STUDENT SENATE MINUTES
January 17, 1995
The meeting was called to order by Senate President Kevin Mayeux at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Roll call was taken by A&E Chairman Shelton Bridges. Quorum was established with 61 senators present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Graduate Student Council President Michael Cohen led the Senate in the pledge of allegiance.
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA:
Senator Carroll moved to add Senate Bills 95-1000, 95-1001, 95-1002, 95-1004 to the agenda for first reading. This was seconded and approved.
AMENDMENTS TO THE MINUTES:
None
PUBLIC DEBATE:
Steve Morgan introduced himself, saying he came to UF in 1989. During the time he has been here, things have changed, and wanting to be part of this change, he started the organization Vax Unlimited. The organization began teaching others on campus about computer systems. He has found that a big effect can come from a little push. Now he wants to push to help students and the university.
Senator Portaro brought fliers for Rape Awareness Month to be distributed throughout the constituencies. She also announced the Miss UF Pageant on February 1.
Traffic Court Chief Justice Brian Burgoon announced that the new parking garage at Norman Hall is now open. Presently the lot is designated Orange 2 and Red for sorority row. He is working to have the top level of the garage designated for commuter spaces. He fielded questions concerning the booth being constructed at the entrance next to Tigert, twenty-four hour parking at the new residence facility, visitors parking at married housing areas, and red restrictions being lifted for Fall, but not Spring. He can be reached at Student Traffic Court, 392-1621, if there are other questions.
Dave Hardy spoke the letter to the editor published in today's Alligator. He clarified that he doesn't know how senators base their voting, but if it is as described in the letter, that would be "sleazy, hypocritical, and stink of machine politics." When questioned, he stated that anarchism holds absolutely with personal ethics.
Senator Cosenza said that at the last IRHA meeting, it was decided that Senate meetings should not be edited for airing on Channel 8, but shown in entirety. He also endorsed Steve Morgan for the Engineering seat.
Senator Niederhausen said that since R&A did not meet on Sunday, he will be running from the floor for the I&I chair position. He stated his personal commitment to the committee, and feels Operation Outreach is an extremely exciting program for the committee should work on. He hopes to work with the Campus Involvement Cabinet to increase voter participation. He also feels constituency requirements are very important. He has started attending council meetings and becoming familiar with other campus resources, and sees no need for the work to be delayed another week by the position being held open.
Senator East stated that the Housing Office had required that Senate meeting tapes be edited for airing. He plans to talk with them about allowing more time. He encouraged support for the Judiciary bills being heard tonight.
Senator Bridges announced that Florida Cicerones is holding its annual rush. Cicerones conduct campus tours and host functions at President Lombardi's home and in the sky box on Gator weekends. The application fee is $15.00, and you must be active for three semesters if selected. Applications are due on Friday, with interviews to be held next week.
Senator Grapski addressed Senator George Kirkpatrick's call for a 25% cut in university funding. He stated that UF ranks lowest in the nation in faculty salaries, fails to provide enough classes to meet the needs of the students, has no academic advisement, and has facilities that are falling apart. He thinks it's time to get politics out of education, and politicians out of education policy. Students should demand an education, not an efficient four-year process that moves you on to receive a piece of paper that represents a quality education. Legislators are responsible for the sorry state of education in Florida. He called for organizing to send a message to Tallahassee.
Senator Truong announced the Cultural Diversity Reception to be held on January 25 in the Reitz Union Ballroom. If you are interested in hosting, please call Raymond Mendoza at 378-5632. Everyone is invited.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
President Mayeux said he would look into airing full Senate meetings. He announced the formation of the Alternative Funding Committee to look into ways of alleviating the stress of Activity and Service Fee dollars. Senator Consenza will chair the committee. He has also formed a committee on Dead Week and Final Week policy. Senator McNeill will chair this committee.
Senator Cosenza said he is looking for members. You can apply in the Senate office.
Senator McNeill said the subject of Dead Week has long been debated, and has become no real Dead Week. She has talked with Dean Hill who had some excellent suggestions. She plans a survey on campus, and needs senators to help in this endeavor. Other schools will be contacted concerning their policies. Please contact her if you are interested in participating.
President Mayeux encouraged everyone to attend George Mitchell's speech at the O'Connell Center if Senate adjourns before the speech is over. He had talked with the general manager of Cox Cable concerning the new Paramount Network not being available in this area. The new Star Trek "Voyager" will be carried on Fox 51 on Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m.
President Tompkins announced the next Board of Regents meeting on Friday. He and Bob Cramer, Physical Plant Director, are forming a Plaza Task Force of five students and five architects. If interested, you must apply by noon on Friday. If you know of a need for bike racks that is not on the original list, please let him know. He discussed the fact that state building money has gone down. Plans for CITF funds, which cannot be used for academic buildings, include replacing the O'Connell Center roof, an activity center in Hume, Bandshell renovations, and expansions of the new Recreation Center and the Reitz Union. The state Senate committee has requested a 25% reduction in SUS budgets. The legislative session will be held in March and April. President Tompkins said lobbying to prevent such cuts would be very important. Jay Rhoden was presented as the Executive Committee appointment for Lobby Director. Mr. Rhoden spoke on his previous experience in Washington and with the Florida Student Association. His appointment was approved unanimously. President Tompkins said they would approach the BOR, and Legislature if necessary, concerning a safe-ride program. He also said UF is currently over enrolled by 900 students for state funding ratios.
President Mayeux said the Senate Docket newsletter is available. He announced the resignation of Senator Cruz-Townsend from the Family Housing A seat due to time constraints.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
R&A:
Chairman Stadlen said the committee did have quorum on Sunday, and therefore, has no recommendations. Senator Ang moved to open the floor for nominations for the Agriculture and Engineering seats. Chairman Stadlen objected, but withdrew his objections after discussion. These seats had only one applicant each. Senator Ang said the seats would have been filled had the committee met, and felt it unnecessary to leave them open. The motion to open the floor for nominations passed. Senator Carroll nominated Linda Fallon for Agriculture. Senator Ang nominated Steve Morgan for Engineering. Both were approved without objection. The floor was then opened for the I&I committee chair. Senator Meyer nominated Senator Niederhausen. He was approved without objection. Chairman Stadlen announced the next meeting for Sunday, January 22 at 8:30 p.m.
Open Seats: HHP (1); District D (1); Hume (1); Family Housing A (1)
Committee Seats: none
BUDGET:
Chairman Koukos waived.
FINANCE:
Chairman Delafield said the committee had met for first reading on the Racquetball Club; Student Council of the dis-Abled was tabled; and Student Athletic Trainers Association was determined to be an academic organization and must apply to BOCC. The committee has received a new request from the Persian Student Association. Chairman Delafield said he had been approached by College Republicans on funding, and would like I&I to investigate charter changes which would be needed for this to be possible. He also requested they investigate groups who had not received budgets submitting for special request budgets. The next meeting will be on Sunday.
A&E:
Chairman Bridges said the committee met on Sunday and have the following absence recommendations: Senator Kirby for 11/15 excused; Senator Nicholson for 11/22 excused; Senator Cuttler for 1/17 unexcused; Senator Imanuel one-half for 12/6 tabled for more information; Senator Bull for 12/6 unexcused; Senator Bracken for 12/6 tabled for more information; Senator Bridges one-half for 12/6 excused; Senator DeAngelo for 11/29 excused; Senator Brown for 11/29 excused. There was a motion to approve as a block. Senator Fuller objected to Senator Nicholson being excused for leaving early for Thanksgiving. All others were approved. Senator Fuller stated that leaving early for holidays is not excusable under the statutes. Debate, with two pro/con speakers was held on excusing this absence. Senators East and Canter spoke pro. Senators Grapski and McNeill spoke con. Senator Nicholson stated that if her absence is unexcused, then all the ones previously excused should be reconsidered. Chairman Bridges explained that these absences were counted as absences, not stricken. Senator Nicholson's absence was excused by a vote of 41/15 after division was called. Chairman Bridges asked everyone to please supply documentation, if possible, for absence excuses. Senator Grapski moved to have Judiciary file for an opinion on the validity of excusing these absences with the Board of Masters. This motion failed. Senator Grapski then moved for I&I to file the petition, with debate on the motion. Senator Carroll objected saying this motion would be dilatory. This motion also failed. Chairman Bridges said that A&E and Judiciary would study the possibility of allowing an additional absence for this Senate due to the extended time in office because of the change in the election date.
Judiciary:
Chairman Carroll said the committee will meet on Sunday. Anyone concerned about the State Senate opinion of "country club" universities, should write your local legislator stating your opposition.
I&I:
Chairman Niederhausen would like to meet with his committee after Senate to schedule a meeting.
IRO:
Chairman Wotocek announced a social for January 24 at the Orange & Brew. The "top ten" list for Senate will be ready soon. She announced Senator Gordon as "Senator of the Month" for December and Senator Delafield as "Senator of the Month" for January.
SECOND READING:
None
FIRST READING:
95-1000 Judicial Records Act creating Chapter 405 - This bill, authored by Chairman Carroll, would require the Clerk of the Student Court to submit copies of all opinions or orders interpreting any Constitutional provision, By-Law or statute to the President and Treasurer of the Student Body, the Senate President, and the Judiciary Committee Chairman within three days as well as a periodical index of all opinions, order, and decisions of the Board of Masters. The bill passed first reading with no questions and no debate by a vote of 52/0.
95-1001 Rules and Procedures change to Article IX - This bill, authored by Chairman Carroll, would remove the time requirement, currently five days, of bills submitted to Judiciary prior to being heard. Being a rule change, the bill will require a two-thirds vote. Senator Grapski submitted an amendment to restore the wording, but change the requirement to three days rather than five. This was not accepted as friendly. The amendment passed 26/24. The bill then passed as amended with a vote of 50/1.
95-1002 Amend SBS 306.11 - This bill would add the Members of the Board of Masters and Justices of the Honor Court to the list of Student Body Officers. Chairman Carroll was asked to explain the process of impeachment for Student Body Officers. Senator Grapski was the only con speaker. The bill passed first reading with a vote of 55/0.
95-1004 Authorization for Recodification of Student Body Law - This bill, authored by Senate President Mayeux, had been tabled at the previous meeting. The bill would allow the Senate President to update the Constitution, By-Laws, and Statutes of the University of Florida in accordance with opinions and changes made by the Board of Masters. Specifically, the modifications would include a footnote to Article VII, Section 1 of the Constitution stating that all students who pay activity and service fees are entitled to vote in SG elections; strike 101.411, 809.5, and section seven of 700.317; and add as a footnote to 200.51 that a run-off will be held for Student Body Treasurer if no candidate receives a majority in the first vote with the candidate receiving the majority vote in the run-off succeeding to the office of Treasurer. Senator Johnson questioned making a change to the Constitution. It was explained that this would be a footnote only--not a change to the Constitution itself. Senator Grapski objected to the section pertaining to 700.317. President Mayeux agreed to remove this section to avoid conflict on the Senate floor, and to refer the issue to both the Board of Masters and the Judiciary Committee for clarification and/or further action. President Mayeux explained that Board of Masters opinion 2-012786 explicitly states that the clause "directly conflicts and limits (a) constitutional guarantee", and it should be removed from the statute as it discriminates against an entire class of law students. There were no con speakers. The authorization/resolution passed with a vote of 59/0.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1) Broward Area will be holding Mardi Gras Madness.
2) Gator Christian Life meets on Sundays in Little 101.
3) Next week's social will be at the Orange & Brew.
4) IRO will meet right after Senate.
5) Cicerone applications are due Friday.
6) See Senator McNeill if you are interested in the Dead Week/Finals Week Committee.
7) Senator Niederhausen called an I&I meeting for immediately after Senate.
ROLL CALL:
MEETING ADJOURNED: 9:40 p.m.