On Jan. 20, the Student Association Senate held its first of seven senate meetings for the spring semester.
The focus of the evening was straightening out a few minor issues with certain clubs, passing the obligatory budget adjustment and discussing what to expect at the next senate meeting.
Although he was absent from the meeting, SA President Travis Nemmer said SA ran smoothly in the fall semester. However, he still feels there are a number of things he and his e-board need to address, particularly in regards to passing new internal controls - a document that would clarify all the processes SA uses for various tasks.
"It's going to be an effective owner's manual for future executive boards," Nemmer said about the changes to internal controls, which SA currently operates under. "We are confident in their success and we are confident in their continued success."
Before his administration, the internal control document was only eight pages; now it is 60. His plan was to make SA run more efficiently. He said, for example, the new internal controls would allow SA to get checks to clubs faster.
Senate Chair Jonathon Grunin said he is looking forward to the second draft of the Student Life policy, which caused much controversy last semester. The policy originally stated every club would need an academic adviser and cannot be dual-recognized if put into practice. Since the first draft, Student Life has taken input from SA and students to refine the policy to benefit both sides. Grunin assured he and SA support the new changes mainly because it does not change the way SA functions.
SA Treasurer Justin Neuwirt encouraged students to come to the next meeting on Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. in Student Union 145A. Not only can students see how SA operates, but the Office of the Provost will be at the meeting to get student input about UB 2020.
The schedule for the upcoming senate meetings can be found in Grunin's mailbox in SU 350. Although it is his duty to set the agenda, he wants everyone to be able to influence the agenda. He encourages students to come discuss anything from allegations, grant hearings, budget proposals and other concerns.
Neuwirt said there are a lot of SA events students should look forward to this semester, including Spring Gala, International Fiesta and Spring Fest. He also said students should look forward to a new spring concert SA has been planning since last semester.
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Photo: Breadchastick / Wikimedia Commons
