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.