Stony Brook University Undergraduate Student Government Senate

Regular Meeting

Thurday, February 12, 2009

Meeting called to order at 7:12 PM, Executive VP Geeta Malieckal presiding

1.0 Attendance

Present

Matthew Anderson

Aharon Benelyahoo

Ebbie Boutehsaz

Kevin Brady

Shamell Forbes

Daniel Graber

Jonathan Harounian

Steven Hauptman

Adam Kent

John Kriscenski

Dae Young Lee (arrived 7:25)

Kirin Mahmud

Sean Moore

Lauren Potenza

Adal Regis via proxy Fedly Daniel

Ashley Reji

Kathleen Schultz

Blake Wind

Excused

Shahzad Chaudry

Absent

Aneta Bose

2.0 Announcements

-Executive VP Malieckal apologized for late changes to room.  She then introduced Jim Miranda as the new parliamentarian.

-Per VP Malieckal Items 5.0 and 6.0 will not be discussed at tonight’s meeting.

-FSA excutive committee will be renovating either Kelly Dining Hall or SAC next year.  Informal poll taken by VP Malieckal: 8 for SAC, 7 for Kelly.  Input to be provided by VP Malieckal to FSA

-Proposal in the works to allow students to campaign for elected position without completing petitions process.   Petition processs must be completed for name to appear on ballot.

-Information on last tuition increase:  10% to Stony Brook, rest to State.  Additional increases may be in the works.  Student Assembly has online petition in protest.  Members encouraged by Sen. Kriscenski to write letters to Albany in protest.

3.0 Elections Board Chair Appointment

The Chair asked President Pro-tempore Kriscenski to assume the chair as she presented the President’s candidate for Election Board Chair, Kate Patestas.   A copy of Ms. Patestas resume was provided to all senators.   After brief discussion Sen. Hauptman made a motion to approve Ms. Patestas, seconded by Sen. Brady.  After brief debate a vote was taken and Ms. Patestas was approved 15-0-1.  Motion #1 carried

4.0 Election Timeline

Executive VP Malieckal resumed chair.  Motion to approve election timeline.   Seconded.  Vote 16-0-1.  Motion #2 carried

5.0 OMITTED

6.0 OMITTED

7.0 Grant Approvals.

Treasurer Vanessa Cheris distributed copy of budget.  One correction—Fund total should be $31,553 vice $30,953.   Treasurer clarified line items for Leadership Day and Events Staff Mangament.  Motion to accept grant approvals made by Sen. Brady, seconded.  Vote 16-0-2.  Motion #3 carried.

8.0 Open Agenda

-Sen. Kriscenski asked for input for areas needing blue safety lights.  Voter registration drive for Town of Brookhaven Supervisor special election underway

-Fedley Daniel, proxy for Sen. Regis, spoke in detail regarding proposed student rally against budget cuts, to be held Feb 25.  Student Albany day has been significantly reduced due to budget cuts.  Sen. Regis asks the Senate to support the rally with their presence, decorating, and in rallying students.  Sen. Regis has obtained permission from the administration to hold the rally.  Several senators spoke in support of Sen. Regis’ efforts.

-Chair stated that Sen. Bae has resigned.  Open spot for arts and Sciences on senate.  Please submit resumes of potential candidates to Executive VP Malieckal.

-Sen. Kent: Committee for Constitutional Amendment had been started by the UA.  Exec. VP encouraged Senators to create a similar committee.

-Sen. Graber:  Programming and Activities committee meeting immediately following meeting

-Sen. Forbes: He and Sen. Brady are trying to establish a “survival kit” for campus organizations, especially for budgeting.

-Sen. Potenza: Leadership workshops are available for club leaders.

-Treasurer presented timeline for budget applications.  Flyers now being posted.

Feb 16 online applications, Feb 24 hearings begin, March 7 treasurer workshop, March 16 last day for application

-Andy from NYPIRG: there is a campaign for fairer textbook pricing underway.  They will also be investigating bank fees for students.

Executive VP adjourned the meeting at 7:51