Stony Brook University Undergraduate Student Government

Senate Meeting – September 10, 2009

SAC Room 311

Meeting began at 8:37 p.m.

Executive Vice President Kriscenski Presiding

1.0  Attendance

Members Present:

Senator Tiffany Abrishamian

Senator Tahir Ahmad

Senator Ory Baum (arrived late)

Senator Aharon Benelyahoo

Senator Jordan Cushner

Senator Runyu Fan

Senator Daniel Graber

Senator Michael Hagler

Senator Syed Haq

Senator Mahyar Kashan

Senator Aysha Khan

Senator Moiz Khan

Senator Kirin Mahmud

Senator Nicole Mbisike

Senator Craig McCarthy

Senator Kathleen Schultz

Senator Keith Tilley

President Jasper Wilson (ex-officio)

Treasurer Matt Anderson (ex-officio) (arrived late)

Vice President of Communication David Mazza (ex-officio)

Vice President of Clubs and Organizations Ashley Reji (ex-officio)

Junior Class Representative Jennifer Chan (ex-officio)

Members Excused:

Senator Jonathan Harounian

Members Absent:

Vice President of Academic Affairs Shamell Forbes (ex-officio)

2.0  Announcements

The Chair informed the Senators that there are some pages missing from copies of the Senate Handbook. He instructed them to contact him to obtain a new copy of the Handbook or the missing pages.

Vice President of Clubs and Organizations Ashley Reji spoke to the Senators about the upcoming Leadership Conference and invited the Senators attend.

Senator Graber asked if there would be an alternate date arranged for clubs and organizations that could not attend the October 10 conference and Ms. Reji stated that at this time there is no alternate date set up.

3.0  Committee Requests

The Chair asked the Senators to select the committees on which they are interested in serving. He explained the committee selection process and also mentioned the Clubs and Organizations committee. He noted that participation in the Clubs and Organizations committee doesn’t fulfill the Constitutional requirement, because it is an ad-hoc committee.

Senators Ahmad asked for the approximate time commitments required for each committee. The Chair explained that the time necessary varies for each committee, noting that the budget committee requires a significant amount of item and accordingly, entitles participating Senators to an increased stipend when they are working for the committee.

Senator Benelyahoo noted that all committees are important.

Senato Mbisike asked the Chair for clarification on what the Legislative Review Committee does and the Chair explained the functions of the committee.

The Senators were asked to indicate on provided forms their committee preferences in ranking order.

4.0  Confirmation of the Elections Board Chair

-Valerie Moran

Valerie Moran appeared to speak about her qualifications and ideas for the position.

The Senators reviewed her cover letter and resume.

Senator Benelyahoo spoke on behalf of Ms. Moran.

Senator Graber and Senator Schultz questioned Ms. Moran about her experience.

Senator Benelyahoo moved to confirm the appointment. Seconded.

Result: APPROVED, 16-0-1. Senator Mbisike abstained.

5.0  Confirmation of the Events Management Chair

-Matthew Michel

The Chair moved item 5.0 to the end of the agenda without objection, because the candidate was not yet present.

6.0  Confirmation of the Audio Visual Chair

-Justin Andio

The Chair moved item 6.0 to the end of the agenda without objection, because the candidate was not yet present.

7.0  Confirmation of Supreme Court Justices

-Geordan Kushner

-Michael Timms

The Chair explained the functions of the Supreme Court.

The President appeared to speak on behalf of his candidate, Geordan Kushner.

Geordan Kushner appeared to speak on his qualifications and ideas for the position.

Senator Graber and Treasurer Anderson spoke on behalf of Mr. Kushner.

Senator Benelyahoo asked Mr. Kushner if he still meets with the University Judicial Committee, Mr. Kushner confirmed and said that the committee rarely meets.

Senator Graber moved to confirm the appointment. Seconded.

Result: APPROVED, 17-0-0.  (Senator Baum arrived)

The President appeared to speak on behalf of his candidate, Michael Timms.

Michael Timms appeared to speak about his qualifications and ideas for the position.

Senator Graber asked when Michael Timms intends to graduate and Mr. Timms stated he plans to graduate in May 2010.

Senator Ahmad spoke on behalf of Mr. Timms.

Senator Cushner moved to confirm the appointment. Seconded.

Result: APPROVED, 17-0-1. Senator Benelyahoo abstained.

The Chair moved item 6.0 to the next order of business with no objections.

6.0 Confirmation of the Audio Visual Chair

-Justin Andino

Justin Andino appeared to discuss his qualifications for the position.

Senator M. Khan moved to confirm the appointment. Seconded.

Result: APPROVED, 17-0-0.

5.0 Confirmation of the Events Management Chair

-Matthew Michel

The EVP moved item 5.0 to the end of the agenda (candidate not present)

8.0  President Pro-Tempore (PPT) Election

Senator Benelyahoo asked for clarification on the role of the President Pro-Tempore.

The Chair discussed the various responsibilities of the position.

Senator A. Khan nominated Senator Tilley. Senator Tilley accepted the nomination.

Senator Benelyahoo nominated Senator Graber. Senator Graber accepted the nomination.

Senator Tilley spoke on his qualifications and ideas for the position.

Senator Graber spoke on his qualifications and ideas for the position.

RESULT: Senator Tilley is elected President Pro-Tempore.

Tilley: 9

Graber: 8

The Chair moved item 5.0 to the next item of the agenda without objection.

5.0 Confirmation of the Events Management Chair

-Matthew Michel

Matthew Michel appeared to discuss his qualifications and ideas for the position.

Senator Benelyahoo and Senator Mbisike spoke on behalf of Mr. Michel.

Senator Benelyahoo moved to confirm. Seconded.

RESULT: APPROVED, 17-0-0.

9.0  Confirmation of the Student Activities Board Chair

-Da’Nashja Davis

The Senators were presented with the resume of the candidate, but the candidate could not appear to discuss her qualifications.

Senator Haq moved to postpone item 9.0 until Thursday, September 17, 2009. Seconded.

RESULT: Approved, 17-0-0.

10.0 Open Agenda

Junior Class Representative Chan welcomed the Senators and briefly discussed her plans for the upcoming year.

Brendan, the NYPIRG representative briefly discussed the history and purpose of the NYPIRG as well as various upcoming NYPIRG events.

Senator Graber reiterated his ideas for the upcoming Senate year including recordkeeping and changes for the Senate office space.

Senator Benelyahoo also discussed his ideas for the Senate office space.

Senator Ahmad asked if the Senators are entitled to make changes to the office space and Senator Benelyahoo indicated that the Senators could make changes.

The Chair urged the Senators to communicate with each other and reach a consensus before altering the office space.

The President discussed communication with the Senators.

The Chair adjourned the meeting without objection at 9:27 p.m.