April 11, 2006
Ninth Senate
Call to order
The meeting was called to
order at 4:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Senators Bautista, Bybee,
Hanson, Mewes, O’Harra, Ojeda, Rawson, Riggers, Sherpa, Smith. President
Racich, Vice President Ambriz, Committees Director Bloomsburg, Media Relations
Director Rohde, Associate Justice Wittman, Associate Justice Vaughan, Associate
Justice Astle.
Audience: Ernie Williams, Ron
Smith, Brandon Lytle, Tony Fernandez, Sara Evans, Pam Laird, Senate Secretary
Myndie VanHorn.
Approval of Minutes:
Approval of the minutes for April
4, 2006. Motion Senator Hanson, second Senator Bautista. Unanimous.
Student Government Advisor
■ Ernie
Williams- Reminded those involved that the SUB Board will be meeting at 8:30 am
on Friday in SUB 225 and apologize for the short notice.
Student Activities Coordinator
■ Brandon Lytle- Had to cancel the 3 on
3 basketball due to lack of interest, will be replacing it with a dodge ball
tournament. Texas Hold ‘Em in the SUB tomorrow night at 7pm. Softball
tournament the 29th changed due to the Dogwood Festival. The SPB is
in the process of planning two last concerts for the school year. One will be during
dead week and the other will be during the Graduation Barbeque. Has been
working with Trudy Alva cleaning up some of the defunct clubs, hopefully the
only clubs on the books now are active clubs. Informed the Senate that he,
Jayson Ulrich, Octavio Ambriz and Luis Carrillo just returned from the NIRSA
Conference in Louisville and they gained some valuable knowledge that they will
be able to put into their Intramural program.
LCSC Administration Communications
■ Ron Smith- Nothing.
■ Tony
Fernandez- Came to speak to the Senate about the Involuntary Withdrawal Policy.
Would like to hear some input from students. Background: advised that there
have been incidents on this campus and other campuses where students have
threatened other students with bodily harm. There are policies in place where
administration can deal with these incidents but while handling a more recent
incident it was revealed that there are some weaknesses in the policy. They
looked at policies from other institutions. The draft policy that is online is
a policy that comes from
à Senator Mewes: questioned Section II line C.
regarding satisfying personal needs such as nourishment and shelter. Fernandez
answered that the rest of the line states that this would have to cause the
student bodily harm. Also stated that the preamble to that lists when these
kinds of actions would come into play, what was missing from that is a
“diagnosis or an indication of mental illness and this resulted in these sorts
of activities.” Informed the group that the final draft will reflect that. “If
you are in fact mentally ill AND you could not provide for your own wellbeing
AND this was a threat to your wellbeing then some action may need to be taken.”
Senator Mewes stated that he thought that the current wording is rather open-ended.
Provost Fernandez stated that the preamble would say “that if it is determined
that a student suffers from a mental disorder AND those things.”
à President Racich stated that several Universities
that she has looked into with these types of policies have labeled their
policies a “mental health policy.” She asked if there was a possibility of
renaming this policy to represent mental health and be clearer. Provost Fernandez
responded that there is a possibility of a student who has threatened others
that would not be clinically diagnosed with a mental illness under the American
Psychiatric Association. Stated that a policy should indicate what the policy
is about, stated that this is an administrative withdrawal policy.
à Senator Smith stated that it seemed like most of this
was already in place. Stated that from what Provost Fernandez has said today it
sounds like this is giving students more of an appeal process. Had a question
in regards to someone being “blackballed” from coming to the school when they
have been known to have problems. Provost Fernandez stated that they can set
conditions that a student must meet before they can come back to campus.
à Senator Rawson questioned the section regarding legal
council and the fact that legal council will not be allowed in the hearing.
Asked if that still guarantees a persons right to legal council? Provost
Fernandez stated that a person is guaranteed a right to legal council during a
legal proceeding this is not a legal proceeding, this is a hearing to determine
if certain behaviors and mental conditions exist so they can go ahead with the
withdrawal. If the individual considers this a violation of their rights they
can hire a lawyer. A mental health professional can be present during the
procedure that is lined out in the draft.
à Senator O’Harra asked about the line about harming
the reputation of LCSC. Provost Fernandez responded that that line will be
stricken from the policy.
à Senator Smith asked if an advisor would be allowed to
participate in the proceedings. Provost Fernandez replied that it is not
prohibited by the policy.
à Pam Laird asked for clarification as to who this
policy is aimed at. Provost Fernandez responded that this policy is mainly
aimed at those with mental health issues. In many of the larger colleges and
universities have a staff that they can consult in situations dealing with
mental health issues. He stated that he has consulted the Psychology Faculty on
campus as well as the President of the Faculty Senate and she indicated that
there are several mental health professionals around that “could be brought to
bear and she suggested they be part of the procedures as outlined in this
policy.” Reiterated that he thought President Racich’s suggestion of renaming
the policy to reflect the mental health issue is a good idea but stated that it
has to be really carefully worded.
à Provost Fernandez stated that when this policy goes
through the next draft phase it will be going to legal council to make sure
that they are not stepping on anyone’s rights.
à Pam Laird stated that some students have concerns
that there may be a bias or “abuse” by the powers that are making the
decisions. Asked if there are safeguards in the policy to prevent this? Provost
Fernandez stated that he believes there are more safeguards in this policy than
what we have now.
à Senator Hanson stated that there is a line in the
policy about who it applies to that refers to a “potential future student.”
Hanson made the comment…”isn’t that a little broad?” Provost Fernandez stated
that it is a bit broad but the reason is to cover those who visit the campus
and may cause problems.
à Provost Fernandez stated that the gist of the policy
is “that its there for certain types of activities that do threaten students
and the institution and unfortunately those things do happen and we need to
rationally and coolly and very, very soberly think of…how to handle those
situations, that’s what policy does.” Stated that this draft needs to be
“tweaked” and needs more work and he is glad to hear student input on the
policy.
à Senator Hanson stated that this policy does not look
to be set up for an imminent threat type situation. Provost Fernandez stated
that it does. In (Section V of the policy) the judgment of the Director of
Student Life with the permission of the Provost the Director of Student Life
can act immediately with the suspension of the student.
à Provost Fernandez stated that if the students would
like to provide input, email it to him. Reiterated that this “is not some play
by the administration to have more authority over the students, in fact I think
it goes beyond that and provides more protection for students while protecting
the institution and fellow students.” This will probably be finalized over the
summer and even when it is finalized you can still make comments and
suggestions. This does not replace or diminish the student conduct code, this
is in addition to.
Executive Communications
■ President
Racich- Nothing.
■ Vice-President
Ambriz- “I’m back everyone.” Commented that it was a great conference and he
and Luis gained a lot of knowledge that they will be bringing back to the
students. Stipends are due soon. Thanked Myndie and the other members of the
Graduation Committee for working on the Grad Banquet while he was gone.
■ Media
Relations- Nothing.
■ Director
of Committees- Ethics: the Senate will need to vote for a new member. Informed
the group that he will be representing the Senate at the SUB board meeting on
Friday. Legacy tonight at 6. Diversity at the end of the semester. Get the
Policies and Procedures done, he will be coming back around.
Judicial Communications
■ Associate Justice Wittman: Election is
ready to go. Thank you to Myndie for planning the barbeque, the barbeque is
ready to go. Ernie will be there for the ballot counting on Wednesday;
Committee Reports
Clubs and Orgs: Senator Smith reported. Informed the Senate that AJ Wittman spoke at
the meeting about the elections and the barbeque. Myndie spoke about Graduation
and offered volunteer opportunities. Brought up the SUB applications and passed
along the information Laura had given him. Arnold Caines also spoke about the
Pathfinder positions.
Directors Council: Senator Smith reported that he attended a meeting with them this
morning. Minority Services will be having a Native American Leadership Retreat.
Loretta Nichol was introduced as the new TRIO Director. Steve Bussolini
reported that there are Summer Abroad programs available, see Rebecca in
International Programs. Fall application numbers are up. Glen Galindo in CAMP
is still offering Summer Abroad programs that are being opened up for non-CAMP
students. Debra Lybyer reported that there are summer internships available.
Diane Johnson in the registrars advised that they have been having a big
problem with students going in to do their conditions of registration and are
going in and changing tiny things that are giving their office a whole lot of
extra work. Diane asked that he pass it on to not touch it unless you need to.
Graduation list in the kiosk, if you are graduating check and make sure your name
is spelled right. If you have not applied for graduation by April 18, you won’t
be graduating. Laura Hughes in Financial Aid reported that scholarship
notifications have been sent out and they need to be signed this week. During
the meeting there was some discussion about the signs in the windows of the
ASLCSC office. Laura Hughes stated that she overheard some students talking
about the signage and stating that they thought the ASB office was paying for
the incumbent president’s election because of the placement of the signs. Also
asked about the posting regulations for the election. Comments were made about
the signs that were posted so closely together on campus. They thought the
center area was a little bit of “overkill.” Andy Hanson informed the group that
the new student orientation is August 25-28 and if anyone has any ideas or
input let them know in their office.
Motion to suspend agenda to fill Ethics seat. Motion Senator Hanson, second Senator Smith.
Unanimous. Senator Bybee asked for a nomination process and explained to the
Senate what the position entails. Senator Sherpa asked if she can resign from
the Graduation Committee and take the position on the Ethics Committee. Vice
President Ambriz stated she was free to leave the Graduation Committee. Senator
Sherpa nominated self for the Ethics Committee. Senator O’Harra nominated
Senator Bautista. Senator Rawson nominated Senator O’Harra. Senator Bybee asked
if the nominees accepted the nominations. All accepted. Senator Bautista and
Senator O’Harra withdrew their nominations. Senator Bybee asked for a vote for
Senator Sherpa being appointed to the Ethics committee. 9 Yes, 0 No, 1
Abstention (Senator Mewes). Senator Bybee informed Senator Sherpa that the next
meeting will be Thursday at 3:30 pm.
Motion to resume the agenda,
Senator Hanson second Senator Bautista. Unanimous.
Old Business
None.
New Business
■ Senate Bill 06-S054: Funding for Pasang
Sherpa for International Conference on Managing Forests for Poverty Reduction. Senator Sherpa informed the Senate that
this topic will be part of her senior research project. Motion to open bill to
discussion Senator Bautista, second Senator Smith. Senator Sherpa advised the
Senate of all of the costs that will be incurred for this conference
(approximately $1500). Motion for friendly amendment to change line 16 from
General Account to Leadership Development, second Senator Riggers. Unanimous. Discussion
ensued. Senator O’Harra stated that he would like to know where the Senate is
sitting financially before he can make a decision regarding this issue. Senator
Bybee stated that he and President Racich sat down and discussed the budget and
expected expenditures. Stated that there is about $1600 left in the budget for
the remainder of the semester. Talked about the slush fund and the fact that
they do not want to dip into it. Senator Smith friendly amendment to change the
“r” to lowercase in “registration” on line 17, second Senator Hanson.
Unanimous. Senator Bybee turned the gavel over to Senator Smith. Senator Bybee
stated that one thing he never hears about is graduates. “Graduates reflect on
an institution” and stated that depending on what she does with this is could
reflect favorably on the institution. Motion to vote Senator Hanson, second
Senator Riggers. Roll call vote: 8 Yes, 0 No, 2 Abstentions (Bautista, Rawson).
Bill passed.
Senate Information Reports
■ Nothing.
Audience Time
■ Senator
Sherpa informed the Senate that Social Science week will be next week in SUB
143 (Monday through Thursday) at noon with a social on Thursday.
■ Discussion
ensued regarding the State Board of Education meeting next week. Media
Relations Director Rohde informed the Senate that she had not put a notice in
the Pathfinder that the Roundtable meeting will be cancelled next week. It was
decided that there would be flyers printed and distributed around the campus,
as well as posted on the website and intranet.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn Senator Ojeda,
second Senator Riggers. Unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 5:48 pm.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Myndie VanHorn
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06-S054 Roll Call Vote |
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Y |
N |
A |
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Bautista |
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X |
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Bybee |
X |
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Hanson |
X |
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Mewes |
X |
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O’Harra |
X |
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Ojeda |
X |
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Rawson |
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X |
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Riggers |
X |
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Sherpa |
X |
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Smith |
X |
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