[In these minutes: Student Release Questions, TC Senator Elections]

STUDENT SENATE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (SSCC) MINUTES

FEBRUARY 21, 2008

[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: Ronald Miller (chair), Jonathan Bringewatt, Neal Brown, James Faghmous, Alicia Smith.

ABSENT: Jeni Kiewatt.

1. CHAIR'S REPORT AND UPDATE

Ronald Miller noted that SAC received an update on the legislative agendas and reviewed a textbook pamphlet being produced by HESO.

2. STUDENT ASSOCIATION/ASSEMBLY UPDATES

Alicia Smith said that there were 350 students at Support the U Day last week. The Lend a Hand, Hear the Band event has raised money from donors so that student fees will not be used. Any student who donates 10 hours of service receives a free pass to the concert. MSA is also working to extend the West Bank Circulator bus from 4:45 pm to 10:15 pm to help students who have night classes.

Jonathan Bringewatt said that MCSA is dealing with technology fee allocations. There will also be a local food dinner on campus that partners Morris with local producers.

Neal Brown said that 80 Crookston students attended Support the U Day. CSA is making progress on campus recycling, but its recent retreat was cancelled due to closed roads.

3. DISCUSSION OF CHANGES TO THE STUDENT RELEASE QUESTIONS

Members voted to hold a closed session to discuss revisions to the student release questions. The revised questions are:

Student Release Questions (Revised February 21, 2008 by SSCC)
1. Approximately how many hours per week do you spend working on homework, readings, and projects for this course
0-2 hours per week
3-5 hours per week
6-9 hours per week
10-14 hours per week
15 or more hours per week

2. Compared to other courses at this level, the amount I have learned in this course is
less.
about the same.
more.
I have not taken other courses at this level.

3. Compared to other courses at this level, the difficulty of this course is
less.
about the same.
more.
I have not taken other courses at this level.

4. I would recommend this course to other students.
Yes
No

5. I would recommend this instructor to other students.
Yes
No

6. Please rate your instructor in terms of the following characteristics.
 
Agree - Somewhat Agree - Somewhat Disagree - Disagree - Not applicable

A. Is approachable
B. Provides timely and constructive feedback
C. Is prepared for class
D. Makes effective use of course readings
E. Creates worthwhile assignments
F. Requires critical thinking
G. Has a grading system that is reasonable


4. APPROVAL OF MARCH 6 STUDENT SENATE AGENDA

Ronald Miller presented the March 6 Student Senate agenda. Members asked that a discussion be added on the tuition increase. They then discussed approving a revised position on light rail since the previous position, a tunnel, is no longer an option. It was noted that final action by the Met Council will take place before the Student Senate meeting. SSCC agreed to craft and vote on a resolution, on behalf of the Student Senate, so that it could be to the President before February 27. This resolution would then be reported to the Student Senate for information.

The agenda was then approved as amended.

5. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE SEARCH PROTOCOLS

The search protocols were approved.

6. DISCUSSION OF TWIN CITIES SENATOR ELECTIONS

Ronald Miller presented a proposed Bylaw amendment to address the lack of students elected to the Student Senate. There was no objections to the language.

7. OTHER BUSINESS

With no further business, Ronald Miller thanked all members for attending and adjourned the meeting.

Becky Hippert
University Senate