83rd MSSA Senate
November 11th, 2015
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Call to Order by 83rd Speaker Farah
Roll Call
Presentations
a. President Davenport
i. Nice to see all the purple and gold. Chancellor was even wearing purple
and gold this week.
ii. Thanks to all the Vets in the room.
iii. Future of MSU:
A lot of pride here. There are measures indicating how we know this. It is called
analytics.
Some pride facts: MSU has - Forbes ranking of 3rd in nation for best business careers; 5th
best small city; 3rd in affordable healthcare; 5th as safest community; 2nd as safest in MN;
19th in nation for top college towns with less than 250,000 people, most affordable town
in MN; ranked 36th in nation, during a State Fair poll this summer question of what
university comes to mind and MSU ranked 2nd; (U of M was mentioned first).
Recent enrollment statistics: 4-5000 students applied to MSU in one week (650 more
than last year). This tells us what our future may look like.
Sesquentenial-150 anniversary coming up in a couple years.
Last 15 years achievements: added numerous buildings, renovated Taylor Center; CSU,
Trafton, the Science Center; CSU Mall fountain; the new Sears & Preska Residence Halls;
Renewable Energy building; demolished Gage Towers; new athletic fields; outdoor
track; new library link; development of University Square; Green Transportation System
(MSSA credited for this); new branding model (Big Ideas, Real World Thinking); I
interviewed almost everyone at the university and came away with a volume of ideas.
Hope you all carry on after graduation.
We added doctoral programs, increased int’l students and now our goal is to double
that, diversifying this campus and making it a welcome community;
Enrollment is 2nd largest in MnSCU system. The goal now is to have a retention rate as
good as U of M. Want to reduce student debt and have you graduate within 4 years and
provide scholarships to help with that. Have interesting ideas on how to do that and a
lot of it is built around analytics (i.e. academic planning and mapping).
We already have a couple of top nationally-rated programs such as our Theatre and
Psychology Departments. This is due to outstanding faculty. We have the best studentcentered faculty.
Athletics has also played a big part. We added more women’s sports; As far as D1
hockey, we’re not there yet, but close to dominating in D2; scored in top ten of the
Director’s Cup. Our student job placement is excellent. We want to partner with the
industry to give students the leg up. We score high on licensure exams.
Vision: Significant increases in enrollment; higher graduation rate; a streamlined
pathway to graduation; more int’l and non-traditional students. More graduate
programs and enrollment; a focus on agricultural programs; global strategic plans from
our individual colleges; a new COB building is on the horizon; we need a new Student
Affairs and Welcome Center; a new Carkoski Center; campus beautification of the mall
area; another similar gateway entrance; walking and biking lanes; facelift and
renovation for Armstrong; new seating in our theatre; new technology to match our
growth and new endowment increases. Current endowment is $50M and now talking
about a $150M campaign;
Martin: Can you talk more about scholarships and internships in the community?
PD: The community is not yet positioned well for that but is growing. We don’t have enough
jobs for the 55% of students who otherwise say they would stay in Mankato. Michael Gustafson
was hired to help us do that as he understands how the outside world works and has been
highly successful during his career. He will work with relationships and companies to develop
that.
Riesterer: Thanks for coming in today. You intrigued me with your talking about enhancing
agricultural programs. Can you talk a little more about that?
PD: Yes, we’ll be developing an Ag focus in science and social programs. We won’t reinvent
agriculture, however, have applied and rec’d approval for non-land grant program so we can
apply for land grants. That is a big deal. Will look at what other institutions are doing and then
figure out our niche. We can bring in a lot of partners and create a research park. Jonathan
Zierdt is helping us lead the way in this area.
Sam: Based on your experience in higher education, how do you see MSU doing all the
implementations you talk about and the timeline?
PD: I talked about the past 15 years and no one would’ve predicted all these things happening.
The budget issue is real and there will be a different focus than the past model. We have to
have more than what the legislative process gives us to run things. There will be fundraising,
research grants, and partnerships. Serving students in less expensive ways but in ways that are
still effective. This doesn’t mean there will never be tuition increases. We need to work together
on this. Success spells success
Haffield: Thanks so much for coming. You talked about Division 1 and increasing sports
facilities. Is that tied to it?
PD: That won’t happen while I’m here. We’d have to raise $15M more every year to maintain a
competitive D1 sports program. We won’t focus on that. There would be so much destruction
as we’d have to cut so many academic programs to do it.
PD: If we have a warm spring, we’ll have a pool party at our house. It is good to know people
that can help you. It is fun for me and helps me realize why I’m President.
Ruiz: Thanks for coming. Can you tell us thoughts on the future location of Student Health
Services?
PD: There is no current plan, however, there are lots of things in motion. There are things we
didn’t expect that may help us declare a new home. We have a few options: 1) stay where it is;
brand new building; develop the new clinical science building basement (25,000 sq ft).,
however, we would need to figure out swing space. We also have 13 acres adjacent from the
Alumni Building, however, wouldn’t put student services out there.
b. Higher Learning Commission – Dean Roca, Dr. Akey
i. Visit coming up in March 28 & 29th, 2016.
ii. Committee is in place. Mariah was our student voice and has done a
great job.
iii. Akey: In order to be able to receive financial aid dollars, we need to be
regionally accredited.
iv. HLC is highest accreditor in US.
v. Process is Open Pathway which includes reg. cycle of reviews. (every 10yrs)
vi. Areas of compliance, demonstrate proof and evidence of it.
vii. Student opinion survey will come out in January. Will take about 5
minutes to answer some general questions and then will go directly to
HLC. Reviewers will have seen the results when the onsite visit occurs.
viii. Government spends 150B a year in financial aid.
ix. MSU been accredited since 1916.
x. All information is available online. There is also a form to provide
feedback. It is open until thanksgiving.
Haffield: We have worked hard and feel confident we will have this.
Riesterer: Recently our aviation program was accredited. How are some and some not?
Akey: That is a good question. That is specialized accreditation. This is institutional
accreditation. One can’t have specialized without having institutional first.
Smith: Other than taking the survey, what else can we do to support?
Akey: Please take the time to look at the assurance argument and evidence to see if congruent
with your experience. Would love to hear your feedback.
Roca: No University is perfect and MSU isn’t either. This is a process to see where we need to
go next.
 Open Forum
 Approval of Consent Agenda
Appointments:
Appointments still needed: Technology Fee Advisory Committee, Elections Commission, Athletic
Advisory Committee, CSU Board (1 more), Learning Technology Roundtable (1 more), Budget Sub-Meet
and Confer (1 more), MSSA Budget Committee
Commission on Ethics & Standards: Husayn Hankerson, Connor Martin, Paul Ngumah, Faical Rayani
Recognized Student Organizations: Mankato Ski and Snowboard Club, Anthropology Student Society
(ASS)
Student Allocations Committee:
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Recommend allocating up to $240 for non-food/beverage or non-parking related expenses toDream
Closet to support a seasonal clothing event for MNSU students and members of the community to shop at
no cost. The event will be held in the CSU ballroom on December 8, 2015.
Recommend allocating up to $300 for non-food related travel expenses to MAPS – Minority Association of
Pre-Health Students to assist 15 students travel to the University of MN, Twin Cities to attend an open
seminar that provides information to pre-medical students about applying, curriculum of medical school
and information about the medical field presented by speakers and unique workshops on November 7,
2015.
Recommend allocating up to $170 for non-food related travel expenses to RANGE (Regional & National
Geographic Explorers) to assist 10 students travel to Minnesota River Valley near New Ulm, MN to study
the landscape on November 14, 2015.
Meeting minutes 11.04.15.
Approved.
 Officer Reports
o President Haffield
a. Rally towels for Friday’s U of M game. MSSA sponsored this item. Please bring
with if you are planning on attending the game.
b. Meet & Confer: Preferred Name policy, online form available Nov. 20. (Grace S.
interested in it.)
c. Senate Bonding Tour coming to campus on 11/17. I will be attending.
d. MSUSA this weekend.
e. Attended COB advising meeting with Farah, Perez.
f. Attended a new dept. chairs’ meeting and discussed some student concerns.
g. Interim VP Advancement is P. Hustoles, Director of our Theatre Dept.
h. Reminder to pick up scarves /ties.
i. Reg. opens up soon
o Vice President Al-Mohamadi
a. Meeting tomorrow with VP Clark about restarting MSSA scholarship.
b. City/University Meeting last week: GMG joined us (Jonathan Z), discussed how
both can go farther; Todd Miller, Director of Public Safety, said less assaults are
being reported but still same number of alcohol occurrences; CTF
implementation at SCC.
o Speaker Farah
a. If going to MSUSA Delegates, the mandatory meeting is tonight at 8:00.
b. Peer Advising presentation on November, 19th to COB leadership team.
c. Ethics & Standards is not a joke so please try and come to the meeting if you’re
on the list.
d. Auditions will be held for selection of COB commencement speaker.
e. Leadership feels we’re being side-tracked by administration’s opinion. When
around this table it is our opinion. The Administration shouldn’t weigh our vote.
It is not the case that we always be on the same page. You are the voice of
students.
f. MSSA Budget Hearing will be held on April 6th. Generally runs around 6 hours,
so plan your schedules accordingly.
Riesterer: I agree about having your own opinion and not being so influenced by the Administration,
however, you also need to have researched the issue that you are voting on so you understand it.
 Senator Reports
o Senator Smith
 Online differential issue: The higher Administration is interested in looking into
this and want a committee to look at. Provost Wells said that access on how
fees used is available to us.
 I spoke to RHA about the services that MSSA provides.
o Senator Abdulaziz
 Ethics & Standards meeting is next Tues. This will be a mandatory meeting. If no
shows, we will escalate the consequences.
o Senator Sadeghi
 Idea to better communicate with students. A large poster near MSSA monitor in
CSU. It would be a way to give students info on how we stand on things and
what we’re working on.
Sam: It is a good idea but MSSA already has a monitor there. I like the idea of sharing info though.
Sadeghi: The poster would be bigger and don’t have to flip through slides…
Haffield: What is the cost and who is going to pay for that?
Sadeghi: $180/semester and MSSA would pay for it. There is so much info that comes through us so it
would be nice to filter and get it out there.
Riesterer: How about a scroll through monitor like the one already there?
Sadeghi: In order to get approval, it has to be about all students and not just us.
Smith: How about a whiteboard or smartboard instead so students can comment on it?
Sam: like it, but feel this is for PR. Please come to the next meeting. Possibly, talk to those that have
those monitors and ask to include our info.
Sadeghi: Can I see a show of hands for general idea?
Farah: We will refer to PR Committee.
 New Business
83 MM 11.11.15.01 – RSO process Haffield/Al-Mohamadi
Whereas: We had motioned to look into/evaluate the RSO process;
Be it Resolved: An MSSA ad-hoc committee would be formed to evaluate and revamp the student
organization recognition process.
Be it further Resolved: The membership shall consist of: Speaker (non-voting chair), (2) senators, (1
that is a member of SAC), (1) staff member from Student Activities, (1) staff member from
Scheduling, (1) student from a multi-cultural RSO, (1) student from an International Center RSO, (1)
student from a Campus Rec RSO, (1) student from a Greek RSO, and (3) general RSOs. The MSSA
Administrative Liaison will serve as an ex-officio member.
Be it further Resolved: The ad-hoc committee will begin meeting Spring 2016 at the discretion of the
chair.
Motion passes.
Aye: 24 Nay: 0 Abstain: 0
Haffield: I feel this is the best way to handle this issue. The make-up of committee members (11) is
well thought out and represents everyone.
Sam: Hopefully, this eliminates same problem next year.
Smith: I’d like for us to show support for students at Univ. of Missouri. Think that as a student
government, we have a lot of say and am looking for ideas. Either letters of support or education
towards the issues they’re facing. This has escalated over the past couple of days and is a big
concern.
Haffield: I understand the sentiment and would support possibly sponsoring more events to address
the issue.
Sam: I have been following this situation but feel to take official stance I think we need more than
just hearsay. I think more research is needed. I think the Diversity or Student Affairs Committee
should research and bring back to us.
Sargent: I think we need student and faculty, staff backing on this situation as it is a larger effort. I
think it will be an important topic but all of us should do research so we have knowledge on it to be
able to lead a discussion on it.
Farah: Ashley’s intercultural development training actually piggy backs on this issue.
Haffield: As this isn’t 100% confirmed I’m not comfortable writing a letter of support. I agree if
racist, they shouldn’t’ be on campus but a letter to support students could be skewed and
misinterpreted. We don’t really know what is going to happen yet.
Smith: I don’t have a solution but wanted to have open discussion on it.
Yang: Can you join us and pass this onto the Diversity Committee?
Sam: Racism shouldn’t be happening but feel we should do research first.
Farah: I think more research is warranted.
Sam: PR discussed Bullpen being open for free for a few hours during or before finals. Want to see
if this is something senate supports.
Smith: I think good idea to help students relax and meet others. I’m in support.
Riesterer: I’m in support if this is doable with the CSU.
Sam: I’m just asking if this is an idea you’d like to pursue and would then have PR committee
propose.
De Ruiter: RHA typically rents out Bullpen and does these types of events and have been very
successful and it is not too expensive.
Aris: I feel it is a good idea and at the same time, helps promote MSSA.
Gibson: like it and maybe even pair with CSU midnight breakfast.
83 MM 11.11.15.02 - University of Missouri Issue Al-Mohamadi / Riesterer
Whereas: MSSA is concerned with the recent issue of racism and unrest at University of Missouri;
Be it Resolved: This be referred to both the MSSA Diversity and Student Affairs Committee to
discuss and bring back and present to senate next week.
Motion passes.
Aye: 18 Nay: 0 Abstain: 1
Sam: I’m asking to have the Diversity Committee and the Student Affairs Committee discuss this
issue at the University of Missouri and then bring it back to us in one week. I think we can learn
from others on this and help eliminate issues in the future. I feel this happens everywhere to some
degree.
Smith: I feel this is an issue on every campus and it is long overdue that we address it.
Bulcock: May I also suggest that you invite University Diversity Committee members to come.
Sam: Dean Henry Morris and Tom Gjersvig are both are ex-officio members and are always invited
to come.
Aye: 18 Nay: 1 Abstain: 0
 Announcements
o Sam: Want to remind all of you that any student is welcome to attend any of the
meetings going on, even if the door is closed.
o Krueger: Students Today meeting tomorrow over pizza. This year’s trip is to Atlanta, GA
over spring break. This is a life-changing experience and encourage you all to attend.
o Nakumbe: MSUSA Delegates meeting tonight, 8 pm CSU #256. Otherwise, send me a
text.
o Ruiz: McElroy meeting tonight also Somali Night on Saturday.
o Yang: Hmong New Year next Saturday.
o Senategiving: Next Thursday at 6 pm. Everyone sign up and if you can, bring something.
o De Ruiter: New meeting time for Student Affairs Committee is 11:00 on Thursdays, CSU
#256.
o Smith: Academic Affairs meetings are at 11:00 on Thursdays, Senate Conference Room.
 Roll Call
 Adjournment
o Meeting adjourned at 6:13 pm.