Stony Brook University – Undergraduate Student Government – Senate

Regular Meeting – Thursday, October 23, 2008

Meeting called to order at 7:16 p.m. Executive Vice-President Geeta Malieckal presiding.

The Chair amended the agenda to add item 5.0 The Appointment of Advocate General, as well as item 6.0 Open Agenda.

0.0 Attendance

Members present:

Senator Sungyong Bae

Senator Aharon Benelyahoo

Senator Aneta Bose

Senator Ebbie Boutehsaz

Senator Kevin Brady

Senator Shahzad Chaudry

Senator Shamell Forbes

Senator Steven Hauptman – Sent non-approved proxy, Brian Alabus

Senator Adam Kent

Senator John Kriscenski

Senator Dae Young Lee

Senator Sean Moore

Senator Lauren Potenza

Senator Ashley Reji

Senator Kathleen Schultz

Senator Blake Wind

Senator Jonathan Harounian

Senator Shamell Forbes

Members absent:

Senator Matthew Anderson (excused)

Guests Present:

President Jeffrey Akita

1.0 Announcements

The Chair discussed the SUNY Assembly Fall Conference.  The Chair met with the Campus Environmental Committee (of the University Senate). A sub-committee on Parking and Transportation is being formed as well as an Energy Task Force and the Chair encouraged interested Senators to contact her in order to serve on either committee.

3.0 Approval of 10/16/08 Minutes

Senator Boutehsaz moved to approve the minutes. Seconded. No debate. Motion carried unanimously with one abstention (Senator Hauptman’s proxy).

4.0 Elections Timeline

Senator Benelyahoo asked what the point of approving the timeline after some of the dates on it have already past.

The Chair stated that although the Senate didn’t meet for two weeks, the elections had to move forward before November 1 and some events had to move forward.

Senator Potenza asked if we should address grammatical issues on this timeline or just the timeline?

The Chair said the dates are the focus.

Senator Forbes moved to approve. Seconded.

No debate. Motion carried unanimously with one abstention (Senator Hauptman’s proxy).

5.0 Appointment of Advocate General

The resume of Gleb Beleavski was presented for the Senators’ review. President Akita present to spoke on Mr. Beleavski’s behalf.

Senator Kent spoke on Mr. Beleavski’s behalf. He worked with Mr. Beleavski’s under the Advocate General last year extensively and was impressed with his work ethic. Mr. Beleavski could not be here tonight because of work obligations.

Senator Bose moved to confirm the appointment. Seconded. No debate. Motion carried unanimously with one abstention (Senator Hauptman’s proxy)

6.0 Open Agenda

Senator Wind did not file a Senate report or a Committee report but has been trying as Academic Affairs Committee Chair to work with Brian DeRosiers (The Vice-President of Academic Affairs). Senator Wind has been working to include clubs into the mission of the Academic Affairs Committee and is working to speak to groups individually about the budget and tuition situation.  President Akita offered to write a letter for Senator Wind. The Chair clarified that all clubs have already received letters and stated that face-to-face contact is the next step.

Senator Brady offered to work with other Senators on communicating with clubs on a one-to-one basis.

Senator Reji recommended working together to speak directly and face to face with clubs.

Senator Forbes also supported the idea of communicating directly with clubs and also stated that the next of Vice-President clubs and organization will be instrumental in this process.

Senator Kent stated that the Legislative Review Committee would be meeting directly after the Senate meeting.

Senator Benelyahoo stated that the Elections Committee would be meeting directly after the Senate meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.