Student Government Association
Student Senate Meeting
October 23, 2014
Location: Senate Chamber
Call to Order: at 7:40 P.M.
Approval of the Minutes: Charles Uffelman
Caleb Lies motioned to approve the minutes from October 10th’s meeting. The motion was
properly moved and second by Laitin Beecham.
Pass/Fail (Pass)
Roll Call:
First Name
Mike
Laitin
David
Eric
Melissa
Russell
Fernanda
Raven
Kaitlyn
Amelia
Shelby
Karlee
Christina
Matt
Kevan
Emily
Johnny
Christian
Ali
David
Winnie
Caleb
Tevin
Renard
Jalicia
Last Name
Barbour
Beecham
Blount
Bourgeois
Byrd
Copeland Jr.
Corral
Douglas
Duckett
Durkee
Elkins
Frazier
Gilles
Hammonds
Hatamzadeh
Hayes
Holmes
Hudson
Kingston
Knowles
Law
Lies
Mcinnis
Miles
Myles
Present
xx
xx
xx
Excused
x
x
xx
x
xx
xx
xx
x
xx
xx
x
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
x
1
Lainey
Carlton
Elizabeth
Sara
Hannah
Kelsey
Brady
Andy
Charles
Emily
Michael
Keilyn
Ortego
Randolph
Rapalo
Rolin
Scott
Taylor
Tidwell
Tomayko
Uffelman
Vallor
Walters
Wells
x
x
x
xx
xx
x
xx
xx
x
xx
x
Members Present: 20
Citizens Forum: N/A
Guest Speakers: N/A
Officers Report:
President
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Ricky asked for volunteers to go and purchase a food item on campus. E.g.) Union
Express food item purchase. Following the purchase, the volunteers are asked to fill out
a survey online; where they will then be reimburse for the purchase. (4 volunteers).
The Freshman Senate is doing fairly well. The Freshman Senators are active on campus
have are currently looking at all the food prices on campus as it corresponds to sites off
campus to see if the cost on campus exceeds 10 percent. If the food prices on campus
exceed 10 percent as compared to off campus sites, then the senators will report it.
Discussion on $10 concert fee and the possibility of having a concert each semester.
Discussion over the need of a convertible truck for the homecoming parade. Laitin
Beecham offered his truck to be used during the parade.
Vice President
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Thanks everyone for his or her help in passing the new Security Bill.
Discussion on the Veteran Resume Workshop (November 20th, 2014).
Discussion on the 22nd Memorial Service; where there will be a halftime recognition at
the homecoming game
Discussion on Tiger Village for the Homecoming game. This will kick off at 3:00 P.M
and the theme is blackout. We will provide blackout banners; where students are able to
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sign. Also, students may pick up homecoming blackout t-shirts for homecoming before
the game.
Discussion of Up Til’ Dawn’s donation table
Lastly, the SGA buttons and “Ask Me” buttons are in. Senators are to be aware as to
what is going on within Student Government if he or she is to wear the button.
Chief Justice
N/A
Speaker
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Discussion on the “Meet the Senators Luncheon”; which will be held October 29th from
11-1:00 P.M. All senators are asked to sign up for a shift sometime next week.
Speaker Pro Tempore
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Speaker Pro Tempore reminds senators of the up and coming Town Hall meeting.
Discussion of senator cuts (3 senators have been removed from office).
Recognizes how well the freshman senators are doing.
New Officer Nominations
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N/A
Executive Committees
Involvement- Sarah DeLozier (N/A)
Dining and Res Life- Laurie Gianella (N/A)
Marketing- Ryan Estes (N/A)
Activities- Savannah Worcester (N/A)
Veterans- Cedrick Houston (N/A)
Safety- Stuart Dedmon (N/A)
Academics- Denzel Anthony (N/A)
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Religious Life- Kenya Gray (N/A)
Athletics- Jerrica James (N/A)
Committee Reports:
Student Development-Ali Kingston
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Discussion on tutoring efficiency
Student Services-Hannah Scott
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Discussion on the concert fee bill and corresponding research
Environmental-Christiana Gilles
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N/A
Judicial-Kevan Hatamzadeh
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N/A
Finance-Amelia Durkee
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N/A
Old Business:
New Business:
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Bill 71
Title: to implement a $10 fee per semester for concerts or other entertainment and the associated fees
and costs.
Prime_Sponsor: Shelby Elkins
Cosponsors: Hannah Scott
Committee: Student Services
WHEREAS1: We can improve campus life at the University of Memphis by holding larger and more
diverse events on campus for students. Large open campus events help to recruit local high school
students to the university as well as foster a more inclusive college community.
WHEREAS2: Middle Tennessee State University as well as University of Tennessee Knoxville have
established student fees dedicated to the production of free concerts for their student committees.
WHEREAS3: Last year through a partnership of multiple student groups, the University of Memphis held
a major concert that was attended by many students.
WHEREAS4:
WHEREAS5:
SECTION1: The University of Memphis will implement a $10 fee per semester for concerts or other
entertainment and the associated fees and costs.
SECTION2: Funds collected will go into a budget for concerts or other entertainment and the associated
fees and costs. Funds collected from students enrolled on the Lambuth campus should be reserved for
students on the Lambuth campus.
SECTION3: The entertainment budget will be overseen by the entertainment board; comprised of the
Student Activity Council executive board, the Student Government President, Vice-President, and the
Speaker of the Senate. The Student Activity Council will orchestrate the primary production and
development.
SECTION4: This act will go into effect in January of 2014. Pending Positive results from students survey.
Pass/Fail = Pass
Aye (17) Nay()
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Bill 64
Title: Act to Amend Article IV Section 2 and Article IV Section 9 of the Constitution of the
Student Government Association at the University of Memphis.
Prime_Sponsor: Keilyn Wells
Cosponsors: Kevan Hatamzadeh
Committee: Judicial
WHEREAS1: the enrollment of the University has increased AND is projected to increase
WHEREAS2: the Constitution needs to be updated to better reflect the student body
WHEREAS3: the SGA senate can expend to meet the needs of all students.
Be it Enacted by the 65th General Assembly of the Student Government Association:
SECTION1: : Change the wording in Article IV Section 2 Line 3 from “(36)” to “(40)”
SECTION2: the wording in Article IV Section 2 Line 3 from “18” to “20”
SECTION3: Change the wording in Article IV Section 9 Line 1 from “A majority” to “Forty
percent
SECTION4: This bill will cost the Student Government Associate the base fee to send out a
referendum.
SECTION5: This bill will go into effect on January 1, 2015.
Motion to send Bill 72 back to committee
Pass/Fail= Pass Aye (17)
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Bill 65
Title: An Act to provide travel funding for Nathan Forsythe to travel to Murfreesboro, TN from
Memphis, TN.
Prime_Sponsor: Johnny Holmes
Cosponsors: Laitin Beecham
Committee: Finance Committee
WHEREAS1: WHEREAS, Nathan Forsythe has requested funding from the Student Government
Association in order to attend and present at the Tennessee Association for Health, Recreation,
and Dance Conference, AND
WHEREAS2: WHEREAS, this trip will allow students to learn new ways to present information
on physical education, broaden the scope of education, and serve as opportunities for
networking, AND
WHEREAS3: WHEREAS, the Student Government Association Finance Committee has heard
said applicant's travel request and made a final recommendation.
Be it Enacted by the 65th General Assembly of the Student Government Association:
SECTION1: Funding shall be provided for the following students traveling from Memphis,TN to
Murfreesboro, TN from October 26, 2014 to October 28, 2014:
A. Nathan Forsythe
B. Leah Cooney
C. Dustin Roberson
D. Dustin Duren
SECTION2: Exactly $493 will be funded for the above student.
SECTION3: This Act shall take effect immediately upon passage.
Pass/Fail= Pass
Aye (17) Nay ()
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Bill 66
Title: to provide travel funding for ASM Iftekhar Anam to travel to Austin, TX from Memphis,
TN
Prime_Sponsor: Karlee Fraizer
Cosponsors: Finance Committee members
Committee: Finance
WHEREAS1: ASM Iftekhar Anam has requested funding from the Student Government
Association in order to attend and present research at the 6th International Conference on
Mobile Computing, Applications, and Services
WHEREAS2: this trip will help this student establish valuable connections with other
professionals in the field and advance the field of engineering with the findings from the
research being presented
WHEREAS3: the Student Government Association Finance committee has heard said
applicant’s travel request and made a final recommendation.
Be it Enacted by the 65th General Assembly of the Student Government Association:
SECTION1: Funding shall be provided for the following student traveling from Memphis, TN to
Austin, TX from November 5, 2014 to November 8, 2014: ASM Iftekhar Anam
SECTION2: Exactly $280 will be funded for the above student.
SECTION3: This Act shall take effect immediately upon passage.
Pass/Fail= Pass
Aye (17) Nay ()
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Bill 67
Title: An act to provide travel funding for Grace Kibe to travel to Evanston, IL from Memphis.
Prime_Sponsor: Raven Douglas
Cosponsors: Finance Committee Members
Committee: Finance Committee
WHEREAS1: Grace Kibe has requested funding from the Student Government Association in
order to attend and present research at the 37th Annual Mid-Western Education Research
Association’s Annual Meeting, AND
WHEREAS2: WHEREAS, this trip will serve to further promote the reputation and prestige of
the University of Memphis, equip this student with skills necessary to become a better educator
and professional, and help this student establish valuable connections with other professionals
in the field, AND
WHEREAS3: WHEREAS, the Student Government Association Finance committee has heard said
applicant’s travel request and made a final recommendation.
Be it Enacted by the 65th General Assembly of the Student Government Association:
SECTION1: Funding shall be provided for the following student traveling from Memphis, TN to
Evanston, IL from November 12, 2014 to November 13, 2014:
A. Grace W. Kibe
SECTION2: Exactly $140 will be funded for the above student.
SECTION3: This Act shall take effect immediately upon passage.
Pass/Fail= Pass
Aye (17) Nay
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Bill 68
Title: An Act to provide travel funding for Tiffany Seaman to travel to Orlando, FL from
Memphis, TN.
Prime_Sponsor: Johnny Holmes
Cosponsors: Laitin Beecham
Committee: Finance Committee
WHEREAS1: WHEREAS, Tiffany Seaman has requested funding from the Student Government
Association in order to attend the National Orientation Director’s Association Conference, AND
WHEREAS2: WHEREAS, this trip will equip this student with skills necessary to become a better
educator and professional and also help this student establish valuable connections with other
professionals in the field, AND
WHEREAS3: WHEREAS, the Student Government Association Finance committee has heard said
applicant’s travel request and made a final recommendation.
Be it Enacted by the 65th General Assembly of the Student Government Association:
SECTION1: Section 1: Funding shall be provided for the following student traveling from
Memphis, TN to Orlando, FL from November 1, 2014 to November 5, 2014:
A. Tiffany Seaman
SECTION2: Section 2: Exactly $239 will be funded for the above student.
SECTION3: Section 3: This Act shall take effect immediately upon passage.
Pass/Fail= Pass
Aye (17) Nay ()
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Bill 69
Title: to provide travel funding for Walter Preston Battle to travel to Birmingham, AL from
Memphis, TN.
Prime_Sponsor: Laitin Beecham
Cosponsors: Finance Committee Members
Committee: Finance
WHEREAS1: Walter Preston Battle has requested funding from the Student Government
Association in order to attend and compete in the 65th Annual National Moot Court
Competition, AND
WHEREAS2: this trip will serve to further promote the reputation and prestige of the University
of Memphis and help these students establish valuable connections with other professionals in
the field, AND
WHEREAS3: the Student Government Association Finance committee has heard said
applicant’s travel request and made a final recommendation.
Be it Enacted by the 65th General Assembly of the Student Government Association:
SECTION1: Funding shall be provided for the following students traveling from Memphis, TN to
Birmingham, AL from November 6, 2014 to November 9, 2014:
A. Walter Preston Battle
B. Caroline Gordon
C. William Cranford
SECTION2: Exactly $408 will be funded for the above students.
SECTION3: This Act shall take effect immediately upon passage.
Pass/Fail= Pass
Aye (17) Nay()
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Bill 70
Prime Sponsor: Andy Tomayko
Co-Sponsor: Kevan Hatamzadeh
Committee: Judicial
An Act to Amend Article VI Section 1, Article VI Section 3, and Article VI Section 4 of the
Constitution of the Student Government Association at the University of Memphis
Whereas the Constitution has varying GPA qualifications for Executive, Judicial, and Legislative
Branches
Whereas the Constitution needs to be updated to better reflect the student body
Be it Enacted by the 65th General Assembly of the Student Government Association:
Section 1: Change the wording in Article VI Section 1 Line 3 from “at least 2.5” to “at least 2.75”
and “maintain a 2.5” to “maintain a 2.75””
Section 2: Change the wording in Article IV Section 1 Lines 6-7 from “at least 3.00” to “at least
2.75” and “cumulative GPA of 3.00” to “cumulative GPA of 2.75”
Section 3: Replace Article VI Section 3 with “In order to be a candidate for President or Vice
President of the Student Government Association said candidate must have have a minimum of
thirty six (36) semester hours, been enrolled in undergraduate courses for a minimum of two
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(2) semesters, but have been enrolled in undergraduate courses for no more than seven (7)
semesters at the time of his/her election.”
Section 4: This bill will cost the Student Government Associate the base fee to send out a
referendum.
Section 5: This bill will go into effect on January 1, 2015.
Pass/Fail= Fail
Aye (3) Nay (14)
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Announcements
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The Alpha Phi Alpha Pageant will be held February 22nd, 2015. If anyone is interested,
please contact Tevin McKinnis or Michael Barbour. Also, Alpha Phi Alpha is having a
day party next week.
Impact Life is selling homecoming t-shirts for the black out theme. However, those tshirts are not the school t-shirts, but still be encouraged to purchase one.
Frosh Camp Applications are available to fill out and turn in
Adviser Comments
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Encourages all senators to support and attend all of University of Memphis events
Discussion of having tiger pride/school spirit.
Thanks all senators for the “good housing debate”
Roll Call: Members Present: 20
Adjourn- at 8:17 P.M
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Speaker of the Senate
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Chief Clerk
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