[In these minutes: Updates, Travel dates, Technology commercialization
discussion, Proposed Student Senate numbers, Changes to the Regents Policy on
Student Representatives to the Regents]
STUDENT SENATE CONSULTATIVE
COMMITTEE (SSCC) MINUTES
FEBRUARY 19, 2004
[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: Dan Weiske (chair), Sean Bell, Joshua Colburn,
James Kanten, Levi Kary, Scott LeBlanc, Charles Stech, Jeremy Steil, Adam
VanWagner.
ABSENT: Derek Brunsberg,
1.
UPDATES
ALCOHOL TASK FORCE
Dan Weiske reported that two
staff from Boynton and Assistant Vice President for Public Safety Greg Hestness
joined the task force to talk about alcohol concerns and issues. The task force
proposed serving alcohol at cultural events, in the unions, and by student
groups. The pros and cons of the proposal were discussed, as well as the
difference between serving and selling. Assessment of student needs at all age
levels is still needed as well as internal benchmarking. Boynton staff
mentioned the political reality surrounding alcohol at this time.
Q: Was
alcohol and student health addressed?
A: It was directly addressed since
it is hard to compare the University with other institutions or to rely solely
on the number of students caught for policy violations. The right questions
need to be asked to get at accurate data, but concerns cannot be addressed
without supporting data.
TEACHING EVALUATIONS
Scott LeBlanc
said that this subcommittee is moving slowly towards a result. At the recent
MSA meeting, Vice Provost Craig Swan noted that the best way to reduce class
shopping is to get evaluations on-line so students know what they are
registering for. At the next subcommittee meeting, 360 degree review and
logistics of how to address the issue will be discussed.
Q: Is there a
way to get more students involved on the subcommittee?
A: While there is
only one student member, the subcommittee is pushing for what is in the best
interest of students.
Members made the following comments:
- SSCC can request a report to keep up-to-date on what is happening
- Scott LeBlanc could talk with the subcommittee and ask for one more student
member
STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Adam VanWagner
stated that the committee is reviewing its charge and proposing that a new
subcommittee be created to initiate a review of the Student Conduct Code every
10 years. A housing survey was also sent to each campus to gather information.
The Twin Cities housing director will be at the next meeting to answer questions
on safe and affordable housing. The Student Services Fee Subcommittee will also
meet this spring.
Q: Did the responses indicate a housing
shortage?
A: Yes at some campuses and for some groups.
Q: Were the
answers different between campuses?
A: Most answers were consistent, but
the response lengths varied considerably.
Members then made the following
comments:
- There is a shortage of on-campus housing for married students
- Housing is self-funded so it is hard to build more
- Housing needs to run a surplus to pay for new expenses
- Housing survey is needed to find out why students leave the residence
halls
2. FINALIZE TRAVEL DATES TO DULUTH AND
CROOKSTON
The Duluth trip was set for Sunday, February 29, leaving at
3:30 and the Crookston trip was planned for Sunday, April 18 with the hope that
the travel can be completed in one day.
3. MEMBER FOR BUSINESS AND
RULES
Levi Kary agreed to be the new Business and Rules Committee
member.
4. DISCUSSION OF THE TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION
ISSUE
Members reviewed the packet of materials provided and made the
following comments:
- Issue has some implications for graduate student research
- Students cannot receive royalties from research paid for with federal grants
because they are not part of the permanent structure of the University
- There is a statute of limitations for patents in regards to marketing
them
- Who has jurisdiction over intellectual property?
- Some issues addressed by the Bayh-Doyle Act, but a Regents policy is being
considered
- SSCC needs to be aware of the issues and be advocates for the student
position
- Direct support back to students is needed
- Collaboration needs to be encouraged between the University and private
businesses
- Proposal limits the University to non-profit incubators of which there are
few
- Private industries usually want exclusive rights to patents for a set number
of years for their investment
Dan Weiske said that members
need to be prepared to weigh-in when this issue is discussed at the University
Senate next week.
5. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED STUDENT SENATE
NUMBERS
Dan Weiske noted that there are now several proposed sets of
numbers for the Senate being circulated: using a formula to assign seats, using
a formula but guaranteeing a two seat minimum, and keeping the current faculty
and student numbers and just adding 50 new seats. In regards to the two seat
minimum proposal, he expressed concern for students since some colleges cannot
even fill one seat, and now might have two seats vacant. He asked if members
preferred any of the options; he will pose the same question to the Student
Senate next week.
Members made the following comments:
- Morris feels that their divisions should be considered like colleges and
assigned seats accordingly
- Morris faculty expressed concerns with the proposal
- Duluth prefers the two seat minimum option since the last option would make
the body too big and the first option would reduce the student voice
- Two seat minimum was proposed by faculty
6. DISCUSSION
OF CHANGES TO THE REGENTS POLICY ON STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES TO THE
REGENTS
Dan Weiske brought a proposed policy change regarding the
Student Representatives to the Regents to the attention of the committee since
it would eliminate SSCC involvement in one part of the process. Currently,
Student Rep to Regents vacancies are filled by an ad hoc committee, comprised of
SSCC and the remaining Student Reps to Regents. The policy change proposes that
electing bodies would fill their own vacancies. He did not see any problems
with the change, but wanted to bring it to the committee’s attention
before it is voted on in March. There was no disagreement from the
committee.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
Q: What is the latest amount
being discussed for the proposed student stadium fee?
A: While an amount
has not been publicized, rumors place it at anywhere from $30-100 per semester.
In exchange for the fee, 6000 free seats would be given to students per game,
with the hope that students would camp out the night before to get a chance at
tickets, which would allow for other events to be scheduled during this
time.
Members made the following comments:
- Students who cannot use the stadium should not be charged, so the fee should
not start until the stadium is complete
- Students should have a chance to weigh-in once a final figure is
released
- Coffman cost students $45 million over 20 years
- University does not need $90 million from students
- State funding should be sought to lower the student contribution
- If a fee is used, it will be done through the administration to by-pass the
fees process
- SSCC should request a report form the Stadium Advisory Committee since no
one is receiving up-to-date information
- This part of the process needs to be open for general discussion with the
students
With no further business, Dan Weiske thanked all
members for attending and adjourned the meeting.
Becky
Hippert
University Senate