The Pause: What is to be done?

How involved should the student body be in choosing our concerts, particularly Fall Concert and Lutefest?

Senators heard a presentation from Lion's Pause Concert Chair Sarah Wallis, SGA President Tyler Hauger, Assistant Director of Student Activities Shayna Melgaard, and other steadfast employees of the Lion's Pause, last night. Their proposal is to implement one of three possible reorganizations of the Concert Committee, which is currently led by Wallis, an hour student-work employee at the Pause.

Right now, Sarah leads a very loosely organized committee of students that meet about once a month to discuss which artists should come to campus. The committee has one of the largest budgets of any SGA unit. Because Sarah is not directly involved with Senate, and the role of her committee is not clearly defined, she (as well as Hauger and Melgaard) believe that her role is not sufficiently accountable to the student body. These senators believe that reorganizing the committee would generate more stability and commitment, making it more efficient and ultimately choosing more relevant artists for concerts on campus.

So, three possibilities are on the table for reorganizing the Concert Committee:

1. Leave the position as-is, but step up the level of commitment required to be on the Concert Committee. 
2. Make the Concert Committee a branch of SGA, and make its coordinator an elected position.
3. Completely reorganize the Pause, turning the Co-Coordinators into hired positions (they are elected now), as well as enacting option 2.

Both solutions 2 and 3 would take the concert-organizing function out of the Pause, essentially making it a venue and and kitchen only. The rationale is that it would allow Concert Chair, who has a very student-facing role, to focus on serving his or her constituents, and free the Pause managers to deal with managerial not political concerns. 

So...what do you think about Fall Concert and the Pause? Do you have a strong opinion about the structure? Do you not not care as long as the pizzas and rockers keep coming? 

Painless and unobtrusive: Senate Remixed in your live bookmarks

Here's a fun trick: If you use Safari or Firefox, you should visit our RSS feed and add it to your bookmarks. It's a great way to stay connected to Senate, even if you only have time to read a few sentences from Senate Remixed.

Senate: not all 'senes'

The term "senate" comes from the Latin word senex, meaning "old man." According to Wikipeida, the term throughout history has carried a connotation of wisdom. Clearly, our view of a leader has changed a bit since ancient Roman times.

Bill Green, director of Multicultural Affairs and Community Outreach, gave a very informative presentation to Senate last week about inclusivity. The program was entitled "MOSAIC," or Maximizing Opportunities for Staff/students to Achieve an Inclusive Campus. As part of the training, senators learned to consider their own cultural experience, and how it has had both positive and negative impacts on their lives. In addition, they were encouraged to develop a personal action plan by listing ethnic groups they would like to learn more about, and specific ways they can increase inclusivity in their own areas.

Mr. Green's points touch on something that's very important to SGA. We view diversity as more than simply the number of students from various groups that are represented in our assembly (although such a figure can certainly help us judge how inclusive we are). Instead, we focus on developing an environment where students from all backgrounds are given the same opportunity to represent their Ole peers through multicultural events, forums, and of course, Student Senate.

I encourage you to check out the great work our Diversity Celebrations Committee is doing, under the strong leadership of Trisha Salkas. The committee organizes celebrations from cultures literally all around the world, such as Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, Hmong New Year, Latino Heritage Weeks and International Night. Right now, they're gearing up for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month, which will happen in late January/early February.

How do you budget fun?

Who has the time to plan and maintain a budget? SGA Financial Officer Erika Stranghoener does.

Each year, she leads Student Government Association through painstakingly allocating its $800,000 grant, which comes from your tuition dollars. Incoming executives select the percent of their money that will go to various core functions: hiring speakers, publicity, food, etc.

Last night, Student Senate went through the biennial ritual of budget reporting. The entire assembly, seated around the table in the David E. Johnson boardroom, listened as executives walked through their line items. The budget was projected on a large screen at the front of the room. What is the point of this charade? Since senators represent you, and you fund our existence, the process guarantees transparency and accountability to make sure executives are spending their money wisely.

Senators can--and do--ask very specific questions. Thorson Senator Charles DeBeck had such a question during last night's meeting.

"I notice the Political Awareness Committee has already spent most of its hospitality budget (used to provide food and lodging for visiting speakers). What will happen to the spring speakers?"

PAC Coordinator Laura Groggel replied: not enough money was allocated into the relatively small account at the beginning of the year, and the number will have to be adjusted. Plus, there's a backup account for meals in the Caf.

Little things like this may not seem a big deal. But the process guarantees that money is spent frugally and responsibly, and when you're dealing with tuition dollars, that makes a difference.

Senate Remixed: now with twice the insight

Who gives a darn about Senate?

The executive arm of Student Government, Student Senate votes on all financial proposals and is the administration's first point of contact for campus issues ranging from financial aid to food in the library. And since these issues affect your life, there are a lot of reasons to stay attuned to what happens each Tuesday night in the David E. Johnson boardroom.

In the past, we've been less than stellar about keeping you updated about what we're working on through this blog. Truth is, there's no reason why you should have to read the minutes each week (although you're certainly welcome to). That's why from now on, the new Senate Remixed will include insider commentary on Student Senate, as well as the executive branch of Student Government.

We've even enabled commenting so that you have a way to talk back. And yes, we do check for comments, because we like the love (even if the your opinions are less than complimentary!).

Caf Fast, Senoir Campaign discussed in senate

Another thrilling session of Student Senate occurred on Tuesday, 13 Nov 2007. Some of the highlights include:

• A presentation by Matt Fedde from Partners in Annual Giving. Fedde is looking for nominations for the Senior Campaign. If you know someone who would be good for this committee, please contact him with your nomination. Anyone can nominate a senior for the committee. The Senior Campaign is a great way for the Senior Class to show their support for St. Olaf, and having a high participation rate helps St. Olaf’s ranking in various annual reports.
• Voting on CAF Fast proposals. The Senate is in charge of choosing what organization gets to organize the CAF Fast each semester. Thursday Night Bible study was the only application we received. They will be organizing the CAF Fast in the next few weeks as a fundraiser for their Spring Break Mission Trip to Nicaragua.
• A report from the Multicultural Sub-Committee. The sub-committee wants to find ways to increase attendance at multi-cultural events. These events are always fun and interesting. If you have a chance to go to one, do it! You will not regret it!

Upcoming SGA Events:

• Last Chance for Africa Weeks’ Fun! Karibu is sponsoring a Pause Dance on Saturday.
• Student Alumni Association is hosting a “Kitchen Skillz” Session on Saturday from 2-4 with Bon Apetit’s own Peter! There are only 20 spots! Sign up by emailing kitchen-skillz@stolaf.edu.
• SAC Movie this weekend is Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, showing on Saturday at 7 & 10, and Sunday at 3.
• Leaf Raking in Northfield with Volunteer Network on Saturday. Contact VN Coordinator Victor Wong for more info.
• Applications for Student Life Senator will be available outside the Student Activities Office on Monday, November 19. They are due Friday November 23. This is a final opportunity to be senator this year! Contact Ishanaa Rambachan for more information.

Students are always welcome at Senate Meetings, Tuesdays at 6:30 in the David E. Johnson Boardroom. Contact armtroe or rambachi for more information.

There's always a seat at the boardroom table

Here's a chance to sit down for your rights: students are always welcome at weekly Student Senate meetings. It's your chance to check up on our activities and learn about what we do.

If you'd like to address the senate, please e-mail your hall senator or Ishanaa Rambachan, Senate chair, by Monday evening before the meeting. Unfortunately, the bylaws only allow elected senators to speak unless previous arrangements are made.

From time to time, members are unable to attend a weekly meeting. By volunteering as a proxy, you can fill in for them and have all the rights of an elected senator during the meeting. Many elected senators—this writer included—started their senate career as a proxy. E-mail Ishanaa Rambachan for information.