Senate Minutes - September 10, 2015
SUB 235
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Call meeting to order 6:00 pm
Roll Call
Review Previous Minutes
o August 27th, 2015
Howell: move to approve
Zoltek: Seconded
Minutes Approved
Move to public comment
John Walker College of Agriculture: Discuss leadership skills of Simenuik. Drinking and driving is
not okay. Commend university for handling responsibly. President Simenuik can still be a
successful leader. Trustworthy, honest, and cares for students and faculty. Represents students
for many events from Sacramento, to Nashville, to Kansas City. Presented herself as soul of
MSU. Professional and respect for university. Not everyone is perfect obstacles are inevitable.
Consider supporting and keeping her as student body president.
Brent Marsh college of Agriculture: No one condones this activity, look at how she is capable of
leading the university. Look at what is to be done rather than what has been done. There needs
to be a punishment but the wrong punishment is to remove her from office. Student senators
should find appropriate punishment. I have worked with Simenuik and knows she is still capable
of leading the university. I want the best for MSU. Students elected her on those qualities that
she still possesses and we should stand beside her. She is a credible woman that will still do
great things.
Soares: What recommendations would you make?
Marsh: Slashing benefits
Elias Horat College of Arts and Architecture: It’s hard to give questions thoughts and concerns
to someone who isn’t even here. Last year at this time we were mourning the loss of a student.
Comments on Facebook and Exponent are not kind. I know Gwynn personally and feel bad for
her. Gwynn chose to be in this position. She knew exactly what positon she was in and campus
is divided. Staying in this position supports others questions comments and concerns. Question
for Gwynn: will you please resign? Do not represent students who are personally affected by
drinking and driving. Wants to be properly represented.
Davis Connley College of Letters and Science: Pathetic and embarrassing that this conversation
must take place. People tend to be elected based not on qualities but on who they know. This
should be a meeting about public service. Not stepping down means she’s not here for the right
reasons. Should be tackling larger issues not Simenuik’s problems. Set aside friendship and look
at it from a student’s perspective. I have never met Gwynn but she represents 15 thousand
students and faculty and this is not what I want to see on my campus. I am concerned that
nothing will come of this and that is not okay. Legal standard that cannot be ignored.
End of public comment
Soares: announces statement from Simenuik to be read
Read by Senate Secretary
I wanted to take this time to update you on the issue regarding student responses to my
personal situation of receiving a DUI citation. I have spoken in person with multiple students,
but have received little contact other than those conversations. I would like to hear from more
students by seeking out our constituents in the coming weeks so that I have a better
understanding of student opinion on this matter before making any firm decisions. I also ask
that you feel free to contact me if any of your constituents have expressed concern to you
regarding this issue.
Let me know if there are any questions pertaining to this update.
Best,
Gwynn Simeniuk
Move to presentations
MSU library Sheila Bernand ASMSU liaison: I am happy to be partnering with you. Trying
activities in the library for homecoming. We want ASMSU ‘celebrities’ take a picture reading
their favorite book to feature in the library and around campus. Please sign up if you want to
have your photo displayed.
Dove: does it have to be our favorite book from the library or just In general?
Bernand: Just in general
Wyndham: Are we submitting favorite books?
Bernand: I am not on the planning committee but that is a good idea
O’Keefe: When did you want to have this done by?
Bernand: As many as possible by homecoming. Will be used beyond homecoming.
Glose: Do you want us to write a critique or just picture and book?
Bernand: Keep it simple for now
Admin reports
Birky: Gwynn’s update is as follows, we will be in Butte next week for board of regents. They
want to raise dues by $2,000 and that’s not okay. ASMSU is recording PSA’s with KGLT radio to
highlight homecoming and diehard run. Get in touch with Marianne or Rachel to sign up to
volunteer. Student bill of rights up for a revote. Actual document being taken to university
council. Changes in policy for students who don’t attend the first week of class. OAE holding
leadership conference October 3rd and each club must send one leader. Please contact Mandy
with questions. Finishing up meetings with program directors. Spirit squad was impressive go
team. Three positions open for representatives of Gallatin, honors and freshmen
representatives. Opinion editorial is blatantly wrong and no one is assigned to being the writer
and asking for retraction or public apology from exponent. First ever August senator of the
month congrats to Kyle Glose, you rock. First ever student employee of the month goes to Mac
Sullivan.
Brough: Yield the floor to Erin from the Exponent
Erin: I am the editor and chief of the exponent. The reason for no names is because it is a
reflection of the entire editorial opinion not one writer. Discrepancy was totally inappropriate it
is corrected online but not in the paper. I understand your frustration. No more mistakes and if
there are please let me know.
Brough: Interesting opening of the year. We are a week ahead in senate, yay. Month and a half
ahead of where we were last year. Appreciate the responsiveness of senate. Despite Public
Relations, I have seen the most ideal demeanor from senators, thank you. Very impressed with
crisis management. See paper for four ways to handle crisis management as it will matter in all
of your jobs no matter what you do.
Business manager Cowles: Liaisons will be receiving program directors budget print out shortly.
Moving forward with POS system for front desk.
Soares: Get in touch with me if you can’t get in touch with your committee chairs. Get in touch
with programs because they don’t know who their liaisons are yet. We need all of your bios!
Headshots on October 1st. Please get your office hours in to the front desk so we can make sure
to hold them accountable. Come in not on your office hours to hang out too we are fun we
promise and good discussion and debate happens at the big table. Homecoming BBQ is a great
volunteer opportunity to meet constituents and its fun. 11-1 pm contact Rachel or Levi or
Marianne. Parade too. University policy reiterating rights that students already have. Working
on wording but senate will vote soon on how they feel about it before university council votes.
Freshman ambassador applications are in the office it introduces them to offices around
campus. Resolution passed by this body to approve duties. Take what was said tonight to heart.
Listen, do research, vote with conscience. Make a decision and don’t let others handle it. This is
your job, thank you.
Dove: Gender inclusivity task force from last week. Ariel Donahue is meeting with Senator
Howell and lgbtq advisory committee Monday 15th 4 pm to discuss gender inclusivity i.e.:
gender bathrooms. Get your bios in!
Senate Reports:
Sanders: I am the new judge for the exit gallery, go check out the new shows. This week’s show
should be awesome.
Stimac: I met with spirit committee for homecoming, Tuesday is the hall decorating contest I
need volunteers same with BBQ. Parade 8:30-11. Classroom committee is doing cool stuff for
innovative classrooms.
O’Keefe: sending around a sign-up sheet for homecoming activities
Windham: student health advisory committee meeting coming up contact me to get involved in
October.
Leach: Political Action Committee discussed starting a joined meeting between city officals to
collaborate with our senate. I.E. County funding for streamline, college corridor, etc. City
commission candidates should run on issues and endorsing issues possibly in future elections.
Soares: Maybe we don’t know how to take action, resolution is the best way to do so. Make a
meeting with me to help do so.
Lacy: I am the liaison to elections. We are going to man a booth in the union market for
students to vote. Needs volunteers to sign up.
Windham: Yield floor to Matt Caires
Caires: it is my decision to decide if students should still be students. I consider the law above
all. Highest code of student conduct is ethics. Consider coming together with personal ethics
and discuss ethics of being a student leader. If anything should come out of this, Gwynn’s
situation aside, what are the expectations you have of yourselves. Consider a small committee
to look at an ethic code of conduct. On a fun side, this Saturday at 11 am student leaders can
come have lunch. Best meal you will have all semester. Email amber.wivholm@montana.edu
thank you.
Soares: I’ve never been a fan of a student code of conduct but I am up for debate
Senate Reports
Howell: Wednesday October 14th 6-8 pm at Taco Montes free tacos and beer if of age.
Commissioner and mayoral candidates debating issues. #tacoboutit. Tell constituents.
Sanders: question about Saturday lunch
Caires: 11-1 lunch super informal attire
Dove: October 21st, there is a presentation for the Bozeman PFLAG group. Let me know if
interested in attending.
Unfinished Business
Second Reading of Constitution
Glose: Approve
Chapman: Second
Windham: I’m not sure we are ready to approve this document. Questions regarding
inconsistencies in 2/3 ¾ vote.
Soares: Each number comes down to its own rationale for being that way
Birky: There is majority, preponderance, beyond reasonable doubt this is reflective of federal
government
Marts: comment about civil majority in line 24 viii
Soares: comments on side were not meant to be on the side, apologies.
Marts: why does it say civil vs general majority?
Birky: says majority in all text, comments just say civil majority
O’Keefe: page 1 vs roman numerals on everything else?
Soares: change roman numerals to numbers?
Howell: accept friendly amendment
Leach: Executive session?
Soares: outlined in the bylaws
Leach: Judicial council meetings in bylaws or constitution about public or private?
Birky: In bylaws. Individual can choose to have an open meeting.
Sanders: page 4, approval for 2% MSU Bozeman students?
Soares: before it said 15% of total ballots casted which is equal to 2% of student body.
Windham: What determines whether or not certain things are in bylaws vs constitution?
Soares: constitution is the skeleton to exist by, bylaws are consensus of specific proper practice.
Constitution is hard to change and bigger of a situation. Bylaws can be altered throughout time
here.
Birky: Constitution is the who and what bylaws are the when and where
Lacy: page 8 lines 2-3 committees and or task forces?
Soares: located in bylaws
Lacy: page nine line 3 purpose to propose?
Soares: note has been made
Lacy: article 23 voting members all students 1 or more credit can vote? Only students who pay
activity fee are able to use our services?
Soares: can’t create barrier and we are representing all students on campus. Representation is
the same.
Birky: Under seven credits are seen as under 18 in federal government
Glose: friendly amendment consistency on speaker term
Howell: accept friendly amendment
Glose: special meetings page 10 section 2 Roberts Rules of order allow attendance at meetings
via skype?
Soares: in the bylaws and yes
Glose: voting membership judicial council vs senate?
Howell: because judicial council will be made up as students not senators. Can fluctuate and
ours is set and we are all supposed to be here.
Soares: 21 senators was the number started with and stands today we are comfortable to
reallocate seats and equations this way
Roll Call vote
Campbell – Y
Chapman – Y
Dove – Y
Dufner – Y
Glose – Y
Howell – Y
Jones – Y
Lacy – Y
Leach - Y
Lynn – Y
Manley – Y
Marts – Y
O’Keefe – Y
O’Leary – Y
Oswald – Y
Sanders – Y
Stimac – Y
Windham – Abstained
Zoltek - Y
Passes
Senate Announcements
Campbell: first concert with the department of music tomorrow American Spirit
Oswald: model United Nations club Tuesday 7pm movie and free pizza
Stimac: diehard run with SAA September 23rd spread the word
Chapman: Cody Howell is running for homecoming king ASMSU nominated him so vote for him
Glose moves to adjourn
Seconded by Windham
Meeting adjourned at 7:41