Stony Brook University Undergraduate Student Government Senate

Regular Meeting

Thurday, February 19, 2009

Meeting called to order at 7:06 PM, Executive VP Geeta Malieckal presiding

1.0 Attendance

Present

Matthew Anderson

Aharon Benelyahoo

Ebbie Boutehsaz

Kevin Brady

Shahzad Chaudry

Daniel Graber

Jonathan Harounian

Steven Hauptman

Adam Kent

John Kriscenski

Dae Young Lee

Kirin Mahmud

Sean Moore

Lauren Potenza

Adal Regis

Ashley Reji

Kathleen Schultz

Blake Wind

Absent

Shamell Forbes (arrived 7:18)

Blake Wind (arrived 7:22)

A quorum is present.

2.0 Minutes from 2/12/09

Sen. Noted a misspelling Sen. BayàSen. Bae

Sen. Kriscenski moved to approve the minutes with amendment.  Seconded.    Motion #1 carried 17-0-1.

2.5 Appointment of SAB chair (added)

Candidate presented  Mojibola, Adeshuko.  Motion by Sen. Kent to approve appointment.  Seconded.  After no debate a vote was taken.  Motion #2 carried 18-0-0

3.0 Agency Chair reports

Event Staff Management chairperson made a report. She explained the duties of ESM and activities.  Major reorganization this year, budget not sufficient to maintain operations.

Questions were taken from the floor of the Chair of Event Staff Management. Sen. Forbes arrived at 7:18 Sen. Wind arrived at 7:22

SSC Chair made a report.  Questions were taken from the floor.  The senators asked questions regarding SSC’s activities and budget status.  Two new clubs have been approved pending paperwork.

4.0 SSC Allocations

2008-2009 USG approval for line items in budget.

Point of information regarding Puzzle Club made by Sen. Anderson who described activities of Puzzle Club

Motion made by Sen. Anderson to approve line items for Puzzle Club.  Seconded.

Point of clarification by Sen. Kriscenski: Senate not approving items for purchase—these are previous expenditures that are being reviewed.

Point of information by Sen. Kent:  Please provide information on each club before voting.

After brief debate a vote was taken.  Motion #3 carried 19-0-1

A motion was made to approve all remaining line items. Seconded Motion #4 carries 19-0-1

Point of information by Sen. Brady: College Democrats is part of SSC budget.

Point of information by Sen. Kent: What is UG Freewheel? Answer:  They are a free service to bike riders on campus.

Sen. Kent made a motion to approve UG Freewheel allocation.  Seconded.  Motion #5 carried 20-0-0

Chinese Chess:  Club was described.  After some discussion, Sen. Shultz made a motion to approve allocation for Chinese Chess.  Seconded.  Debate was opened.  Question raised that Chinese Chess Club share clocks with Chess Club.  Discussion was held on clocks.  Point of information by Sen. Kent: What is meant that Chess club owns clocks?

Debate ended and a vote was taken.  Motion #6 carried 17-0-3

College Democrats:

Point of information by Sen. Kent: Do college Democrats share budget with Journalism Club?  After brief discussion, a motion to approve was made by Sen. Boutehasaz.  Seconded.  After no debate a vote was taken. Motion #7 carried 18-0-2

5.0 Executive Council Reports

Jordan, Junior Class Rep Report: Presented the idea of holding “mentoring mixer” event for freshmen students and upperclassmen.  A discussion was held, more details need to be determined.  Sen. Moore departed at 7:45 (excused). Further suggestions should be forwarded to Junior Class Rep.

Jennifer, Sophomore Class Rep Report.  Candlelight Memorial planned for Vincent Chin in May.   Event would consist of Candlelight memorial and panel discussion.  They are still looking for a room.  A discussion was held.

Alan, VP of Communications:  Brookfest and elections are upcoming.  Lots of promotion will occur.   What is Brookfest? Its a day long campus celebration and concert.  The musical act is under wraps.  SUNY Budget cut protest scheduled for next week.  Weather should be better than last time with higher turnout expected and media attention expected.

6.0 VP of Communications Assistant Approval

David Mazza was presented as candidate by Alan, VP of Communications.  He has been working for 2 weeks already.  Sen. Benelyahoo made a motion to approve Mr. Mazza.  Seconded.  A debate was held and a vote taken.  Motion #8 carried 19-0-0.

7.0 Election Board Bylaws Amendments

Sen. Kriscenski reviewed and explained the new Election Board Bylaws Amendments.

Questions were taken and discussion held.

Pres. Akita explained his desire to remove the petition process from elections.  A lengthy discussion was held.  Sen. Harounian left at 8:16 (excused).  Sen. Hauptman left at 8:24 (excused)

The floor was opened for questions.

Sen.Regis left at 8:28 (excused)

Point of information Sen. Anderson: Amendment regarding violation of bylaws, this is necessary due to previous violations of by laws.

Sen. Kent made a motion to approve the Election Board Bylaws Amendments.  Seconded.  No debate.  A vote was taken.  15-0-1. Motion #9 carried.  Amendments approved.

8.0 Stony Brook Southampton

Evan, Governor of Southampton campus gave update on Southampton.  The campus is in its second year with lots of new students.  Board of finance described to Senate.

9.0 Announcements

Sen. Potenza: Displayed brochure for student rally against budget cuts and promoted event.  Other University Centers around state are protesting as well.

Executive VP

Senate reports due next Wednesday (2/25/09)

Email office hours to Executive VP

No more applications for vacant senate seat.  Appointment by next week.

Andy from NYPIRG: 33 class presentations, to approximately 2500 students were made regarding the Student Rally next week.  They will be making presentations throughout the coming week.

NYPIRG will be holding an Advocacy Day in Albany with SUNY/CUNY students across the state.  Let Andy know if you are interested in going.

10.0 Open Agenda

Executive VP adjourned the meeting at 8:47