[In these minutes: Intra-University Student Leadership Conference, Teaching Evaluations and Revised Questions, Instructor Education, Student Lobbying Effort, Senior Committee Delegates, Ex Officio representatives to SSCC, December 2 Student Senate Agenda]

STUDENT SENATE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (SSCC) MINUTES

NOVEMBER 18, 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: Nathan Wanderman (chair), James Kanten, Taqee Khaled, Jamie Larson, Tom Pielow, Colin Schwensohn, Jared Warren.

ABSENT: Seyon Nyanwleh.

1. CHAIR’S REPORT

Nathan Wanderman noted that Linda Thrane has been named the new Vice President for University Relations. He then reminded members of the upcoming town hall meetings to discuss strategic planning and the University’s vision and mission statement. He encouraged members to attend.

He then stated that the SCC agenda for later that afternoon contained several student items. There will be a discussion of student housing and plans for expansion with Laurie McLaughlin, followed by a talk on late-night bussing with Laurie Scheich and Bob Baker.

2. INTRA-UNIVERSITY STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Nathan Wanderman noted that Stace Vonderhaar is still planning this conference and will have a draft by November 29 so that it can be presented to the Student Senate in December. He suggested that at the conference, a student governance constitution be approved that would define the roles and relationships of each group, and might help to reduce friction and improve interactions between groups in the future.

A member noted that while this concept is good in theory, very little might actually change.

3. TEACHING EVALUATIONS

Nathan Wanderman proposed two resolutions for SSCC approval, that would then be acted on by the Student Senate in December. The first resolution deals with improvements to the One-Stop web site. The resolution was approved as amended.

A second resolution encourages faculty to release the student release sections of the evaluations. This resolution was also approved as amended.

Nathan Wanderman then reminded members that student evaluations are currently covered by Minnesota Statute 13.03 and cannot be released without consent. He proposed working to get evaluations that are not used for promotion and tenure decisions exempted from the statute.

4. INSTRUCTOR EDUCATION

Nathan Wanderman said that this topic was discussed at the last Student Senate meeting, but wondered if there were any other areas to further pursue. A member noted that there would need to be an increase in the budgets for faculty develop to do more than is currently being done.

5. STUDENT LOBBYING EFFORT

Nathan Wanderman said that he wants the Student Senate active in lobbying, but no students attended the Sunday meeting to discuss efforts. This effort will likely be most effective if there is small team identified to meet with legislators.

Members noted that other student groups are organizing efforts. Focus should be placed on first year students by accessing them in residence halls. It was suggested that Community Advisors be asked to email their students.

Members then discussed the role that SSCC can play and which legislators to target. It was suggested that a few committee members become knowledgeable about the University’s request and then try to get a meeting with Governor Pawlenty in late January/early February, before the Governor makes his funding recommendations. Views to be expressed at this meeting would be from the student viewpoint on the real impact of funding cuts and increased tuition. It was also suggested that SSCC try to get on the air during a mid-morning MPR broadcast as the legislative session progresses.

6. SENIOR COMMITTEE DELEGATES

Tom Pielow said that he would have a progress report in December.

7. EX OFFICIO REPRESENTATIVES TO SSCC

Nathan Wanderman noted that an email was sent to all student members from three committees, Educational Policy, Finance and Planning, and Student Affairs, asking for volunteers to serve on this committee as ex officio members. Only one response was received from a Student Affairs Committee member, Matt Painschab. The committee voted to approve him as the ex officio representative.

The committee then discussed the remaining ex officio members, noting that students should not be appointed if they will not show up. Instead, Tom Pielow could ask members when he calls to recruit SCDs.

8. DECEMBER 2 STUDENT SENATE AGENDA

Nathan Wanderman then presented the draft December 2 Student Senate agenda, noting the major items are a discussion with President Bruininks and the two resolutions approved by SSCC. He asked each member to have a question ready to ask the President.

A member suggested a discussion of divesting from Mount Graham. Nathan Wanderman noted that while he is not strongly opposed to this topic, it was a major topic of discussion in the Senate two years ago and therefore is not a new issue. A member said that he would research the issue and have a resolution ready for the Student Senate meeting.

The agenda was then approved as amended.

9. OTHER BUSINESS

With no further business, Nathan Wanderman thanked all members for attending and adjourned the meeting.

Becky Hippert
University Senate