The first meeting of the Student Senate for 2001-02 was convened in 25 Mondale Hall, Minneapolis campus, on Thursday, September 20, 2001, at 11:50 a.m. Coordinate campuses were linked by telephone. Checking or signing the roll as present were 39 voting student members. Mr. Matthew Wohlman presided.

Mr. Wohlman announced that Item 8 has been tabled until a future meeting.

MOTION:

To approve the Student Senate minutes, which are available on the Web at the following URLs. A simple majority is required for approval.

http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/student_senate/010419stu.html

CAROL WELLS, CLERK
UNIVERSITY SENATE/TWIN CITIES CAMPUS ASSEMBLY

DISCUSSION:

With no discussion, a vote was taken and the motion was approved.

Khaled Dajani, Chair of the Student Senate Consultative Committee (SSCC), led the senators through the docket for the University Senate meeting, pointing out items that require approval.

Matthew Wohlman, Chair of the Student Senate, welcomed the senators to the first Student Senate meeting and apologized for missing the orientation earlier this morning. He noted that the Student Senate represents all students on all campuses. Senators, therefore, have an obligation to their student body and constituents to represent a broad student view, instead of personal interests. If senators have issues that they would like addressed, he asked that they be forwarded to him for inclusion on a future docket.

Khaled Dajani, Chair of the Student Senate Consultative Committee (SSCC), said that SSCC is the executive body of the Student Senate. Matthew Wohlman, as Student Senate Chair, sets the agendas and runs the Student Senate meetings. Shawn Lavelle is the Vice Chair of both bodies and can substitute for either chair.

Internally, SSCC is going to focus on communication and incorporating the coordinate campuses. Some specific ways to accomplish this are: ITV communication, SSCC visiting the coordinate campuses, Minnesota hosting the ABTS conference, and a Student Senate office. Additionally, speakers will be invited to Student Senate meetings, including student assembly presidents, vice presidents, and President Yudof. He asked that all students attend Senate and committee meetings so that the student voice can be heard on all issues.

Externally, SSCC will be working on many issues including tuition, light rail, ABTS, a stadium, the potential union strike, financial aid, as well as other issues from Senate/Assembly committees.

Crookston - No report

Duluth – Nick Cecconi reported that UMDSA is compiling issues for this year, including faculty evaluations, technology fees, increased graduate programs, a housing shortage, and approving a revised UMDSA constitution.

Morris – No report

Graduate and Professional Student Association - Phillip Cole noted that GAPSA is focusing on community building with college boards, MSA, and the coordinate campuses. One way this will happen is by sponsoring events on campus for graduate and professional students. GAPSA is also working with the Student Legislative Coalition (SLC) and the new executive director.

Minnesota Student Association - Brian Wiedenmeier said that MSA’s first meeting was this Tuesday, at which time attendance was low. MSA’s issues for this year include graduation and retention rates, housing issues, and transportation.

Kari Lindeman, Director for the Association of Big Ten Students (ABTS), said that the fall conference will be held October 5-6 in the Twin Cities. The ABTS holds three conferences per year, rotating who hosts them. The purpose of the conference is for student leaders from the Big Ten to share ideas, network, and socialize. At the conference, assemblies are held for all members, at which time resolutions can be approved. Each school also sponsors an issue session to discuss issues common across the Bog Ten. A formal dinner will be held on Friday night. Interested students should talk to her to attend.

This item was tabled for a later meeting.

Khaled Dajani presented the following resolution on the September 11 attack for discussion:
The Senate of the University of Minnesota extends its sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Further, the Senate condemns any criminal acts or harassment committed against members of the Islamic community or upon Arabic Americans.

He noted that the resolution is sponsored by the Senate Consultative Committee (SCC) and will be presented for action at the University Senate meeting this afternoon.

Senators made several amendments to the resolution. Khaled Dajani stated that he would present the amendments to Professor Massey prior to the University Senate meeting. A motion was then made to table the motion. The motion to table was approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:31 p.m.