Senate Minutes – September 17, 2015
SUB 235
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Call meeting to order 6:00 pm
Roll call
Present: Campbell, Chapman, Dove, Dufner, Glose, Howell, Jones, Lacy, Leach, Lynn, Manley,
Marts, Murdoch, O’Keefe, O’Leary, Oswald, Sanders, Soares, Stimac, Windham, Zoltek
Absent: None
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Review Previous Minutes
o September 10, 2015
Howell- Move to approve
Dove- Seconded
Minutes Approved
Move to public comment
Phone-In: Jamie Edmondson FFA – I worked with Gwynn as vice president for Montana FFA and
she has such professionalism and passion. I work with young students and leaders and it’s our
job to build leaders. College students are still learning and from my perspective please think
hard about the vote. Leaders shouldn’t be hung out to dry but rather come together to support
her and she has an opportunity to make it up to the students. Look at the policy on her granted
tuition. Look at other mistakes made by leaders, athletes, etc. and if their scholarships were
taken away. Think before you take away the waiver. You have a great leader with Gwynn and
we all make mistakes and she is one of the best leaders.
Mackenzie Redmond Panhellenic President- I represent 300 women on campus. I created a poll
that asks should the ASMSU president resign. If you answer No – everyone makes mistakes If
you answer Yes – leaders should do better. 85% said Gwynn should step down. We sorority
women hold ourselves to a higher standard. We believe our president should step down. What
you do has an impact on this campus. Executive board in sororities is held to a very high
standard. You are under a microscope in sorority life so we elect women to represent us in a
specific way. Everyone makes mistakes but in a sorority this mistake would lead to dismissal or
probation. If I received a DUI I would be stripped of all my leadership positions. Not
questioning Gwynn’s character but lack of responsibility and accountability.
Soares- How many women were polled?
Redmond- About 200
Howell- What do sororities do when someone receives a DUI?
Redmond- we haven’t had one in my time so I don’t know but I am on standards and deal with
other issues like MIPs
Howell-Speaking for your house, what is your response to treating that girl fairly and as a
sister?
Redmond-Always supportive of one another. Obvious legal ramifications for actions. Girl will go
on either social or complete probation. Social is to not attend formal. Probation is like no vote
no voice.
Howell- But they wouldn’t face expulsion?
Redmond-There would be something like that.
Ray Porter College of Engineering- I write for the exponent and am a janitor at Big Sky. I like
driving my car safely on the roads. I know someone who was granted a scholarship because
the first place kid got a DUI. ASMSU runs the streamline bus system which she could’ve used.
My dad went fishing in Washington and flipped the van and he lived but I wouldn’t be here if he
didn’t. My dad always says if you’re drunk that’s one thing but don’t put others’ lives at risk.
Hondo Ashe-Ramirez College of Letters and Science – Did BBYM in high school and when I was
in a leadership position it was stated to me that I represented the community and to maintain
the safety of others. A leader in my community got a DUI, he was 17 and made a dumb
decision and was forced to step down. A few colleges around the US have had multiple
situations similar to that of the ASMSU president and it is unfortunate that our student body is
immature enough to attack (Simenuik) and I apologize but your actions have affected
negatively. We as a whole have voted for you to represent ASMSU and to be a role model. It’s
unfortunate that you (drank and then drove). People could’ve died. How can we as a student
body trust you when you couldn’t make the decision to take a different mode of transportation
or stay put? I ask you to step down.
Faith Dyrud College of Agriculture – Simenuik still has qualities of leadership. She can still
effectively lead and I know this because I have seen it time and time again. Her actions should
not be condoned. There should be some kind of punishment like pulling her tuition waiver but
making her step down would be taking a step backward not forward.
John walker on behalf of Charsi Workman College of Agriculture- I still have confidence in
Gwynn. She is a great asset to every team. ASMSU would have to fill a great void if she was
removed. Making her step down is not the answer. She should coordinate workshops on the
evils of drinking and driving. I have full confidence in her leadership position. There is nothing
in the constitution to punish this action but she can still do her job as ASMSU president. She
works so hard for students to feel welcome and trust her. She didn’t have to tell anyone what
happened but she came forward and did. Feel privileged that she created this conversation and
that is some great leadership.
Zoltek to Civil Engineering: What actions do you think should be taken?
Porter: Scholarship should be removed and we should find someone who does not put other
lives in danger
Miranda Gluettemueller College of Agriculture- No one is perfect we all make mistakes and
Gwynn realizes the weight of that mistake. It shows character and integrity that she has stuck
with her position instead of stepping down. She has an opportunity to grow right now and lead
despite error. She can lead students who went through the same situation. The position should
not be stripped.
Gwynn Simenuik ASMSU President- Thank you for all the students who have voiced their
opinions. I am really impressed that everyone cares so much for this university. I respect the
thought that has gone into support or not support. I feel complete shame and it is very
personal to many students. I understand concerns and students with personal incidences. I
have lost some of my closest friends to this and I disrespected them in the worst way. I
understand everyone’s care for this issue. I am ashamed of my actions but not of myself. I
believe I have handled this problem in a way to keep me being an effective leader. I believe in
transparency and I owe it to the students to be honest. I knew the consequences and that’s
why I released my story. I have been listening and responding to students and I am grateful for
that because they are valued. It is important for our leaders to have humility. I asked to be held
accountable, have guidance, and rebuild their trust. I am still here listening to students who
care so much about their university. I will not let this issue be unresolved. Teamwork is
important and senate should communicate with faculty. I can still effectively collaborate with
senate and be a great leader. We have great things coming up in asmsu like appointing
freshman ambassadors, public relations plan, and bobcat taskforce, academic calendar with the
provost, traditional dead week, renter’s literacy, Romney renovation meeting, and increase
parking security. We should expect our leaders to not give up when things get tough but come
out stronger. It is a time for reflection and growth. Whether I stay on as president or take on a
non-formal position I am determined to make a difference at this university. I ran on the
platform to increase student engagement.
Ray Porter College of Engineering: Are DUIs on public record?
Simenuik: Yes
End of public comment
Move to Presentations
Ryan Diehl Outdoor Recreation- Three years ago I was in senate trying to get this position in
outdoor recreation. We are celebrating 40 years at outdoor recreation. We have modernized in
that time. It is one of the most exciting and engaging programs at MSU. We have had
successes such as trip leader training programs, expanded our product line, outdoor classes for
credit are in the works. See packet for an outline of 2015-2016 year. We want to hire an
assistant director to further our reach and impact. We updated our front end operations with
new computers. This is due to increased student budget funding. Over 8 thousand items were
rented out to the public. 800 participants went on trips. Over 8 thousand patrons in total.
Soares- How’s the assistant director search coming?
Diehl: Small hiccup but it is coming
Soares- Website progress?
Diehl: December 10th is should be up and running
Glose – What classes for credit?
Diehl- Kayaking, rock-climbing, back country skiing, outdoor survival, rafting.
Glose- Fees associated?
Diehl- Yes but variable $100-$500 and that is public record
Zoltek- Hiring outside or under your program?
Diehl-Reach outside of programs bounds to mend schedule conflicts. Hiring from instructor
pool.
Diehl – I will be back to speak about an early stages project like a climbing boulder and the
Roskie beach area. Waiting on approval then present to get support.
O’Keefe-On Roskie fields or in middle area of new freshman dorms?
Diehl-Not taking up any playing space but open space behind Roskie
Dufner-Basketball court?
Diehl- Not aware of the current plans
Admin Reports
Simenuik- Birky and I were just at board of regents. It was introductory and pay dues. $525
and in the budget paid for already. Brainstorming ideas. Main project is substance abuse and
how it may affect their schools and setting goals for this year. Next meeting is here during
Cat/Griz so you guys should come and speak. Next week is the Romney renovation meeting.
Didn’t pass in legislature this year but still an msu 2017 priority. Bobcat editorial draft has been
sent out and senate will read it. Academic calendar will be discussed with Martha. Early student
registration is in the office so sign up. Freshman ambassador and judicial council appointments
coming up. October 1st at 5:30 here is pictures so look nice.
Soares-Was there discussion about increase in dues at mass meeting?
Simenuik-They’re not fighting for any increases
Marianne Brough director of operations- Great things in ASMSU: received 6 thousand dollars in
funds added to budget. Birky got a grant to fund budget 1.4 thousand dollars. Code of conduct
is up at university council. Con audit we fought for a year and we did it in four weeks. We are
ahead of the game and I am very proud. Senators have grown immensely in the past few
weeks. Off to a great start.
Soares-Code of conduct from last year or already voted on?
Brough-Bill of rights is what I meant sorry
Birky- Regents meeting announced research initiative. Money is back in the university system.
Community college workforce development. Update on MUS budget. Substance abuse was
discussed. Trust lands held by MUS are extensive. Got news back on that grant and thanks to
Carsten Kirby. I’ll be going to finance board next week to get tier three stipend. Impartial body
will me a must have. One senator will serve on the interview process with me. Completed
director one on one meetings.
Soares-Resolution in support of bill of rights. Potential bill for judicial bylaws. Been working on
for justice’s responsibilities and roles. Committee assignments EFAC committee needs two more
members. CFAC needs one more member. Tammi Brown will talk next week about the new
residence hall.
Cowles-procrastinator is killing it 80% of last year’s ticket sales. It will be met by the end of this
semester. Reach out to your liaisons.
Dove-Met with ADA and talked about building wheelchair accessibility issue
Senate Reports
Glose-club sports leadership council must be cpr and first aid certification. Race here in
Bozeman this weekend, Bobcat Triathlon. Cat/Griz rugby game coming up.
O’Keefe-Fitness center and Rec meeting. Steering committee may be coming to present to us
and strive to get Spartan race here for MSU. New massage website. New equipment in the
gym.
Howell- Exit gallery exhibit comparing narratives of Bozeman residents of the past. It beautiful
so go.
Soares-It’s pretty sweet
Lacy- To Glose: are leaders of clubs required to pay for their cpr?
Glose-Budget covers certification fees so no
Dufner- I’m going to re pass out sign-up sheet for homecoming volunteer after senate on
September 24th
O’Keefe-If you signed up last week sign up again
Move to new business
Reading of Censure of Gwynn Simenuik
Sponsors Josh Soares, Brad Jones, Garrett Leach
Leach-Suspend rules move to second reading
Glose-Second
Move to vote
Yes-14
No-5
Obstention-1
Leach- move to approve
Windham-second
Leach-move to approve
Glose-seconded
Leach-This is no small offence and reflects poorly on us as a student body and government.
There is no precedent at our university for this but I believe we have settled on appropriate
punishment. We need to officially state we do not condone these activity and are disappointed
in the actions.
Howell- I agree with leach but the language is not necessary in this document. Our feelings are
apparent. ‘Immense’ and ‘outrage’ are unnecessary and do not add value.
Cowles- ‘body’ is said like 25 times so it should say asmsu senate and ‘outraged’ is
inappropriate. Make sure you are proud of this document in professionalism. Waiver is spelled
wrong.
O’Leary- line 14: I believe Simenuik is still able to perform her duties friendly amendment to
change to not all of instead of not any.
Glose-seconded
Howell-Think carefully about the message this sends to people
Windham-Sounds wishy-washy and obscure. Think about wording must be careful
Move to vote
Yes 4
No 15
Motion fails
Soares-back to original document
Zoltek-point of information: how much research was done in coming up with this punishment?
Soares-based on conscience of acceptable punishment to move forward. It’s right in the middle.
Zoltek- I’m not disagreeing but I think we should research it further before reaching this
punishment as a decision it would be more professional since it will be seen by a lot of people.
Soares-there are a finite number of options and must vote on conscious
Windham-friendly amendments: language like excess of ‘body’ needs to be changed to ‘the
senate’
Friendly amendment accepted
Windham-negate ‘and outrage’ because it is unnecessary
Friendly amendment rejected
Windham-line 29 change misspelling of waiver
Friendly amendment accepted
Windham- the censure is a good compromise but from my college I received a few emails and
they said that aside from Simenuik’s character ‘we do not believe we should have someone in
leadership with a DUI’ I worked very closely with Simenuik on campaigning and she is a great
leader however we want our leadership to be something we can stand behind. Looking at other
leadership positions most people would’ve stepped down. We want to have full trust in our
leadership. I want to hold my asmsu president to a higher standard than that. I love Gwynn but
we want leadership that we can stand behind and hold them to higher standards. My personal
thoughts and constituents thoughts. If Gwynn doesn’t step down we should do something to
say we don’t support drunk driving. I also want to add another friendly amendment to line 21 to
keep consistent language.
Friendly amendment accepted
Chapman- friendly amendment sent to Erin Murdock at the exponent and gale Shwanser
Accepted
Campbell- clarification line 28 and 29.
Soares- intention of this line was for her to forfeit tuition within one week before senate makes
a decision on it.
Campbell- I disagree on doing more research I think we need to take action right now. Amend
and remove ‘outrage’
Glose- seconded
Howell- also consider taking out ‘immense’ since the censure already has that point. It make us
look bad.
Zoltek-Same
Sanders-suggest take out the word possibly because it’s redundant
Campbell- I want to add that to my amendment
Lacy- this document might be quoted and if you are unfamiliar with a censure you may not
understand the weight that it carries and what it means
Leach-a lot of the student body is unfamiliar with a censure the descriptive language means
more to students and community
Glose- I agree however it’s pretty clear what is going on and ‘immense’ and ‘outrage’ are
excessive. Demand makes it clear how we feel and the other words are unnecessary.
Soares- this document is intended to be immense and colorful. It redundant and flavorful and
that was intended.
Zoltek- are you referring to a collective opinion?
Soares- this is a representation of the whole body
Campbell- remove ‘and outrage’
Zoltek-add amendment the word immense
Marts- we must get the wording right. Language must be precise. It says everything it needs to
say.
Dove-People have a lot of issues with the wording but some of the words are a little strong.
This resolution should be tabled and more than three senators should work on it. Only three is
not represented enough for the whole body.
Soares- what’s the magic number?
Dove- just more than three that’s not enough
Windham- this is really messy. We need to be careful of what we say however we want to leave
this meeting with something we need a decision and not table it.
Campbell-I move the previous question
Seconded
Move to previous question
Move to remove ‘and outraged’ on line 21
Motion passes
Howell- we should strike lines 13 14 and 15
Windham-can I get a definition please?
Cowles- it is a noun. You vote that you have no confidence.
Howell- still want to move to strike lines
Seconded
Glose- if you want to propose a no confidence in the future this wording would be appropriate
but right now no
Campbell- can someone explain why this paragraph is here?
Soares- without the trust of the student body how can we trust you to speak on your behalf.
Zoltek-we need more of a reason for why we are taking away the tuition
Soares- we don’t need an explanation. It’s a consequence and we move forward
Glose- floor to Birky: tuition waiver for spring or fall or both?
Leach-I don’t think it’s possible to revoke tuition for fall but it is for spring
Windham-agree with leach
Howell- three levels to vote of no confidence: ask to step down, impeach, or just no confidence.
You need to seriously consider taking 13 14 and 15 out.
Leach- there is a difference between this language and a vote of no confidence. It is a
statement of fact not a vote of no confidence.
Sanders- 13, 14, and 15 speak to our student body as a whole and we don’t all share the same
view point. Its safe to say we disapprove of her actions but I don’t want to be held accountable
for something I do not support. Not all of us share the same ideas.
Vote to strike lines 13, 14, and 15
Motion carries lines are struck
Glose- friendly amendment to change Montana State Law to State of Montana Law
Friendly amendment accepted
Glose-What other options were considered in the censure
Soares- impeachment. Public apology has already been done
Glose-amend line 21
Seconded
Howell-it does not need to be there its redundant
Manly- we all know how we are going to vote move to previous question
Motion carries move to previous question
Immense remove from line 21
Motion carries
Glose-more research should be done into this document and time to think about it id like to
table it but also entertain discussion.
Oswald-we’ve had a long time with this information and Marianne has made a pr plan it needs
to be decided this week. We want to have a fresh start by October 8th. No reason to table it.
Jones- same opinion we’ve had three weeks to talk to people. If we keep prolonging it they will
think we are trying to sweep it under the rug. Students will take action of their own.
Windham-agree with previous speakers. We need to leave this room with a decision.
Leach- open house on October 8th and need to move on by then
Campbell- like the soup. We are losing the confidence of the student body each day that we do
not do something.
Howell- we should take this as a learning experience. We are too far in to put this on the table.
Murdoch- we are not only setting precedent for future incidents but we are setting our
timeliness. It shows we are transparent and care
Lacy- yield floor to Marianne
Brough- we have a fragile reputation. If you don’t like the language change it but we need a
decision today
Oswald-heard from Panhellenic and community. A few are in support of her staying but the
question is what we expect from our leadership. In a sorority we deal with issues like this and
positions get revoked almost immediately it’s not a personal attack it’s just a statement of
leaders don’t act this way. Its saying you forfeit your leadership the moment you do wrong. I
don’t disagree but it doesn’t move me in a way of being completely dealt with. I fear this
document doesn’t completely deal with the issue and its not enough for the community.
Impeachment is the only thing stronger than this.
Campbell- Censure changed to lower case c
Erin Murdoch- it should be lower case
Friendly amendment accepted
Campbell- move to previous question
Seconded
Motion fails
Glose- friendly amendment: change ‘the senate’ to ASMSU senate
Friendly amendment accepted
Windham-lets work this out fairly quickly
Marts- grammatical error should be changed to ‘accused of and admitted to’
Friendly amendment accepted
Lacy-POI: 28-29 what amount will be waived?
Simenuik- $2500
Erin Murdoch- if this does pass tonight we will run this document tonight and pick it apart at the
exponent.
Jones- for those holding out, you can write a further resolution. On a different note, for
Simenuik to maintain her position and how we stand on it it’s defining her ability vs right to
lead. Right is different than ability.
Windham- echo jones, same as what I said last time we need to make a decision
Oswald- don’t think waiting a week is a good idea. Call for recess to edit it?
Cowles- take five, make changes, come back.
Soares- we should move to a vote and not recess
Oswald- what if this gets voted down?
Soares- it’s done and we do something else next week
Windham- can we please read the document as amended
Soares reads censure 2015-R-08
Windham- friendly amendment one week to weeks’ time
Accepted
Glose- line 18 best interests not interest
Accepted
Move to roll call vote
Motion passes
Move to new business 2015-R-09 freshman ambassadors
First reading by Josh Soares
Senate announcements
Howell-met to discuss gender inclusive housing on campus as soon as fall 2016
Campbell-my area code is 907 not 406 on the handout
Move to adjourn
Meeting adjourned 8:27