[In these minutes: Updates]

[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, Joao Boavida, Kathy Julik-Heine.

Ryan Kennedy said that of the four Regental positions open, three members have been reappointed. He then provided the following update on bills at the state legislature.

Opportunity Minnesota
The bill has been introduced in the House and Senate and referred to the tax committees in both bodies. The preliminary economic analysis shows that the programs pays for itself and provides benefits to the state, such as decreased use of social programs and increased income and income tax revenue.

Student Service Fees
A bill has been introduced that would require a vote by the student population on all increases to student service fees, except for education and health care. This bill has been opposed by MSA.

Video Lottery
This bill would allow video lottery at bars and it is estimated to generate $800 million in revenue, with one-third going towards higher education.

Minnesota Miracle
This bill would shift the tax brackets to generate $6 billion in revenue over four years, with a percentage to higher education. This was done by the legislature in the 1970’s.

Jeffery Anderson said that GAPSA discussed a vote of no confidence in Provost Sullivan. Members felt that student views are not being taken into account, but faculty need to be convinced to take action towards shared governance. GAPSA will not bring this item to the April 2 Student Senate meeting, but instead will handle it within the body itself.

Kathy Julik-Heine said that the Morris technology fee allocation is pending the Chancellor’s approval. Bus service is being investigated for off-campus students. A revised MCSA constitution is pending student body approval.

Ryan Kennedy said that MSA is working on its legislative certificate program, the Lend a Hand, Heard the Band concert, and its free tax service.

Joao Boavida stated that the Finance and Planning Committee (SCFP) met with Peter Zetterberg to tall about differential tuition. Peter Zetterberg said that this was used in the past, but he does not recommend its reintroduction. SCFP also met with Steve Cawley, Chief Information Officer, about its technology improvement plan. This plan includes moving student email to Gmail accounts by fall 2009 and introducing Google apps. He and Mikael Moseley have meetings set with Vice President Pfutzenreuter about student fee consolidation and with Vice President Kathy Brown regarding tuition increases.

Members proposed the following topics for the April 2 Student Senate agenda:

It was agreed that the agenda would be approved via email.

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

Becky Hippert
University Senate