[In these minutes: Updates, Student Release Questions, March 5 Student Senate Agenda approval]

[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: Ryan Kennedy (chair), Jeffrey Anderson, Katie Best, Joao Boavida, Jason Einertson, Missy Gettel, Marshall Johnson, Alicia Smith.

Ryan Kennedy said that he would be visiting the Morris campus tomorrow.

Katie Best said that there is a Support the U Day event at Duluth today and a post card campaign was held two weeks ago. UMDSA is working with the Multicultural Centers on a student rights policy to address inequities. A student survey on the smoking policy is taking place, with focus on enforcement.

Jason Einertson noted that GAPSA has been discussing the closure of the Graduate School. Most students are irritated by the process whether or not they are in favor of the closure. A meeting was held Tuesday by COGS and GAPSA with Vice President Rosenstone and Sharon Reich Paulson to discuss the plan. A student run process to review student organizations and fees, dubbed a Supreme Court, was discussed and then tabled.

Alicia Smith said that to help with Support the U Day attendance, a University-wide email will be sent to undergraduate department chairs explaining this event and its benefits. Posters will also be delivered across campus. MSA is planning a student concern forum for later this spring and the new renters’ guide is available.

Marshall Johnson said that a sustainability forum was held on campus. A student survey on CSA’s impact has received phenomenal input from Crookston students.

Joao Boavida said that the Finance and Planning Committee (SCFP) has been discussing three topics. First was a discussion with the Development Office about lowered public funding and how to increase private donations for students. Second was a discussion on differential tuition, which has been postponed to a later meeting. Last was a talk with Facilities Management about utilities and their 20-year Master Plan.

Ryan Kennedy reported that the student release question could be considered public data if they focused on the course and not the instructor. He will follow-up with the Office of the General Counsel.

Members discussed a resolution from GAPSA on Transparency Initiative for the University of Minnesota Leadership, noting that the recent actions for the Graduate School violate the Graduate School constitution and the Regental policy on college constitutions. The reason provided for this change has been cost savings, but no estimate of savings has yet to be provided. Members agreed to add this resolution to the agenda

Ryan Kennedy then said that he has been working with the Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA) and Minnesota State College Student Association (MSCSA) on a student loan repayment bill. The bill would allow Minnesota residents, who work in the state after graduation, to have their need-based financial aid loans paid by the state. It is called Opportunity Minnesota after a plan that was implemented in Maine two years ago. Members agreed to add this item to the agenda.

Members also asked that Donna Peterson be scheduled for this meeting to discuss the new financial forecast and the impact from Support the U Day.

The agenda was approved as amended.

With no further business, Ryan Kennedy thanked all members for attending and adjourned the meeting.

Becky Hippert
University Senate