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.

First senate meeting of the year

This year's first senate meeting was quiet and productive. The main action taken was to formerly approve the following appointed positions:

• Erika Stranghoener, financial officer
• Peter Hill and Daniel Edwins, public relations director
• Erin Armstrong, executive assistant
• Brandon Zumwalt, Northfield senator
• Laura Groggel, parliamentarian

We also took steps toward formerly approving the budget for 2007-08. This year, we will raise Student Alumni Association's allocation by $800 to fund projects like cooking lessons, caroling. etc.

Senate completes 2006-07 session with award, bylaws changes

The time came at last, folks: tonight was the last senate meeting of the 2006-07 school year. In finest SGA style, we closed out the year with some important bylaws changes. And, we awarded the Timothy J. Cashin Senator of the Year Award.

The Timothy J. Cashin Senator of the Year Award is given each year to a senator who has made an outstanding contribution to the St. Olaf community through exceptional policy involvement or event programming. This year, the award was given to Off-Campus Senator Tom Cruse. Cruse was instrumental in collaborating with administrators, students and the City of Northfield on new ordinances for off-campus housing.

Next, the assembly considered bylaws changes for elections and Diversity Celebrations Committee (DCC). Here's the basic scoop:

1. Facebook has caused a variety of problems with elections, mainly in regards to unsolicited messages that generated lots of complaints. To keep it fair for all candidates and voters, Facebook may no longer be used for campaigning. (Unsolicited e-mail was already disallowed.)
2. The Diversity Celebrations Committee was slightly reorganized to enhance efficiency. The changes will allow them to keep bringing you the challenging and unique programming that helps you learn about the diverse groups on campus.

Around this time, SGA President Vanessa Witt introduced a motion to amend the DCC proposal to include a provision that named her supreme ruler of St. Olaf after graduation. In a rare display of sarcasm, Senate discussed the proposal for ten minutes. The assembly returned to its senses, however, in time for reports and announcements.

Senate Meeting, HOLLA! March 1st, 2007

Seriously people, This is unbelievable that I am writing this blog right now. I have never written a blog and I think I like it. It makes me hot. Hottttt. Like B. Spears right now. Seriously, bald? She needs to class it up and figure out how to get onto a tight show like the Hills. Love that show.

Onwards and upwards my friends to the SGA Senate Recap of St.Olaf College on March 1st, 2007.

First of all it is snowing a lot outside. So deal wit it.

1. Laser tag was talked about and basically said that Lindsey Myers needs to become a viable student org before she moves forward with things. She is waiting to gather that status and then hopefully grab some of the dollars in capital improvements. The $25,000 in capital improvements comes into play on March 31st, so she has then to figure it out. Many said she needs a way to figure out how this organization can be continued and not just funded and then left alone.

2. Registration was a large topic last week at the meeting with Mary Cisar, the Registrar, there at the meeting presenting to us. She is totally cool but some of her ideas didn't really work and 'flow' you could say with the students. So, we revolted and formed our own country called Registration Review Delta Task Force code name: Operation Registration. Kidding, we didn't form a country but we formed a committee, chaired by Andrew Foxwell (me) word! that will explore the options we have for figuring this situation out. Basically, the biggest issue is this:
- Each student enters in their first and second choice. Then, the first choice is assigned for all students and then the second choice is assigned. This would eliminate upperclassmen having any more "ups" than anyone else. All classes would be, essentially, at the same level.

This is a problem for most so we are going to figure things out and work with it. You know that's how we do. Yo.

3. Hoyme Hall was completely destroyed last Friday night after 4am. There were various acts of vandalism that happened and they are being taken very seriously. The damage was very considerable and many people expressed questions on this topic. They destroyed the basement lounge by tp'ing and egging it, the computer lab and other hallways/areas with fire extinguishers, and punched out screens in windows and ceiling tiles. After a long deliberation between administration of the college, Dean Kneser stated that they would remain students and they want to publicly apologize for what they did. Chairman Matt Stortz indicated that we stand behind the Dean of Student's office on their decision.

4. Peter Hill gave a rocking presentation on BORSC. I would encourage you to check out www.stolaf.edu/orgs/sga/borsc or email tellborsc@stolaf with any questions you may have. They are doing a great job and they could possibly be the hottest group on campus. I think they need gold chains. Word.

All other things are going well. There is a campus bike program investigation being started where you would be able to ride bikes all over the place. Also, apparently the library has farting problems because the fire alarm keeps going off. It's probably floor 3 1/2.

As always, let us know if we can do anything or bring up any issues at Senate you deem appropriate.

Andrew W. Foxwell '08
Public Relations Director of Student Government
foxwell@stolaf.edu

Tyler Hauger '08
The Same Thing but less important than Fox
t_haugs_president_elect_rulez_the_sckool@cutetown.com

Bring in the Registration

Realizing that we are distracted by the fact that we don't know if Britney is in rehab or not anymore, it's about time for the newest addition of the hit column "Senate Recap!"

According to Suze Orman, internationally acclaimed Finance Expert: "Senate Recap by Tyler Hauger and Andrew Foxwell will triple your home financial mortgage ratings by three fold in under six months! It's THAT good."

Wow. True words of wisdom from the expert. You heard her.

So what happened in the Board Room on thursday night? Let's dive in.

Thursday dawned what we like to refer to here at SGA Public Relations as the 'world's longest Senate meeting (seriously. It was 2 1/2 hours long)'. With a couple stretch breaks and ice cream at the end, a ton actually did get accomplished.

We heard from Dean Kneser about the recent controversy surrounding the Vagina Carnival that was scheduled to take place in Crossroads and was later moved to the Pause with short notice. With a long question and answer session, Dean Kneser assured Senate that the situation was a series of events that began last year - and that policies will be set soon by the Senate so that things like this confusion won't happen again. The biggest concern was that it was moved in such short notice without warning. Things are a lot calmer, now. And both sides seem to be feeling better, which is great. If you have any question, feel free to e-mail Dean Kneser at kneser@stolaf.edu. The Buntrock Advisory Committee of Senate will be meeting soon to discuss this issue. More on this topic at a later time!

Next we heard from Maria Laverdiere '08, the Review and Planning Committee Senator, about the restructuring of the faculty committees this spring. The Faculty are required to serve on different committees dealing with campus life, and they will soon have a new look. One cool thing that is happening is that a "Student Life" committee will be forming in which the faculty will be able to engage students about life here on the hill. They are looking for 5 student representatives for next year. Senate will be discussing this topic more - what this will look like and where those students will come from. Both elections and appointments, perhaps? Hmm... A Ad-hoc committee was formed, chaired by Senator Laverdiere, and will report back on this in two weeks!

Lindsay Myers '08, the InterCampus Liaison with Carleton College, spoke next about the potential for bringing a Laser Tag program to St. Olaf this spring. She received a Finstead Grant to support this program, but is looking for more funding to start a new org on campus called "BOLT Laser Tag". It would be a portable laser tag program that could potentially be checked out by student orgs for fundraising or events! It would be maintained by Sen. Myers for the time being, as the program develops more. A proposal for funding will be brought to Senate next Thursday Night.

We next heard from Mary Cisar, college registrar, about the new online registration system that will continue to pilot for next year's semester one registration. During the Interim pilot, 77% of students got into their first choice, while 93% made it into either their first or second choice. The success of this pilot will be used again for semester registration. Students will submit their first choice for a course, and then second choice of a class online. The computer will randomly select members of the Junior class first, then sophs, then first years and place them in their first choice. It will then go through and do a similar process for the second choice. A week later, registration will take place in the ballrooms as normal, but students will then only register for the two other courses. The rationale for this is to 1.) test the system, and 2.) ease into the new program. Normal registration will be April 24th-26th. Prof. Cisar asks students to CAREFULLY read ALL e-mails from her to understand the process. Any questions can be directed to cisar@stolaf.edu.

We then heard from Gretchen Handweger, the Visiting Woodrow Wilson Fellow. It was incredible to hear about her experiences as director the Peace Core, with the World Bank, and with the U.N. Pretty sweet. When hearing about the new registration, Ms. Handweger laughed and said "I don't know hoe you all make it through that confusing stuff. Good luck!"

Finally, reports and announcements were given. Check out the minutes of the meeting on SGA bulletin board down by the P.O.s

That's all from this part of the woods. Happy Friday!

Foxy and TyTy

Senate Recap for Feb 15th!

As second semester rocks in with full swing, the SGA PR boys are pleased to release our first Senate Recap via the clearly amazing new Oleville.com! Senate is a body of representatives from all walks of student life (around 40 peeps total) that meet each week in the BoardRoom, located by the King's Dining Room in Buntrock. To many people's surprise, Senate is not the same thing as SGA. Senate is a part of SGA where members from SGA's eight branches (SAC, PAC, BORSC, VN, The Pause, BORSC, SAA, and SOC) are represented, as well as senators from each residence hall, the honor houses, special constituency senators, and faculty committee senators. Its a venue where leaders across campus can meet together can come together to make dicisions and discuss important information.

That being said- Here's what happened this week!

Amy Sweeny and Tyler Wenchura from Res Life stopped by to talk a little about JC and RA recruiting for next year! If you are interested at all in that, click here! Both Fox and me are JCs in Hoyme, and trust me- its well worth it!

Up next, we heard about the new structure of the Faculty Committees that are being proposed at the next Faculty Meeting! With the saving grace of Ann Groton (See above picture), classics prof, leading the discussions, Senate laughed our way through the structural guidelines and proposals and poked fun at Dean Kneser for someone suggestion he be kept on a leash. There will be a new "Student Life" committee on campus next year with a proposed 5 student seats on it. In this arena, students and faculty will have better connections about what is going on in student life! This is looking to be a great move forward after 25 years of doing the same thing! We can all look forward to this. More information later!

Matt Stortz '07, Senate Chair, reported on the upcoming agenda of Senate for second semester which includes discussion over St.Olaf's alcohal policy and Inclusivity issues for the campus as a whole. It looks like its going to be an exiciting semester.

The First-Year Four (as we call them), Will Tanner (Hoyme), Shoshanna Blank (Kildahl), Alice Kovacik (Hill Kitt), and Matt Gallagher (Ellingson) all color coordinated by wearing Red! Rockin the Valentine's Season! Yess!

Reports and Announcements were then given, as well as "Hill Hype"- a time for Senators to report random, sweet things happening around campus!

Finally, the President David Anderson (PDA as we call me) cardboard cutout joined us and watched us as we worked - publicizing this new site. You can't go wrong! (Even though he is wearing black shoes and a brown belt....shhhhhh) :)

Check out the SGA bulletin board by the POs this week for the minutes of the meeting to read all reports, announcements, and special orders!

Peace Out,
TyTy and Foxy