[In these minutes: Project Recell updates, TA prep, green buildings, civic engagement, Student Conduct Code]

STUDENT SENATE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (SSCC) MINUTES

JANUARY 18, 2007

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

PRESENT: Daniel Moore (chair), Kristen Denzer.

ABSENT: John Faustgen, Jeff Holtz, Jeni Kiewatt, Bree Richards, Trent Senenfelder, James Skoog.

GUEST: Miracle Obeta.

[As only two committee members were present, no action was taken but a short discussion was held on each topic.]

1. CAMPUS, STUDENT ASSOCIATION, AND OTHER GOVERNANCE GROUP UPDATES

Miracle Obeta, MCSA President, said that his campus has been discussing the investigation results from a racial incident spring semester.

Kristen Denzer said that the GAPSA Executive Committee met to discuss its fees request and two open executive positions.

Daniel Moore was asked at a recent CAPA meeting if students know the difference between faculty and academic professionals who teach classes. Since he is from a campus that does not employ academic professionals to teach courses, could not offer an opinion. The two committee members then discussed how students would know and if they even care.

2. CAMPUS UPDATES ON PROJECT RECELL

Trent Senenfelder had emailed prior to the meeting that CSA had been talking with Barb Fluor from Project Recell prior to break, but when they returned, Barb stated that she no longer worked for that company, but instead a different one. He was wondering if any other campuses had been working with her and had heard anything more. The two members present noted that their associations/assemblies had not contacted the company, so had no information to provide.

3. DISCUSSION OF WHAT CURRENTLY IS OFFERED/REQUIRED (INCLUDING THE COORDINATE CAMPUSES) FOR TA PREP, SPECIFIC CONCERNS REGARDING TA PREP, AND WHAT THE COMMITTEE SHOULD TRY TO ACCOMPLISH THROUGH ACTION AT THE MARCH STUDENT SENATE.

Becky Hippert relayed that she had contacted the Center for Teaching and Learning Services to attend today’s meeting, but that the most appropriate person was already scheduled. He asked if the committee wanted information about their general TA orientation or the services they provide for non-native English speakers. It was determined that the committee would discuss what information it needed, so a better presentation could be made at a future date.

Members noted that at this time students do not know which TAs are prepared and who are not, or what services are required or offered. Is there a uniform policy stating what preparation needs to be provided to a TA? If not, why not? Members asked for more details about the general orientation session, such as how many TAs attend, when is the session held, and what information is covered.

It was decided that this information would be presented at the next SSCC, with the possibility of inviting a speaker to the March 1 Student Senate meeting.

4. DISCUSSION OF QUESTIONS REGARDING GREEN BUILDINGS IN PREPARATION FOR A SPEAKER IN FEBRUARY WHO CAN TALK REAL NUMBERS AND PRACTICALITY OF GREEN CERTIFICATION SYSTEM WIDE. 

Daniel Moore stated that he wished for the committee to flesh out this item so that a speaker could be provided with a specified topic and list of questions to address at a future meeting. He noted that Morris has been asking about a lead certification policy that would apply to all new and refurbished University buildings. Questions on this topic include:

5. DISCUSSION OF INCORPORATION OF 'CIVIC ENGAGEMENT' INTO THE CURRICULUM AND/OR LEARNING OUTCOMES. SHOULD THIS HAPPEN? TO WHAT EXTENT? ETC. 

Daniel Moore said that more on this topic might be decided after the learning outcomes discussion at 3 pm today. Members discussed it being a part of the liberal education requirements, what it is, how it is defined, if it should be ties to some experience outside the classroom, if it should be required, and what has been considered by the University to increase civic engagement?

Members discussed some specific options, such as a civic engagement week close to fall elections that would help educate students on what their vote means and how to make informed decisions or a guide book that would answer basic questions about civic engagement.

Members also want to see ideas supported on each of the campuses. It was decided that Associate Vice President Victor Bloomfield, from the Office for Public Engagement, would be invited to an upcoming meeting to answer these questions.

6. DISCUSSION OF STUDENT CONCERNS ABOUT STUDENT CONDUCT CODE REVISIONS

Daniel Moore said that SSCC had discussed the changes to the Student Conduct Code last semester and felt that more discussion might be necessary once approved. He noted that an email was sent today from Kathy Brown on this topic and that the entire Code was printed in the Minnesota Daily, with the changed items highlighted in red. It appears that student education is taking place.

However, the committee also wanted to help develop an administrative policy that would deal with the application of sanctions and provide students with guidance as to when certain sanctions might or might not be expected. It was decided to invite Vice Provost Jerry Rinehart to the next meeting to discuss this topic.

7. OTHER BUSINESS

Daniel Moore noted that the next meeting was February 15, which is also the date for approval of March 1 Student Senate agenda items. If SSCC wanted to craft items after meeting with speakers on February 15, there would be little time. It was then suggested that the meeting be changed to February 8, to allow a week to write and approved items for the March 1 Student Senate agenda. It was decided that SSCC would be questioned via email before a final decision was made.

With no further business, Daniel Moore thanked members for attending and adjourned the meeting.

Becky Hippert
University Senate