and report on Orgsync. The University invested a lot of money to
use this. That’s why this year it was a requirement to do it. The quiz happened as many weren’t coming to the meeting
and all of the rest of the process stayed the same.
Sam: As the assistant director you get to make the decisions on this. What are you expecting from MSSA who are
representing those students?
Ashley: I was asked this the other day. My expectations for the senate and everyone else, is to hold everyone to a
higher standard. It is no different if you’re submitting Fafsa, or running a small business. This is all optional and we
shouldn’t have to hold your hand on this. The expectation is for you to listen and then let’s have a lot of fun together. It
is very simple, in my mind. Hope you’ll up hold the process. We only have 9 weeks to go.
Steele: Could others have attended the dinner or just the president?
Ashley: It was intended for the president however, would’ve just been a matter of communicating that the president
couldn’t attend so someone was attending in their place.
Rayani: What do you actually have to do on your side to recognition?
Ashley: We look at everything submitted, communicating with senate, and you all vote on it. It also means sitting down
with those who don’t understand and/or need more information. RSOs aren’t the only thing that I work with.
Rayani: What benefits do recognized RSOs receive?
Ashley: Funding, (i.e. MSSA recommends funding for portion of Campus Rec; Institutional Diversity applies for funding
that way); scheduling space; campus email address; creation of signs, and ability to post banners.
Dahir: What areas can Student Activities take ownership and then student leadership?
Strom: Student leadership didn’t listen to all emails/communications sent out. Overall, this has been one of the best
years of communication.
Martin: So, you’re saying the process is good and it is on student leadership?
Strom: Yes, I primarily do for anyone who steps into a leadership role. Think it is a blessing what you learn from this. It
is only a slap on the wrist.
Sadeghi: How many were not recognized last year?
Strom: Possibly 10 more than last year, however, that is not black and white as new ones come on and old ones go
away. It is a reoccurring problem that people don’t transition leadership.
Sadeghi: My opinion is that new leadership here tonight is giving them an extension is only crucial benefit?
Strom: Something like just room space and email, I could get on board with. Policy is there for a reason so probably
better we follow it.
Ruiz: I think this is vital to culture of campus so if not recognized, how can they get involved?
Strom: It is only for now and I think they can exist until January. Sometimes hard lessons suck. I know that. I’ve been
there.
Sam: The policy says that student senate can implement sanctions, however, doesn’t say every year. How is this
affectively whole policy?
Strom: I didn’t have any role in creating that policy, but it is still a SA policy as we’re upholding it and should say annual.
Gallery: (Swing Dance Club) What is actually considered public space on campus? Maybe the policy on the website
should also be updated as it was last updated in 2005.
Strom: It depends on what you’re doing.
Gallery: It states that it is automatic renewal in MSSA by-laws Art. 6, Subsection 2.
Farah: It states that it is after review process by Student Activities’ process.
Gallery: Who makes policy? Each individual office? What type of stakeholder is put into that?
Wells: The University has a Policy Consultation Review Committee who review these policies and actually develop
procedure plans for that policy. Just getting started and they already have a list of them underway. For instance, this
policy falls under Student Affairs Division led by VP David Jones.
Gallery: What kind of input do you get for example on this kind of policy?
Wells: It would be more implementation procedures, not actual policy.
Strom: I appreciate all of you in this room even though many of you are upset. I feel it needed to happened and is a real
opportunity for all of us to become a better community and be better RSOs. Think it should be more about the
organizations and not the individual leaders. The cultural needs to change.

o
Open Forum
Jamie Kunz-Lacross: I’m a MSU alumni and former president of the Lacross Club. Kudos to Student Activities for
putting the tools in this process. However, where we disagree is that a little slap on wrist is not going to matter.
These organizations create a lot of alumni relations. They forgot to take the quiz. They’re willing to own up to
that, but ask that just because one student leader made a mistake not to hold the entire club accountable. I’m
not minimizing the mistake, however, the implications are immediate. They had to cancel their game for
homecoming. This is far-reaching as far as alumni affairs. Now canceled. This is the same guy who is going to
call up and ask for money. When I left I wanted them in a better place. These types of groups recruit students
into your school. Multi-cultural events also will be canceled which bring all kinds of families and students up
here. I understand the need to hold people accountable but ask you to make consideration for a more
graduated sanctioned approach instead of immediate sanctions.
Sam: The policy says MSSA has power to recognize. We do thank you for what you do and give back. We are here as
student senate to uphold it and be responsible as leaders. Decisions made here go back to Davenport. He would have
the power to reject as a university.
De Ruiter: Are you aware that last year you had the same situation?
Kunz: I was aware of that and are putting an alumni group together to talk about leadership transition. I’m helping get
this group back on track.
Riesterer: It was stated that multiple people were notified with multiple emails. If we supersede the policy today with
an appeal process, etc., how do we deal with everyone else?
Tyler (LaCross): It should be all of us or nothing.
Sadeghi: It sounds well established so assume your biggest problem is not having space. So, can you do fundraising for
renting space?
Tyler: It is financially tough right now so that is not an option for us.
Haffield: Why didn’t you complete the quiz?
Tyler: It was overlooked.
Gallery: This process should be the responsibility of all RSO members, not just the president so others have
responsibility.
o Phi Delta Theta: Rather than punitive damages, maybe community payment or volunteering. Otherwise, this is
very scary for int’l students who come here to be part of a group.
Haffield: Why didn’t you complete quiz?
Carl: I waited until the last minute. It was after 5:00 o’clock and already closed when I did go on that last day. That’s on
me.
Sam: You’re not a typical student, but a student leader.
Riesterer: If you didn’t follow Sec. 1 of the By-Laws, then you’re void of Section 2.
Amer. Indian Assoc: I’m not speaking on behalf of an RSO, however, a year ago we submitted proposal to the 82nd MSSA
for Columbus Day, Oct. 18th, to be changed to Indigenous People Day. It passed and was even adopted by MSUSA. The
most recent MSSA planner had Columbus Day, not Indigenous People’s Day. We hope that next year this doesn’t happen
again.
Farah: We were not aware of that and I will take personal responsibility for that.
o Psi Chi Honor Society: to recap, didn’t complete req. because we didn’t receive emails. Fault of the system.
Dedicated to this organization and didn’t intend to break the rules. Group has benefited me in many ways.
Supposedly, you are the voice of the students. If you take things away, you are not carrying out this. We are an
honor society and if don’t have this org., is hurting our chances of getting into grad school. Applications are due
this December so for us, this is more than a slap on the wrist.
Haffield: When did you take over?
Psi: Last year, but not until August.
Haffield: What kind of process do you have for transitioning?
Psi: The RSO process was never mentioned. This should’ve been my top priority as would never put them in this
situation
Smith: My heart is heavy as we’re put in a hard place. We are elected by you guys to put policy into place. It is very
difficult.
Riesterer: How do we separate you from one that doesn’t care?
Psi: We’ve been working so hard since August and the advisor was going to back us up.
Riesterer: This amounts to documents, team members, advisors.
Psi: I didn’t know my advisor until August.
o
Triple E: I had a very positive experience and it didn’t require 19 emails. I had questions along the way and had
responses right away. Feel it is resp. of leader to step up and do it.
o Dolly-ISA : I’m here to speak on behalf of those who tried their best but weren’t recognized. We come to you as
our leaders and judge. These associations provide services not only to members but the entire campus. We
provide meaningful connections between domestic and int’l students. I admit my mistake for not completing
parts of it. I represent 1,125 int’l students who are here. I don’t feel they should suffer because of my mistake.
I have a petition signed by 282 students who want an appeal. We worked hard all summer with planning. The
sanctions say no funding from Student Activity fees. Isn’t it the job of Student Activities to promote RSOs and
the job of MSSA to encourage students to go for leadership positions? How does this help with either? I’m
requesting a chance to appeal and show that mistake was minor. This is a loss for the entire University and it
now lies with you.
Haffield: How many written signatures do you have?
Dolly: I have online and written signatures.
Haffield: Do you know there are staff names on this?
Dolly: Yes, only 2.
Haffield: Why didn’t you do the quiz?
Dolly: I had a meeting and was running late because of my supervisor didn’t allow me to go. I wanted to make sure
someone went to the ISA office so somebody could go take the quiz.
Rayani: petition is in support of appeal process. As VP of ISA I support everything Dolly has said.
Sam: You have two senators who are board members and attend meetings weekly. I don’t feel your case is that strong.
We’re talking about solutions but how about the problem? It is our responsibility to advocate for students and yours is
for 1,125 students.
Dolly: I’ve been working really hard to make this org successful and when I didn’t understand what was intended, I went
to Rayani and Ruiz and asked.
Kramer: Do you read your emails?
Dolly: I went to Ashley as I wasn’t receiving emails. Sometimes I receive emails as a group and not just to me.
Dahir: You’re here to represent ISA so you need to take ownership. To what extent are you doing so?
Dolly: I’ve been making sure that all int’l students get information on events and other opportunities. I think there is
misunderstanding of process. Not asking that everyone get recognized but that there be a process to investigate.
Gallery: How many RSOs are under ISA?
Dolly: There are 30.
Farah: A petition needs 10% of student body, so that would mean it needs approximately 1500 votes.
Rayani: The petition wasn’t meant to enforce only to show how many students care.
o MavLankens: I couldn’t go to dinner as the president has problem with communications. Asking for another
chance.
African Student Association: My comment to MSSA is that no policy is 100% as were all humans and subject to error.
Are policies amended to be less strict and more gradual?
Farah: Senate can discuss this in New Business.
o Amer. Society of Civil Engineers: Thanks for this and I understand I’ve fallen short as far as understanding. Also
understand that other groups only missed the quiz.
Phi Delta Theta: I have overhead some MSSA senators say, “I hope we get you through.”
Farah: We will discuss in New Business.
Gallery: MMA club – leadership makes mistakes. We lost everything. I will get into the ring in a week and a killer can
smash my face. (Leadership mistake, i.e. Pearl Harbor reference)
Lindsay: I personally have reached out to several previous presidents, however, we can’t do it to all.
Haffield: Did you have the same issue last year?
MMA: Yes, that is true. It didn’t mean that much to the past president. It does to us. We just need right to reserve
PH104.
Sam: Scheduling is one of the biggest privileges of being recognized. How many of your students are affiliated with
MSU?
MMA: Around 4-5 are not but 20 are from MSU.
Former Latino Wellness: last year was an officer of an . Was very shy and it helped me in a good way. Meant many
great things for me. Getting involved with an RSO kept me coming here. Many are struggling with language like me.
Just think about all of them and how they want to be involved.
Todd: This has a particular impact on men’s hockey club and the weekend of hockey series. They don’t need funding or
facilities, but need the RSO label for liability.
Farah: We checked on this and were told by VP Jones that there are no RSO liability issues as they fall under the
University.
VP Jones: Yes, an inquiry was made with MnSCU Council and it turns out that RSOs don’t fall within definition of needing
to be covered under that policy but under the coverage of the university.
 Approval of Consent Agenda
Appointments: Grace Smith – Academic Affairs Coordinator; Skeeter Rogers – Student Allocation Committee; Wayland
Hunter - Environmental Committee.
Commission on Ethics & Standards:
Recognized Student Organizations: MSU, Mankato Gymnastics Club; Sport Management Graduate Club; ROTC RSO;
MSU Freedom Alliance; Encounter MSU
Student Allocations Committee:
1. Recommend allocating up to $350 ($50/student x 7 students) for non-food related travel expenses to Chi Alpha
Campus Ministry to attend a fall retreat at Village Creek Bible Camp in Lancing, IA, October 9-11, 2015.
2. Recommend allocating up to $350 ($50/student x 7 students) for non-food related travel expenses to Mavericks
for SHRM to attend MN SHRM State Conference “Navigating the Rivers of Change” in Rochester, MN, October
11-13, 2015.
Meeting minutes 9.30.15.
 Vacancies
 Officer Reports
o President Haffield
o Met with Residence Hall about room & board rates process.
o Meet & Confer was last Thursday. Discussion items included academic mapping, the online preview of
it; Charting the Future process and wanting students participation; Climate Action Plan that also needs
discussion and approval from the Senate.
o Vice President Al-Mohamadi
o Sam: Homecoming: Thanks for participating in the pieing event; parade participation: wear senate
polos and nametags; City/University meeting update included homecoming parade downtown idea for
150th.
o Speaker Farah
o Senator reports due from some, Senator Hunter resigned as Academic Affairs Coordinator and Gracie
Smith has now been appt’d.; office hours need to be recorded. Presently, we are at 21 senators at the
table. There are 16 people needed for quorum so I ask that you all stay.
 Senator Reports - None
 Old Business
Motion 83 MM 09.30.15.01
Haffield/Al-Mohamadi
Whereas: There have been a significant number of previously recognized student organizations that are not being
recognized the fall 2015 semester due to missing requirements (see list of student organizations included in the
minutes);
Whereas: Student organizations that are not recognized do not receive the benefits of being a recognized student
organization. These benefits are listed under the Minnesota State University, Mankato “Recognized Student
Organizations, Privileges and Responsibilities” Policy;
Whereas: Some of these previously unrecognized student organizations fall under various departments and entities
within Minnesota State University, Mankato, such as Campus Recreation, the Multicultural Center, the Kearney
International Center, etc.;
Whereas: There is the possibility for unrecognized student organizations to receive such recognized student organization
benefits through departments and entities, which would be against Minnesota State University, Mankato policy and
Student Allocation Committee guidelines;
Whereas: The Minnesota State Student Association feels that any departments or entities that provide such benefits to
these unrecognized student organizations should be sanctioned as they are not following Student Allocation Committee
guidelines;
Therefore be it resolved: Any campus department or entity that is found providing such recognized student organization
benefits to any unrecognized student organizations will be sanctioned;
Be it further resolved: The sanctions will be decided upon by the Minnesota State Student Association and any
committee that is legal and deemed appropriate. An example of such sanction is a reduction in future student fee
funding.
Haffield: This doesn’t affect those organizations not receiving student fees. It is unfair to those recognized if
unrecognized receive the same benefits. We have never done sanctions like this before but was brought as a motion.
Sam: As a student government, we do have to authority to hold people accountable. This motion is to enforce a rule
that already exists. We need to be strong on this and support the motion.
Motion passes.
Aye:15 Nay: 1 Abstain: 1
 New Business
Motion 83 MM 10.07.15.01
Rayani/Ruiz
Whereas: Historically, RSOs provide an opportunity for students and the community to grow, learn, question and
develop as engaged participants on campus, greater Mankato and the globe;
Whereas: A new process for recognizing RSO has been implemented for the 2015-2016 recognition process;
Whereas: There has been a significant number of previously recognized student organizations that are not being
recognized the fall 2015 semester due to missing requirements;
Whereas: Student organizations that are not recognized do not receive the benefits of being a recognized student
organization. These benefits are listed under the Minnesota state university Mankato Recognized Student Organizations,
Privileges and Responsibilities policy;
Whereas: The mission statement of MSSA is to uphold policy as well as advocate for and voice the concerns of students;
Whereas: Article I Section 2 of the MSSA Constitution states: “The Senate may propose regulations, create services,
initiate activity or policy, enforce compliance, petition particular action by appropriate authority and adopt resolutions.
Additionally, the Senate shall establish procedures for the recognition of campus organizations and shall recognize those
campus student organizations complying with the established procedures”;
Be it resolved: MSSA establish an appeal process for unrecognized student organizations to regain recognition;
Be it further resolved: An appeal process will be decided upon by the Minnesota State Student Association.
Motion Fails.
Aye: 9 Nay: 11 Abstain: 1
Motion 83 MM 10.07.15.02
Rayani/Ruiz
Whereas: The mission statement of MSSA is to uphold policy as well as advocate for and voice the concerns of students
of each organization with no conflict of interest;
Whereas: The Senate may propose regulations, create services, initiate activity or policy, enforce compliance, petition
particular action by appropriate authority and adopt resolutions. Additionally, the Senate shall establish procedures for
the recognition of campus organizations and shall recognize those campus student organizations complying with the
established procedures;
Be it resolved: The Minnesota State Student Association shall evaluate the newly introduced RSO recognition process for
improvement in good faith.
Motion Passes.
Aye: 18 Nay: 0 Abstain: 4
Rayani: I believe an appeals process will be fair as we’ll let a committee will decide. It is a fair and objective way to
show us which ones care.
Ruiz: None of us are perfect and make mistakes. I would encourage you to support this motion.
Riesterer: I move to postpone this motion indefinitely.
Haffield: I feel that an appeals process will be very subjective and just a continuation of problems we’re hearing now.
De Ruiter: As 60% are failing because of the quiz, I’d suggest letting those RSOs retake it. Mistakes happen.
Schumacher: We all share a common goal of enhancing the student experience. Think if not passed, we will be
diminishing that.
Callais: Sometimes there is no do overs and is just the way it is.
Sam: Rules are there to be broken. I feel that there is mistake in the process and it is a good suggestion for us to
develop as a group. Not supporting an appeal process. Support something that is middle ground but not an appeal
process. It would take weeks to do so. If so, you as senate have to figure out how to do. Feel there was mistake from
administration’s part as well.
Sadeghi: I think it is unfair to a few groups not to be recognized. We need a more specific process.
Yaya: I don’t think we should be against this as it is a big deal to them.
Schmit: We are the voice for students. We need to do something as it is crucial to a students’ experience.
De Ruiter: Is it the students first or the process?
Lindsay: Where do we draw the line? Some have done this time after time. We need a stricter policy.
Taylor: We all make mistakes but consequences to all of them.
Sam: I would make an amendment for an appeal process regain recognition.
Bui: I’d be in favor. I don’t think any more than one mistake should be included.
Dahir: We can’t satisfy everyone.
Sam: It will take a lot of time so the whole point is to allow people who started the process to finish it.
Haffield: As you can see, this is very subjective. I’d suggest something like a one week extension.
Motion 83 MM 10.07.15.03
de Ruiter/Riesterer
Whereas: Sixty percent of the student organizations were not recognized because of the quiz;
Whereas: Over 1,000 students are directly affected by this;
Be it resolved: The student organizations only missing the quiz be given one week to compete the quiz.
Motion Fails.
Aye: 6 Nay: 11 Abstain: 4
De Ruiter: I feel that it is more than slap of the wrist to some so feel this would be a good solution. They did do many of
the things.
Riesterer: Feel it is middle ground and the fair thing to do.
Krueger: I don’t think it fair as other people did everything else but attend the dinner. It should be all or nothing.
Motion 83 MM 10.07.15.04
Al-Mohamadi/Rayani
Whereas: There was an established RSO process by Student Activities;
Whereas: Some RSOs didn’t receive any of the communication emails and didn’t complete any of the requirements;
Be it resolved: Those RSOs will be given a chance to get recognized only if there is proof of no communication reached
and received by the president or vice president.
Motion Fails.
Aye: 6 Nay: 12 Abstain: 2
Motion 83 MM 10.07.15.05
Yang/Dahir
Whereas: Organizations that want to see approval to be RSOs;
Be it resolved: Organizations that haven’t yet been must complete the quiz again and be included on the OrgSync
portal, and report progress to the senate in person at least four times a semester about progress and how the funds
have been used and have President and Vice President sign a contract to pass the info along to future President and VP.
Motion Fails.
Yang: Feel like we all want to give them a second chance. You can then come back here and report your progress.
Dahir: We just keep going in a circle. Either give them a chance or not.
Riesterer: When we don’t uphold a policy like we’re doing now, we’re actually breaking the rules. I think we need to
respect the Student Activities faculty as now it means extra work for them. They’ve already done their work.
Caucus (8:16 pm)
Motion 83 MM 10.07.15.06
Haffield/Riesterer
Whereas: People don’t want to anything about those RSOs;
Be it resolved: Any of the RSOs that want to be recognized write a letter to Speaker Farah that explains why they want
to be recognized along with what is wrong with the process by next Tuesday noon. They will then be put on next week’s
Consent Agenda.
Motion Passes.
Aye: 12 Nay: 1 Abstain: 4
Haffield: This is too subjective of a way to get recognized as an RSO. They will have one week to do so. This will not
happen again.
Riesterer: This is the middle ground we were looking for.
Haffield: They will also be requested to write a letter to the Speaker and then put on the Consent Agenda for approval.
If for some reason afterwards that senate feels they should not be recognized, they can be stricken from the agenda.
Sam: If we approve this, basically we’re saying that the policy is crap. It is not fair to the Student Activities staff that
have spent all the time going through the process.
Rayani: I don’t see how this is middle ground?
Haffield: Obviously, we want to do something, but are actually doing nothing. This reconciles that.
Riesterer: I recommend that it includes updating OrgSync, taking the quiz, and sending a letter to the Speaker by noon
next Tuesday.
Callais: I feel that this is the most time effective and quickest way to get things done.
 Announcements
 Roll Call
 Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.
(*** The full 5 hours of meeting is available on audio recording.***)