83rd MSSA Senate
April 29th, 2015

Call to Order by 82nd VP Joe Wolf

Roll Call
Miranda Steele 1-0-0; Taylor Krueger 1-0-0; H. B. Hankerson 1-0-0; Wes Huntington 1-0-0;
Connor Martin 1-0-0; Katherine Gibson 1-0-0; Jessica Farah 1-0-0; Ivan Martinez 1-0-0; Maria
Ruiz 1-0-0; YaYa Jabri 1-0-0; Wayland Hunter 1-0-0; Paul N’gumah 1-0-0; Siavash Sadeghi 1-0-0;
Faical Rayani 1-0-0; Noah Schumacher 1-0-0; Ricky Sargent 0-1-0; Patrick Riesterer 1-0-0; Zana
Vejsa 1-0-0; Tien Bui 1-0-0; Aliya Hussein 1-0-0; Desirae Kramer 1-0-0; Ian Mwangi 1-0-0; Fred
de Ruiter 1-0-0
A. Presentations
B. Open Forum
 Intro – Campus Police Officer, Stephanie Wilkins
 Joe Wolf – Walk to the Capitol – for tuition freeze and $142M state
appropriation. Walk will be a relay format. May 10-13th. Please see me if
interested.
C. Approval of Consent Agenda
Appointments: Student Affairs Coordinator: Fred de Ruiter; SAC: Skeeter Rogers, Zach Gunby,
and Ashley James; Sen. Faical Rayani - Public Relations Committee; Sen. Maria Ruiz - Diversity
Committee; Abdul-Hafeez Nakumbe - Diversity Committee; Sen. Faical Rayani - Technology
Advisory Committee; Sen. Zana Vejsa - Student Allocations Committee
Charles Thiemele - Student Allocations Committee; Paul NGumah - Library Advisory
Committee; Dulana Rupanetti - Student Union Board; Morgan Romero-Student Union Board;
Ali Oku - Diversity Committee
Commission on Ethics & Standards:
Recognized Student Organizations:
Student Allocations Committee:

Recommend allocating up to $350 ($50/student x 7 students) to Engineers without Borders for
non-food related travel expenses to travel to EWB international event May 11-16, 2015 in Santa
Rosa Senca, El Salvador contingent that it can be confirmed writing that their RSO group
receives less than $500 annually from any University department/college.
Meeting Minutes 4.22.15
Approved.
 Vacancies – Open next senate meeting.
o College of Business (1)
o Social & Behavioral Science (1)
o Allied Health & Nursing (1)
o Residential Life (3)

Election of Speaker
o Becky Wegscheid- I was a senator for the last two years. The first year I was a
Crawford Senator and last year Off-Campus Senator. I’m very excited to stand
before you and run for Speaker. I look forward to your questions.
Jessica Farah-(Copy of resume and recommendation letter). I’ve been a senator this
last semester. I’m very excited to see all the diversity around the table. I realize I
will be giving up my vote but am excited to help students get their voices heard.
o Michael Hanson – (List of awards) I’ve been in senate for the past 5 years. I
represent the servant leadership style. During my time, along with representing
my constituency, one of my focuses has been on the MSSA constitution and bylaws, and senate operating policies.
Haffield: Why did you choose to run?
JF: The Speaker is someone who is impartial, listens to varying opinions, leads discussions, and
is efficient. I like to think I’m very efficient.
BW: I had the idea last November and decided in February I wanted this position. The reason is
that my past two years I feel I’ve accomplished great things. I feel this person needs to be an
unbiased facilitator. With such a new senate, I want to take a mentor role vs a grass roots role.
Hanson: Passion. I’ve been involved with this organization for a long time. I ran for Speaker
back in the 80th. I would’ve run during the 82nd too, but was admitted to the graduate program.
I’ve had a big passion for this office and have worked hard as far as working on its ‘efficiency
and transparency. I’ve overseen many governing document changes and have been part of the
Constitution Commission for the past two years. I’ve had the chance to offer suggestions to bylaws and the constitution. I’ve frequently been called aside for my interpretation of the rules.
Haffield: How would you work with Sam and I and balance out all personalities?
BW: You all have big personalities and are phenomenal leaders. I want to be a good facilitator
and find a middle ground to do the best for student body and the student government.
Hanson: I always maintain tact. The idea is to be impartial and still advocate along the way.
I’ve also been the Student Affairs Coordinator and a member of the Academic Affairs
Committee so feel I can manage personalities.
JF: I’m impartial. I have good relations with Student Affairs Coordinator and feel confident
with others as well. I will bring passion to this group.
Haffield: What would you do differently?
Hanson: I have observed the last five Speakers so have seen different leadership styles and
witnessed some best practices. I know Robert’s Rules very well and have even created a
lifetime endowment in the office for them.
JF: No two are the same but want to be relatable as speaker. Don’t want senators to be
intimidated and want it to be more welcoming.
BW: You sort of train yourself out of a job. It sounds bad but I think it is so necessary as a
governing body to understand RR’s and not waste time. I want to focus on senator training.
For instance, I want to do a parley pro tip of the week and some other basic things necessary to
be a senator. I feel training is so important.
Haffield: Can you give an example of when you were impartial?
JF: When I sat on the Cultural Contribution Committee as graduate stud. I knew this wouldn’t
affect me but still wanted to see changes for many of you. It is important to listen and at the
same time be impartial.
BW: When I was Ethic & Standards Committee Chair it meant I didn’t have a voice but had to
just listen to others. As a senator myself, it could be difficult as had to make unbiased decisions.
Hanson: Out of practice over the years I’ve tried to be vested in my voting and consider what
my constituents would benefit from. For example, when Matt Lexcen was president and also
part of my fraternity, a request for funding was made and I was one of the biggest opponents.
Al-Mohamadi: Do you feel you accomplished what you wanted to?
o
BW: I was part of a lot of committees and boards but my main goal was to represent my
constituents. I feel like I did so.
Hanson: Being on committees are a great way to bring issues forward as well as my being part
of a MnSCU taskforce. My constituency this year represents 1798 students on campus and I’ve
also been a member of the Graduate Coalition which was created just last year.
FH: Unlike the other two candidates, I only came in mid-year so didn’t accomplish as much for
that short of time but feel during my time on the Cultural Contribution Committee and also
recently elected as VP of the Grad. Coalition, I’ve managed to accomplish some things. I want to
see it continue.
Al-Mohamadi: If not elected, will you still stay involved?
Hanson: I’ve had perseverance since 2010 and have been passionate about this organization
and probably will stay involved in some way.
JF: If not elected, I will stay as a grad senator and want to stay involved until I graduate.
BW: I decided in Feb. to put my heart and soul to win this, but feel I’d be betraying myself if I
settle for anything else.
Martin: Can you relay your past experience with Parliamentary procedure?
JF: It is my weakest point. Most of the day today, I watched You Tube videos about them. The
others are more experienced but I have the entire summer to read the book. I’m one who reads
the entire thing. I’ve run meetings in other organizations that I’m involved in and am not shy in
public.
BW: I do have some experience running meetings as the RHA president in my sophomore year
and then as Honor Society President. I then was elected as senator and have experience in
senate.
Hanson: I’ve read the 3rd, the 8th, and now the 10th edition. I would’ve read the 1st edition but
it cost $3500. I’ve ran meetings for my fraternity, City of Mankato committees because of my
experience with RRs.
Martin: What separates you from others?
BW: My extreme passion for this organization and I want to stay involved. I have had enough
RR to get me by until I can learn more. If elected, I’d be excited to work with all of you.
Hanson: How many of you here have experience? Not too many so I’m passionate about
showing you how. I’ll do my best to make sure you’re educated. Both candidates are great and
have done great things but I feel I have a greater wealth of knowledge.
JF: All three of us are awesome and would be good. I feel I would be especially good as
sometimes we can be stuck in a state of no change and feel that with me being new, it will help
us all make change.
Riesterer: Do any of you plan on running for Pres/VP?
Hanson: I’m not interested in president as I’m pursuing my doctorate.
JF: I graduate next May.
BW: I also graduate next May so plan on moving elsewhere for grad school.
De Ruiter: How will you introduce parley pro?
JF: I’m not about leniency but feel there should be a gray area. Sometimes there is fine line here
and that bringing us all together to get to know one another is most important.
BW: With trainings I feel there are a lot of discrepancies so feel getting us on the same level is
important. Not necessarily leniency but to find middle ground. With your help we can find a
place where we’re all happy.
Hanson: During the 81st senate’s summer retreat, I conducted a Robert’s Rules training session.
Having everyone comfortable with it is important. Ten hours per week are required of the
Speaker but I am there more like 20-25 hours/wk.
De Ruiter: This position requires a lot of balance and efficiency versus depth. Where would
you look to solve?
BW: Concern of where to end when efficient, or inefficient, as we still want effective. Feel it is
purely situational and if points are still valuable to conversation or just redundant.
Hanson: I have had a lot of years to be thinking about this. One example would be with
presentations and would have materials submitted digitally prior to meeting thereby
maintaining efficiency and knowledge.
JF: You all chose to be here now as you care. What we talk about is important at times. It is
also situational but can be vital for our university.
Fred: What would be your system to track office hours?
Hanson: I’d be available by any means, calls, email, whatever works for you
JF: There is an obligation for all of you to do these. I used both OrgSync and the office. Feel it is
all about convenience. Maybe something sent out to you every week. Will help those who
struggle to get theirs’ in.
BW: I understand as I was in your position. There are a lot of requirements but we all need to
be held accountable. I feel also it is situational so would encourage you to come to me as
speaker. You are a student first and that should be your first priority.
Ruiz: What do you bring that others can’t?
JF: We all are capable but I bring diversity and am new. Feel it is an issue and have been an
undergrad, RSO President and have experience. I’m fairly new so open to new ideas.
BW: Both would be good for this position. I’m very approachable and friendly so feel that it
would help as the role can be intimidating to have someone dictate how things should go.
Hanson: I have diversity as I speak Swedish, French, etc. Diversity is huge. Approachability
and kindness is essential. I’m also very effective and can separate fun and work.
Al-Mohamadi: This is the most diverse senate this year. How will you work with them?
Hanson: International enrollment accounts for 18.1%. There are a lot of diff. backgrounds and
cultures. I’m all for supporting that but sometimes we have to leave it at the door as
constituencies are made up of many more.
BW: Diversity is very important and the speaker is meant to be unbiased.
JF: Technically, I’m Asian geographically, I am from Lebanon, so middle-eastern, and I’m the
only Christian from my country. I’ve learned a lot and soon white people will be the minority.
Glad I can bring all of that.
Sadeghi: I think there are a lot of presentations to senate that are not meaningful to students,
too many numbers. How would you make them more meaningful?
BW: I agree. I would ask that those coming to present that they submit their mat. Ahead of
time and you can come back to me with questions…we could relay onto presenter. Want to be
proactive.
JF: perfect world everyone would be engaging, funny, etc. sometimes things are boring. So
prep beforehand sometimes hard.
Hanson: I would have presentations sent before senate and possibly have potential time limits.
Everyone on committees so can be tailored to that.
Yaya: What if a person is out of control?
JF: We are adult people here. Sometimes things can get heated but RRs come into it and we
need to use time efficiently. I don’t want to be intimidating but friendly.
Hanson: As a military vet I’m used to things getting heated so work well under pressure. I
realize that there are times when people get very passionate about issues and understanding
and using RRs is so important. We come into this room not as self but as representing a pool of
constituents
BW: It is all about tact and is important part of student leadership. Some topics are
controversial and it is difficult not to take strong stance sometimes but there is a fine line
between making it personal. If I see that, I will call you out of order. Feel it important to
remain tactful.
Closing Statements:
Hanson: I want to be your speaker because I believe in servant leadership and want to see you
succeed. There are checks and balances in place, and this is not the ultimate power.
BW: Thanks for being here and your questions. I’m not pretending to know everything but
willing to learn so I can teach you. I have the utmost love and respect for this organization and
have had an amazing time and would love to remain part of it.
JF: All are awesome candidates. Whomever you choose will be great. Now it is up to you to
choose. Thank you.
Discussion before vote:
Al-Mohamadi: I think all three would do a good job. I want to stay neutral because of my
association with one of them so I don’t want to influence. Think it is up to you as they
primarily represent you. Robert’s Rules was mentioned so many times but it is not everything.
It is more about the person who can handle us the best.
Martin: I feel all will know and will be unbiased about what’s said. I’ve worked with all three.
MJH has been around so long and is difficult to relate to. Even though he is very qualified, I’d
like Becky. She has done a lot for senate and is very dedicated. She has done Ethics &
Standards where she has dealt with people she was friends with. That is difficult to do and she
has shown leadership and experience.
Rayani: MJH was the first who responded and went out of his way to make me feel welcome. I
feel he has already been doing this job.
Riesterer: All three are qualified. One stands out, Becky. MJH is the most experienced but
Becky has enough to make it her own. Her only focus is being speaker. That’s why I asked that
question. She will make it her job. MJH will do graduate things as well but puts in a lot of time.
JF doesn’t know the ropes yet.
Hunter: MJH’s experience should give him the job. Feel it gives him the credentials.
Haffield: MJH is extremely experienced and loves RRs. Concerned working with him as
sometimes he can be a difficult personality. Becky is very passionate, however, very emotional
at times and sometimes not unbiased. JF: I’ve also seen her emotions come into play but she is
very strong so she wouldn’t let others run over her. I like her fresh perspective and she is easy
to work with.
Zana: I have worked with JF, mostly on the int’l office side of things and am here because of
her influence in a leadership role. Seen her try to get everyone involved and believe she has
good experience in leading. She’d be great in this position.
De Ruiter: I feel like we’re dismissing the fact that parley pro is really important in playing the
sport. Job isn’t entirely it, but very important.
Schieler (gallery): MJH has served so long so is very familiar with how things operate, however,
I’ve also worked with Jessica this last year and have found working with her takes time but
becomes satisfying. Becky not knowing RRs takes trump over relationship bldg.. MJH could
recite backwards, however, has his own unique operating system, sort of like working with a
PC versus a MAC.
Ruiz: JF brings new ideas and is friendly. She has experience working with both domestic and
int’l students.
Jabri: As VP of ISA and working with Jessica, she is a gem. She will be the first person to let
you know when you’re wrong. Think she is right candidate. She always keeps emotions aside
and puts professional experience at the table.
Vote (1st round): Michael J Hanson & Jessica Farah.
Rayani: MJH is made for this position.
Hunter: Considering most senators here are new, I feel we need more experience than JF.
Al-Mohamadi: I felt one was being practical and one was being emotional. Feel that we need
someone to take over meetings. RRs are important, but everyone can learn them.
Bui: Both are very good. We need good leadership to get things done is imp.
Sadeghi: MJH is perfect in many ways, but feel JF is more practical. She will be much more
efficient and effective.
Fred: The Speaker is not a player on our team but the umpire. We need someone who will
follow the rules and not let emotions take over. The only time Michael’s emotions came into
play was when he was asked what it meant to him.
Ruiz: MJH might not want to learn new things as I felt he was saying he knows everything. JF
has strong desire to learn new things and be practical.
Haffield: MJH can get extremely frustrating and difficult to work with. He made the comment
about timeliness and efficiency but ran up to the minute mark when making his comments. He
has wonderful experience. I feel Jessica is a very strong person, willing to adapt to the senate.
She is not as emotional as MJH but still impartial.
Zana: I haven’t worked with MJH but want senate to be efficient. I want to have someone
willing to learn the rules instead of dealing with a personality. Feel like by the end of the night,
JF will have them memorized.
Jabri: Experience isn’t always enough. We need someone who can understand what is going on
and willing to try new things.
Smith: As someone new I want someone who will adapt to our needs and leave emotions at the
door. You can leave emotions at the door but can’t pick up a personality at the door. There is
always room for improvement.
Rayani: MJH has gone out of his way to teach some of us things and felt happy doing it. He has
a wealth of experience and this shouldn’t be a learning experience for a speaker.
Vote: Jessica Farah sworn in.

Officer Reports
 President Haffield
a. Welcome everyone to the 83rd. It is going to be a fun year. Encourage you
to dedicate yourself to the students. Have fun but take it seriously.
b. Meet & Confer next week if interested.
c. Attorney interviews next week.
d. Senate Roster – please make sure all info is correct.
 Vice President Al-Mohamadi




a. Committees – senators have to be on two. If preference, let me know.
b. Thanks to all for speaker elections participation. There were some great
options. Hope the others come back for positions.
c. Retreat: Will be handling with the new Speaker. Looking at Aug. dates.
d. Thanks to Joe for handling first part of today’s meeting.
e. Good luck with finals.
Speaker - None
Senator Reports
Old Business
New Business
83 MM 01 04 29 15 -- MSUSA Reinstatement of Full-Participation – Haffield/Al-Mohamadi
Whereas: The Minnesota State University, Mankato, suspended participation in MSUSA on
November 19, 2015;
Whereas: MSSA passed 82 MM 01 03 18 15 that stated MSU Mankato will resume full
participation in MSUSA pending the results of the MSUSA elections on April 17-19th, 2015;
Whereas: No former MHEI members were elected to executive positions (in fact, two students
from MSU were elected to executive positions) and no former MHEI members were
recommended as a Board of Trustee candidate;
Be it resolved: Minnesota State University, Mankato resumes full participation in MSUSA.
Motion passes.
Aye: 19 Nay: 0
Haffield: This has been very complicated this past year (brief recap).
Al-Mohamadi: (overview of MSUSA).
83 MM 02 04 29 15 -- Technology Objectives for 2016 – Haffield/Al-Mohamadi
Whereas: Bryan Schneider presented to the 82nd MSSA the Technology Fee Subcommittee’s
objectives for FY 2016 Draft;
Be it resolved: The 83rd MSSA approved the objective draft.
Motion passes.
Aye: 19 Nay: 0
83 MM 03 04 29 15 -- Elise Ristau Recommendation - Haffield/de Ruiter
Whereas: Elise Ristau is the current MnSCU Trustee representative for MSUSA;
Whereas: Trustee Ristau was not recommended by the MSUSA Board of Directors as a
candidate for the Board of Trustees;
Whereas: Several members of the MSSA feel very strongly about Trustee Ristau’s reappointment;
Be it resolved: The MSSA approves that a letter be written at the discretion of MSSA executives
to Governor Dayton that expresses support for Trustee Ristau’s re-appointment.
Motion passes.
Aye: 16 Nay: 3
Haffield: There was a process of recommending a student candidate for the MnSCU Board of
Trustees. Elise was appointed two years ago. There were nine this time, four were
recommended. We’re upset that her name wasn’t on there. When we had asked other board
members about this we didn’t get a straight answer. She has greater experience and others feel
the same. Therefore, we want to send a letter from this body. She was the best candidate.
Al-Mohamadi: I’m not in favor as it is politics and I think they chose four but feel we should
move on as they made a decision.
Rayani: It sounds like someone was treated unfairly and I don’t see anything wrong with it.
Al-Mohamadi: I wasn’t part of this last year, but MSUSA people represent other schools and
they chose others, so don’t agree with this.
83 MM 04 04 29 15 - - Office Chairs for Senate Office Haffield/Al-Mohamadi
Whereas: The office chairs in the MSSA office need replacing;
Whereas: There will be carry forward dollars that can cover the cost of new chairs;
Be it resolved: The 83rd MSSA approves the spending of carry forward for new chairs in the
office.
Motion passes.
Aye: 14 Nay: 2 Abstain: 3




Announcements
Wolf: Walk to the Capitol planning update.
Roll Call
Senators Present:
Fred de Ruiter; Katherine Gibson; Faical Rayani; Siavash Sadeghi; Miranda Steel; H.B.
Hankerson, Wes Huntington; Ivan Martinez, Maria Ruiz, YaYa Jabri, Paul Ngumah, Aliya
Hussein, Patrick Riesterer, Zana Vejsa, Tien Bui
 Senators Absent:
Connor Martin, Desirae Kramer, Ricky Sargent, Taylor Krueger, Wayland Hunter
 Executive Leadership Present:
 Mariah Haffield, President; Sam Al-Mohamadi, Vice President;
 Executive Leadership Absent:
 Jessica Farah, Speaker

Adjournment
Meeting adjourned @ 6:23 pm.