Minutes for Nov. 10th

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Opening & Reports

(No statements are direct quotes unless specified by quotation marks.)

President Holmes called the meeting to order at 5:08 p.m. by the Senate Clock.

Roll call

Guests:

• President Roland Barden

• Patrick D. Hundley, Executive Vice President, Alumni Foundation

• Ferman Woodberry, Director of Security

Proxies: 

• Katie Flock - Senator Deutz (1/2 meeting)

• Jered Weber - Senator Czapiewska

• Kellie Hesse - Senator Vrtis (1/2 meeting)

Approval of the Agenda

Unanimous Approval.

Approval of the Minutes

Unanimous Approval.

Minutes from 11-03-05 Approved.

Public Hearing

Barden

Thank you for the invitation to come and inviting other administrators through out this year.  I appreciate the interest you have.

I have updated copies of the Fiscal Year 2007 [from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007] budget for you.

Only a line or two has changed from the last budget.  A week after Jean was here, we received an update allocation of state funds.   It is down about $225,000 from our allocation from MnSCU gave us last year.  This is because of the hold harmless clause that is current MnSCU policy.  It states that no school will receive less than their Fiscal Year 05 allocation.  There are a few schools that had decreased enrollment so they received this subsidy.  This means that MSUM received $70,000 less.  Other costs have went up like WebPALS.  This also caused a reduction to our allocation.  They also used final FY05 credit hours (number of credit hours completed by June 30, 2005).  This changes what happened to the base allocation.  Most other things are the same.

Our planning scenarios are updated as well.

I don't expect that the hold harmless policy will be renewed.  It is a one year cushion to those schools that need to downsize.

Those folks that are getting smaller should downsize, including us.  If enrollment goes down, maybe we don't need as much staff.  I hope the Board of Trustees will not continue this rider [Hold harmless clause].

"We would like to get 100% from that source [MnSCU] and not charge tuition."  That isn't likely to happen.

$1.13 million more was taken off the top by MnSCU to run MnSCU.  We didn't anticipate a change and so didn't many schools.

The allocation process treats you as a part of a big system.  If enrollment goes up at your university, then the money follows.  If it goes down, then you can receive less.  "Your annual expense is going to reflect what is going on as a whole."

Holmes

What is the university doing to try to increase enrollment at MSUM?

Barden
 

We spend more in recruiting every year.  We will be focusing more on the two year schools.  It takes a lot more work in this region to recruit because the number of high school graduates in western Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota are going down.  It is projected that there will be 20% less graduates through 2013.  It will not be a smooth decline, either, it will start to get worse from now on. 

We are expanding from our traditional recruitment area.  We want to recruit where the students are at.  Everyone is recruiting for the "valley empire" right now.  "No one can match the impact of 7600 students going home and recruiting a friend."  Students play a big part in recruitment.  In other states, the schools don't have room for students.  We have room. 

We have the authority to charge US residents in state tuition.  We have more of those students now then when we started the program three years ago, but it is still small.

"Tomorrow is another preview day; there will be students all over.  Smile [at them]."  Students already attending here are critical.

We project a conservative number on enrollment [a three percent decrease for next school year], so we won't have less money than we need.

Where is some of the fat in the university budget?  We are in a situation where we might have to reduce the employee base.  This would be by attrition and moving people around.  A smaller number of students shouldn't have to pay for the same number of professors. 

Holmes

Didn't Fiscal Year '90 have 9000 students attending university?  How did the university deal with that?

Barden

Reduction.  The transition was rather painful.  Here, now, it won't be the same.  We will reduce our obligation.

Holmes

Could we cut the $600,000 for equipment?

Barden

We could, but it would be a one time thing.  Reducing equipment would be the road to mediocrity.  We could easily use more money to keep up for the equipment.  In my day, lab equipment could last twenty years.  Students now pay the $600,000 for the technology fee alone.  It is comparable.  My leadership position is we need to look very hard to see if we can reduce our obligations with salaries and fringe benefits. 

About the credit card line item [to the amount of $87,197]- we get charged a fee when student use their credit card to pay tuition.  Cash and credit cards have to be charge the same.

Bard

Since we are affiliated with US Band, couldn't they waive the fee?

Barden

The contracts that we have are with the credit card companies like Visa, and not with a bank.  To pay with a credit card "is a great convenience to students."

Wilson-Mattson

Do we allow credit card offers to get into the dorms?

Barden

They get information from the directory.  They scan it in very quickly after the directory comes out.  My wife often takes a course and she gets all sorts of stuff to the Parents of Caroline Barden. 

Repair and replace is to keep up the maintenance of structures to keep up the integrity of buildings.  This is guided by MnSCU policy.  If we aren't going to spend our own funds then we aren't eligible for asset allocations.  We are stewards of state assets.  Some is planned repair is planned, others is what happens unexpectedly.

Holmes

You are predicting a 3% decline in enrollment next year.  Why?

Barden

"I asked Jean to run that model because I want to be conservative."  As soon as I saw the changes in enrollment, there were more changes in the State's allocation.

We only adjusted what we could.  Our only choice is to pay what the labor contracts dictate.  To downsize cost, we can only reduce the number of employees.  I can't change the negotiated contracts.  Labor is a critical part of the university.  It is what makes the university tick.  M&E will not even cover inflation.

Holmes

There was no national search for the Business and Industry Dean.  Why?

Barden

We are down an administrator because Crockett is mainly the dean.  He used to be a dean at Metro State.  We recruited him away. I later asked him to be Vice President.  One position now is vacant.  The cost of search and pay grade, etc. would cost $200,000.  We are trying to see if we can continue as we are. "Not even the union can force me to hire more people." I could make Warren Wiese do four jobs. Should we take on the cost of a search? Much of the Vice President of Administrative Affairs work has been delegated to me, VP Midgarden, and others. "Performance is very good as far as I can see." I am still consulting with that college [of Business and Industry]. That is a decision I am faced with. Are we okay?

Holmes

Good explanation. It is great how conservative the administration is financially.

Mihal

I've worked with Dr. Crockett as a dean and he had been good to me.

Barden

About this Natural Disasters question- Patrick Kacia slipped away from us and that is a tragedy. That creates publicity around us as a university and as a community of Fargo-Moorhead. "That is a difficult matter for us." We talk to families and transfer students. The only antidote for that is to have lots of great news. We have to point out that people are performing in an exemplary manner. Those of you in Mass Communication, for example. The only alternative major to that around here is in advertising. We don't have enough money for that major. On Nov. 17th, we'll have a great story. Stay tuned. It'll be part of the Embargo news. It's supposed to be a surprise. We have a person going to Washington DC for it.

Randhawa

Do you think with communication that we might have some facets of people that need improvement?

Barden

Yes. We have a few opportunity in our sights. There are many groups to deal with. There is a lot of chatter on the national network of administrators. Facebook is a concern because students may be putting up too much information about themselves. All you need to access that information is an mnstate.edu address. Not every last person is totally honorable. Those are some issues. Identity theft with student loans in the students name is another problem. It is not hard to steal the money that supposed to be for the deserving people. We're still learning how to deal with technology and make it secure. "If you see something unusual, don't let it pass."

I just want to let you know that your President, Mihal, and Treasurer Schwegel represent you on UPBC [University Planning and Budget Committee]. We are looking at 9% tuition increase. That is a very modest inflation. State funds are going down so it [the shortfall] has to come from Student tuition. I don't think we're looking at double digit tuition increase. The consultation letter process is unique- the letter that your president writes goes directly to the Trustees [who have the authority to set a cap on tuition increases]. If you need any information, let us know. When looking at a budget, we just look at what is different from the year before.

A 1% increase in enrollment is the same as a 1% increase in tuition. With a 9% increase with a 0% change in enrollment, then we'd only be taking in $54,000 more than what we spend. At 8.5% tuition increase, we go into the red [or have a negative balance]. If we have fewer students next year, then the administration should adjust the numbers. "We're a big entity." When a position comes vacant, we'll just leave it open.

Obach

Advisor Wiese is invaluable to us. "He's been ungodly helpful to us." We have a new Senate, and he helps guide us.

Barden

I want to express my appreciation to you. "You are the student voice." In terms of governance, you are the student voice by trustee policy. Our Student Senate has been very responsible. We haven't had a bad senate.

Holmes

Thank you, President Barden. It is always nice to visit his office with his nice furniture. Next up is Ferman Woodberry, Director of Security. What changes have there been in the security report?

Woodberry

There is a new line for threats. There seemed to be a marked increase in verbal threats. It will give a clearer feel for a prospective student to the university safety. The Cleary Act was enacted for a girl who got raped. That particular institution was in a high crime area, and that would have affected her choice of schools. Any schools that receive federal funds has to do the Security report.

If a person is threatened and the believe the threat is real, that is a terroristic threat. I thought that was an important piece for the community to know.

Patrick Hunley

Is the format of the report defined by the Cleary Act like the non violent date rape?

Woodberry

Yes. Four years ago it looked totally different than now. Drugs, weapons, and alcohol are now documented. We do have some leeway on what we get to add.

Holmes

Are there any significant changes in reported incidents?

Woodberry

"Quite honestly, [number of reported incidents] are level." Variances in the number of sexual assault cases is normal. 95% of female and 99% of male sexual violations go unreported. A small percent go through the university to report an assault.

Vandalism and theft are high. Theft is rampant because we are trusting. A student may leave a backpack somewhere and expect it to be there when they return. We try to heighten people's awareness. Theft and Vandalism will be the highest on any campus. The number of incidents are really low for a campus of our size. The male to female ratio on our campus is different- we have more women than men.  Most women don't engage in those behaviors [of theft].  The Fargo Moorhead area is relatively safer than St. Cloud.  "I don't have the sleepless nights that I had two years ago."  The Neighborhood Watch program has been very successful.  We would like to have 30 to 45 blue light phones. 35 security workers can't keep us safe; it takes a community.  It is everyone's responsibility to make the community safe.

Holmes

Do you have any comments on the Housing and Security relationship?

Woodberry

Director Connor and I have a better relationship.  My role is to support departments like Housing, Police, among others.  We each have to work that out.  My previous experience at other universities included walking the halls of residence halls.  "That is an integral part of how I see security on campus."  In the MnSCU system, we only go in if we are called or in pursuit.  There is no one solution to the problem we're seeing in the Residence Halls.

Arsons are very hard to catch.  The most successful way to catch them is in the act, but that is hard to do.  Regular patrols- if we're tough on any violations, and let people know the consequences to their actions, that will deter as to watch happening.  "We're going to pay attention of that and the university is serious about making you understand the consequences of your actions."

Holmes

If the fire alarms are false, doesn't that lower residence's response to them?

Woodberry

Yes, but room searches are done [to make sure there is no one left in the room].  "Consequences should be enough to compel them to leave next time."

Braddock

The fire marshall was here tonight.

Woodberry

Sorry I came so late in the semester.

Holmes

Where is the security report?

Woodberry

It is on the website right now.

Holmes

Is it included with the materials for new students?

Woodberry

It goes out to parents

Holmes

Thank you for coming out this evening.  Up next we have Patrick Hunley, from the Alumni Foundation.

Hunley

"My office is proballly the most hidden."  I have the least contact with students.  Alumni Relations

• keeps up with alumni

• tracks indicators of success of the university

Tom Clark, a graduate from the late 60s who was in student senate, brought baseball to Denver and developed the $15.9 billion deal for the Denver rail line.

George Soul, Ventura's right hand man, went on to be a Harvard graduate.

These alumni are out there, we just have to find them, and we hope they will give back.

We get scholarships from gifts.  We are committed to raising $5 million for the Wellness Center.  We would like to be able to give out more scholarships.

The first thing a person in my position should do is develop a passion for university.  I love this institution.  People here are super.  We do what we do well.  We are out there talking to rich alumni.  We are proud of you as students.

Bard

Any well off history majors?

Hunley

My son was a history major.   I accuse him of trying to have a lower income than his father.  His CEO is class of '69.  Tom Clark is a psychology major.  George Soul is a History and Political Science major.

Bard

If you donate to the university, can you specify what the money goes to?

Hunley

Yes.  We like unspecified, but you can certainly can say where it'll go.  "Statistics show that when the Alum can specify they give more."

Holmes

In light of recent events and media, is there interest on programs on bring in students and community together?

Hunley

I'd like us to work with enrollment management.  We could invite alumni and students and parents all together so parents can see the success.  The must be one heck of a school.

Come and see me.  I no longer live in Dahl Hall.  "That's the old guy that lives downstairs" is what they used to say about me.  We're happy in our new home.

Holmes

Thank you for coming tonight.

Recess

President seeks unanimous approval for a five minute recess.

No objection, 5 minute recess.

Obach (still in public hearing)

We had cabinet after the last meeting- we watched the news.  We brainstormed on how we can get the message out that the change in the taxi cab program is positive.  There is another meeting tonight.  If you can, come to the meeting after.  We have a possible ad campaign of non-senators who do stuff on the outside to have in the local papers to bring up representation and awareness of our students here.  If you know people who'd be good for this, let me know.  Students can take back their reputation .

Maurina

Do you want current students or alumni?

Obach

Both are concerned with this.

Cailao

Why do this during cabinet?  Is this part of cabinet?

Braddock

I hijacked cabinet.

Obach

We gave it a name- O.M.O.

Braddock

Last week it snow balled on us.

Obach

We had a cabinet meeting that snowballed.  We wanted to get the word out.  We made of a list of ways to reach the community.  Each one was assigned to a person.

Cailao

Who will chair this?

Holmes

Cabinet is called by the Vice President.

Cailao

Good thing to start in damage control

Mihal

I often ride the bus, and I notice route 1, which goes by Concordia, says "Go Cobbers."  Route 2, which goes by MSU, says nothing like that.

Braddock

It would be to slow down for Mihal to record all this. 

Schwegel

Students have concerns about buildings being safe in relation to fires.

Holmes

Warren Wiese will talk about that in his report.

Braddock

I will address that as well.

Reports

Advisor Wiese

Next Thursday we'll be hosting the revenue fund meeting.  MnSCU conferences will meet next weekend and will be on campus.

The food service proposals are in.  We've received two proposals- one from Aramark and one from Sodexho. 

I may not be here next week so I'd like to do my section of Meet & Discuss this week. 

About the Green Fee turbine- the sustainable committee met last week and the turbine was the top discussion.  We met with Moorhead Public Service last semester trouble.  The turbine would have to be bigger to be more efficient.  If it is larger, then that would pose a danger to the airport.  It wouldn't be in a zone

with enough wind (a yellow zone).  Those were the issues then.  We asked Kevin form MPS to come back and give us an update.  "We've seen a tremendous spike in energy cost," so it may be more feasible now.  Turbines also have a high maintenance cost.

Holmes

If there continues that a turbine is not feasible, will we still have the Green Fee?

Wiese

The fee has other purposes: lower cost, planting eco friendly plants, and recycling.

Holmes

If the turbine is not feasible, should we reduce the fee?

Wiese

We want to examine that thoroughly before revising the fee.  They still have to set a mission statement and goals so it will be grant worthy.

Mihal

Is the fee being spent now?

Wiese

Yes- on recycling purposes. 

There is no discussion about adding more on campus housing.  There is discussion about a replacement hall.  Ballard is the oldest dorm.  We have about a 90 to 95% occupancy rate.  We have less and less green space.  So no new halls for now. 

Randhawa

What will happen to the area west of campus?

Wiese

The city is looking at that as a development district.  There has been some private interest, as well.

Randhawa

How will that affect rents?

Wiese

That is difficult to say.  One development will keep rents low because it'll provide competition.

Furman summarized the housing and security situation well.  To have more patrols would take additional resources.  With the survey last spring, residents indicated that they feel safety needs are being met.  Most students live somewhere else.  Other areas of town may be patrolled than here on campus. 

Randhawa

I thought all freshman had to live on campus.

Wiese

There is no policy on that.

Mihal

It might be hard to enforce for students like me that are married.

Randhawa

I meant those freshman of a specific age.

Oni

With the new policy for Snarr Hall, do you think that'll discourage the current problems?

Wiese

That is difficult to tell.  Some will think the policies will make it a better living space, others will think it is oppressive.  Historically, the halls behavior settles out in a few weeks or months.

The process on deciding housing and fee rates is just starting now.  When enrollment declines, those areas takes a double hit.  There are less fees, less purchases, etc.

Holmes

What is the dining request for proposal process?

Wiese

We knew it'd be coming.  The RFP is online.  It asks for price, quality, resources, etc.  For the next 3 weeks, we'll look over the proposals.  On Nov. 30th, the committee will be on campus.  Then we'll have a week to decide who to negotiate with.  By January 30th, the decision must be made.  Mihal and Elkin are on this committee, so you can pass on any comments to them.

Justin Schwegel (Treasurer)

Budget sits at $2,996.99.  I attended SABC.    Please pay for your t-shirts.

No questions on the report

James Cailao (Vice President)

• The search for a secretary has begun! I will be placing ads in the Advocate, TTN, and Job Shop with a job description and necessary skills. If anyone knows anyone else willing to devote 985 hours a week, have him or her come apply!

• I chaired SOAC, where we will begin to review 5-year constitutions.

• Attended SABC, where we are beginning the budget process for FY07

• Typed up a CD/MSUSA report from our Cultural Diversity seminar at Delegate’s Assembly that I would like to give to the CD Chair for their transition manual.

• Typed up a summary of the President’s Advisory Board meeting and emailed it to Pres. Holmes.

• Met with Ruckus reps via a web demo/phone conference. Ruckus is a legal alternative to downloading music and movies while creating an online community within our campus. I will continue to explore this program with others and report back to the Senate. If anyone has any questions regarding this program, they should speak with me.

No questions on the Report

Billy Holmes (President)

I attended UPBC.  I viewed the online alcohol curriculum in ATF.  I prepared for Meet & Discuss.

No questions on the Report

Emilie Mihal (*Temporary* Secretary), (S.P.A.M.), (Election Chair)

• Did minutes

• Took minutes for cabinet

• Did attendance

• Started a transition manual

I worked on organizing elections in conjunction with Schmit.

No questions on the Report except a kind comment from Wiese about using a laptop.

Committee on Committees (Chair Obach)

Attendance

• Obach (Present)

• Braddock (Present)

• Bard (Present)

• Czapiewska (Present)

• Haken (Present)

• Mihal (Guest)

Report

COC discussed ways to fill remaining seats.  Haken has been scouting out for members for her ad hoc committees.  Braddock's duties were lightened to allow him to Chair his own committee.  The Chair continued the never ending saga with the spreadsheet.

No questions on the Report

Campus Affairs (Chair Randhawa)

Attendance

• Randhawa (Present)

• Oni (Present)

• Maurina (Present)

• Bliss (Present)

Report

We discussed the housing issue and are waiting for more information.  We also discussed the Wellness Center and we are seeking direction from the Ad-Hoc committee.  The mandatory insurance policy required by MnSCU was discussed, and we are still working on it.

No questions on the Report

Cultural Diversity Sub Committee (Chair Oni) & MSUSA Cultural Diversity Rep. (Oni)

Report

About the pro-life and pro-choice groups on campus, I e-mailed Dr. Wallert, the Advisor of pro-life, but I still haven't received any reply from him.

I have only received an e-mail from the St. Cloud Cultural Diversity rep about their International Student Insurance.  I am still trying to contact Steve Frautz. 

I am still working on the Multicultural meeting with Abner.

Questions on the Report

Mihal

What is the issue with life insurance?

Oni

Students are only supposed to pay a certain amount of co-pay, but the policy hasn't been paying the bills.

Legislative & Internal Affairs (Chair Wilson-Mattson)

Attendance

• Wilson-Mattson (Present)

• Elkin (Present)

• Ascheman (Present)

• Zeiher (Present)

Report

Split the phone list for calling cards.  The list is posted and the front desk.  Winners must show ID for card and please cross them off the list.  Went over Constitution for Delta Mu Delta

No questions on the Report

Marketing (Chair Schmit)

Attendance

• Schmit (Present)

• Ludden (Present)

• Brown (Present)

• Deutz (Present)

Report

We are working sweatshirts.  Please sign up on the sheet if you want a sweatshirt or a t-shirt.  We are working on an open house on Monday and Tuesday.  Future projects possibly include a mission statement, newsletter to inform students with the assistance of Serena Knutson, possibly help with the ad campaign Chair Obach discussed.  Also, we are still working on the Student Savers club.

No questions on the Report

MSUSA Campus Rep. (Schmit)

Report

I postered for the Penny Fellowship, which consists of MSUSA contact information.  I sat in on a conference call on Wednesday, Nov. 9th at 6pm.  Most campuses had representatives present, when I say most I mean Bemidji, Metro, Moorhead, St. Cloud, and Southwest.  Mankato and Winona were not present.  The conference call was held by MSUSA Vice Chair Travis Reese and Facilitator Ezra Kazee was present as a guest.

Discussion during the conference call included alternates to call-in days.  2,000 calls have been made throughout the campuses; in the future we'll be focusing on long range and strategic planning.  There will be a campus representative and cultural diversity representative meeting on December 3rd at 8am.  CR and Cultural Diversity reports are due Dec. 5th.  The Cultural Diversity conference was discussed, and the search for the Cultural Diversity facilitator is still on-going.

No questions on the Report

Tuition & Fees Oversight (Chair Welle)

Attendance

The meeting was canceled by the President.

Report

There was not TFOC meeting this week.  A chair will be appointed to this committee soon.

No questions on the Report

Campus Safety Committee (Braddock)

The committee will meet again on November 15 to re-visit Emergency Bluelight Phones before I bring a motion before Senate regarding their placement on campus.

Chair Braddock discussed the sprinkler issue in Snarr Hall with Al Breuer, the university Environmental Health & Safety officer, who requested Chair Braddock sit on the EH&S committee.  Chair Braddock will also guide the Campus Safety Committee towards working with the appropriate officials to address all the recent issues in Snarr Hall, as well as any residence hall.

Questions on the Report

Old Business:

Senator Removal

Ascheman moves, Braddock seconds, to take from the table the removal of Senator Chaudry. 

Ascheman

We wanted to give him a week, and we did.

Braddock yields

Motion to take from the table passes.

Elkin (Point of Information)

Can you refresh us about this?

Holmes

Chaudry apparently tried to contact me, but it didn't go through.  We gave him an additional week.

Randhawa

I know Chaudry on a personal level.  He intended on leaving Senate.  he though he'd resigned.  He didn't know was still on.

Elkin

Did you contact him about this?

Randhawa

I left a message with his roommate.

Braddock

Senator Chaudry has had plenty of time to resign.

With 18 yays, 0 nays, motion passes - Senator Chaudry is removed.

Motion about the Wellness Center

Bard moves to take from the table the motion on the Wellness Center.  The motion dies for a lack of a second.

New Business:

COC Appointments

Randhawa moves, Braddock seconds to open COC nominations. 

Motion Passes.

Eh & S

Chris Braddock

Comstock Union Committee

Emily Aurand

Student Learning and Assessment

Beckie Loidolt

Randhawa moves, Schwegel seconds to close COC nominations.

Motion passes.

Rescinding a Motion

Schwegel moves, Randhawa seconds to rescind the removal of Senator Hussain last week and accept the resignation letter from Senator Hussain.

Schwegel

The removal last week may not have been in order.  This'll clear it up.

Randhawa

He came in here to resign, but we had to leave.

Braddock

It is an organization's right to refuse a resignation. 

Maurina

Why does it matter [whether he resigned or was removed].

Holmes

It makes it easier to use Senate as a reference.

Obach

I like him but I feel like he wasted our time.  He got voted and showed up for one meeting.

Cailao

If the letter wasn't read before the motion, I think we should do this.

Maurina

Let's be nice.

Motion passes with one abstention

Motion 06-42 TFOC (Obach/Haken)

Obach

It may sound confusing, but there's been a few point brought to our attention.  Last week I talked to Proxy Advisor Wilson and she is in support of this.  The average taxi right is $8.  "It is lessening the school's bite, basically."  If the ride is $8, then one rider would pay $4, and the school would kick in $4.  If there were 2 or 3 riders, then the riders would pay $6, and the school $2.  It reduces some redundancy if there were 4 riders then it may be more than the regular fare.  Doyle's wants to keep our business.

Haken

What he said.  I yield.

Randhawa (POI)

Last week we discussed this and I was told that something like this was not possible but it is possible now?

Holmes

Warren?

Wiese

We have more information now.  We still need to negotiate the contract.

Holmes

In the advocate, it said taxi cab fee has doubled, but that isn't true.  We have only made a recommendation.

Braddock

I'm not sure how I feel about this.  The current program hasn't been properly implemented.  This adds complexity.

Randhawa

Does Doyle's get $6 for every ride?
Holmes

Not always $6 per rider.  I spoke to the owner.  Doyle's would like Concordia and NDSU to parallel our program as much as possible.  We could make a recommendation and discuss it with Doyle's.

Obach

I discussed two things with Wilson (who will negotiate the contract).  She recommended this before but TFOC shot it down.  Students would take the initiative to ride together.  She thought it wasn't that difficult.  It would cause more work but be more beneficial.

Schwegel

The meter runs the same no matter how many people are in the taxi.  Why should we charge more?  This could be clarified.

Wiese

We'd have to alter the language of the contract.  Students should never pay more than the fare.

Elkin

If it is cheaper, then the drivers just charge the cheaper rate.  It feels like it is punishing people riding by themselves.  it is safer.  It is a good idea to save money, but there is a better way to do it.

Haken

It is really not punishing them as of now it would be the same as the previous recommendation [$4 per rider].  This would reward groups.

Obach

The farthest you can go using this is from North Fargo to South Moorhead.  At most this is $14 per ride.  "This'll defray cost back down to the university."  If this doesn't pass, it'll be more expensive to student.  I am open to a friendly amendment if this doesn't work.

Randhawa POI

What happens to the former motion if this passes?

Holmes

The per ride cost to the university would stay the same.

Obach POI

Can't we combine this with the other recommendation?

Ascheman

If this is punishing, then that you can walk bar and ask someone to go home with you. 

Wilson-Mattson

If more people are getting into one cab, there'd be less cabs being called.

Motion passes with one abstention

06-43 (Cailao/Obach/Bard/Braddock)

Cailao

"Notre Dame is good.  It can only help us."  I don't think the motion would be read so I didn't prepare a speech.

Obach

The sign is beautiful

Bard
I agree

Braddock

I yield

Elkin

Is it friendly to have a stepstool?

Cailao

If Obach can reach it, anybody can.

Braddock moves, Schwegel seconds to call the previous question

Motion passes

Motion passes unanimously

06-44 (Marketing)

Schmit

Please, I am asking each one of you to have personal responsibility and pass these out on Monday.

Gavel passed to Cailao and 6:32

Holmes

I was thinking about elections.  Filing wasn't optimal.  This motion holds each senator accountable.

Motion passes unanimously

Motion passed back to Holmes

06-45 (Marketing)

Schmit

With recent events, I don't know if it is proper to endorse alcohol.

Cailao

If we don't offer the deal, then we'll need less cabs.

Braddock

We shouldn't be condoning alcohol use.

Obach

Another things is everything we've talked about is a negative effect.  This will take away from that.

Ascheman

Leaving this off will not hurt it.

Schwegel moves, Obach seconds to call the previous question

Motion passes

Division on main motion.  With 11 yays, 3 nay, and 4 abstentions, motion passes.

Secretary Pay

Holmes

Though Mihal is only the interim secretary, I propose that we pay her the secretary pay.

Cailao so moves.  Braddock seconds

Cailao

Only fair.

Braddock

If Mihal is not happy, no one is happy.

Schwegel

How does Mihal feel about this?

Mihal
I would be fine either way.

Motion Passes

Whereas we want to encourage students to vote,

Be it resolved $30 be allocated for cookies to encourage voting.

06-46 (Marketing)

Obach (POI)

If not spent, then will the money go back into the budget?

Holmes

Yes

Motion passes

Moving Senator from one seat to another

Obach moves for unanimous approval to move Brown to the Business and Industry seat.

Motion passes.

Points for the Good of the Order

Obach

This is why I joined Senate.  This is fun.  Please stick around for O.M.O.

Braddock

Sorry for the shenanigans.  O.M.O. is for reporting on past work, not brainstorming.  Questions during meet and Discuss were worded a bit needlessly.

Ascheman

We have plenty of room around the table, let's solve that.  Now that Brown is in the Business industry seat, does that mean she has two votes?

Holmes

Yes.

Brown

I give a gavel to Mihal

Bard

Can I get a drink bought for me since we passed that motion?

Schmit

Don't forget to write down about the sweatshirts.

Wilson Mattson

I give a gavel to Oni for finding out all that information about the international programs.

Wiese

This was a great rebound after last week's meeting.  It was good of you to rally.  The questions were good.  It gives us enough time to think.

Holmes

Awesome meeting.  This is a different senate.  We lost some good talent but we'll gain some better talent.  You guys are carrying me and that's great.  I've sent out a press release and I've got no response.  I sent an e-mail to the taxi listserv and I was surprised by the response.  The picture should turn out great.  You guys are hot.  Remember to distribute the cards. 

Announcements

Braddock

O.M.O. after.

Bard

I have an interview on Dec. 6  Wish me luck

Adjournment

Maurina moves, Wilson-Mattson seconds, to adjourn

Adjourn at 9:03pm.

Housekeeping

A letter of resignation was received from Jessalyn Brown.