[In these minutes: Advisory Committee on Athletics, Search committee student members, Stadium statement, Bylaw change, Student Senate docket, and Student Senate Budget]

STUDENT SENATE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (SSCC) MINUTES

APRIL 5, 2001

[These minutes reflect discussion and debate at a committee of the University of Minnesota Senate or Twin Cities Campus Assembly; none of the comments, conclusions, or actions reported in these minutes represent the views of, nor are they binding on, the Senate or Assembly, the Administration, or the Board of Regents.]

PRESENT: Jason Reed (chair), Sabeen Altaf, Amber Benning, Percy Chaby, Khaled Dajani, Tim Dunn, Paul Enever, Adam Lyche, Matt McBlair.

1. REPORTS

CHAIR
Jason Reed said that he has been working on the stadium issue. He circulated a statement by e-mail and it was approved 8-1-1.

On April 27, a ceremony will be held for paperless financial aid form use on campus. He has asked students to serve as campus guides.

Another issue has been a USA Today news readership program. It was discussed at the ABTS meeting in February as a way to bring the newspaper onto campus. The cost would be a mandatory $10 per semester for all students who live in the residence halls, as the newspaper would only be available in the residence halls. If professors were charged, the cost would be reduced. Other universities are doing this now, but the University is still considering it.

Q: What is the paper’s regular price?

A: The New York Times costs $110 per year and USA Today is $120 per year.

Committee members noted that most papers are also available on-line, and with the Minnesota Daily there would appear to be a duplication of service. Costs versus the educational value would need to be examined.

STUDENT SENATE CHAIR
Percy Chaby said that he has been discussing payment of tuition by credit card. Both the pros and cons need to be examined to make sure that the benefits outweigh the negatives. CSOM is studying this issue, along with the Treasurer, and looking at savings in terms of people and paper.

Q: What is the average student debt?

A: It is $2000.

Q: Has automatic transfer of funds been considered for tuition?

A: Anything that streamlines the process should be looked at.

Percy Chaby then noted that the SLC went to Washington D.C. and talked with 9 of 10 legislators about: the age of independence, Pell pass-through grants, and keeping direct loans. SLC has also been speaking with Peggy Leppik about including Pell pass-through grants in the higher education bill, as well as separating Pell and state grants. They will also be starting a survey of student input.

CROOKSTON
Matt McBlair noted that elections will take place on the 11th with inductions on the 26th. He noted that he will be serving as next year’s SSCC representative.

DULUTH
Amber Benning noted that elections will take place next week, as well as a campus food drive.

MORRIS
Tim Dunn reported that elections will happen soon with Reid LeBeau running for MCSA President.

MSA
Jason Reed said that elections have been completed and Dan Kelly and Nicholas Dehnert were elected President and Vice President respectively. Inauguration will take place on the 17th, with SSCC positions elected on the 24th.

GAPSA
Paul Enever said that elections have been completed and Phillip Cole was elected President, Patrick Pederson is the Executive Vice President, Lakeesha Ransom is the Student Representative to the Regents, Tracy Street is the SLC representative, and Trevor Ewanochko is the SSCC representative. COGS will have their elections next week. This is also Graduate Student Appreciation week on campus.

2. ADVISORY COMMITTEE STUDENT MEMBERS

Khaled Dajani then chaired the meeting since Jason Reed was a candidate for the position. He noted that SCC and the President decide on the membership for this committee. Members then reviewed the three applications and voted to forward Jason Reed and Lindsey Hillesheim for appointment.

3. VP FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS SEARCH COMMITTEE

Jason Reed noted that Rusty Barcelo, the current Vice President, is leaving on July 1 so a search committee is being formed. The Executive Vice President and Provost has asked the SSCC to forward four student names to him. Jason Reed asked the cultural centers to find two students, with the remaining spots being filled by one undergraduate student and one graduate student. Once students are found, he will forward them by e-mail.

4. UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN SEARCH COMMITTEE

Jason Reed said that three students are needed, one from MSA, one from GAPSA, and one from COGS, to be part of the national search committee. Interested student names should be forwarded to him.

5. VIKINGS/GOPHERS STADIUM STATEMENT

The members discussed the two stadium statements that were circulated. Percy Chaby said he voted against the one because he felt that it should not make any accusations, but just provide a general statement on the issue. Paul Enever said that graduate students are concerned that parking will disappear on weekends and evenings with more events being held on campus. Jason Reed stated that the Regents need to know how the students feel, especially with the poor budget outlook.

6. STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE BYLAWS CHANGE

Paul Enever, Chair of the Student Service Fees Task Force, said that the task force was established to look at the fees process in terms of viewpoint neutrality as well as other issues. One point that was addressed was the need for a permanent system-wide oversight body of faculty and students instead of ad hoc bodies that are formed periodically.

The Senate system was considered ideal because it provides participation from all groups across the campuses, as well as staff to provide a record. The decision was then made to establish a subcommittee of the Student Affairs Committee (SCSA). The subcommittee would meet at least once per year, and more if needed. Student membership would be provided by SCSA and SCC to include all campuses. There would also be two faculty seats as well as staff with fees knowledge and details. The charge would be to receive feedback from all the campuses, including fee waivers, resolve any process issues, and recommend policy changes as needed.

Q: Why is there not a student majority on the subcommittee?

A: Students represent the largest block but the task force did not feel that a majority was needed since this body would not be responsible for allocating fees.

Q: Would membership be restricted to Senate members?

A: No.

Q: How often would the subcommittee meet?

A: It would meet only when it was necessary without inventing things to do.

7. FEBRUARY 22 STUDENT SENATE AGENDA

The Student Senate agenda was approved as amended.

8. 2001-02 STUDENT SENATE BUDGET

The 2001-02 Student Senate Budget was reviewed. A discussion was held on distributing the student stipends in two parts as well as requiring leadership reports for accountability. The budget was then approved.

With no further business, Jason Reed thanked everyone for attending and adjourned the meeting.

Becky Hippert
University Senate