On Saturday, in its second meeting of the semester, the Student Association Senate discussed the future of an LSAT (Law School Admission Test) tutoring program, the Student-Wide Judiciary (SWJ) and the derecognition of the Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects (AAAEA).
Dan Ovadia, a senior business major, proposed the creation of a low-fee, 15-person LSAT tutoring program in conjunction with Mock Trial. Saturday marked Ovadia's third time coming to the Senate on the issue.
Ovadia asked for $680.70 from the New and Innovative line. SISH (Special Interests, Services and Hobbies) Coordinator Michael Calliste has already supported Ovadia's program with $150.
Ovadia planned to ask $15 from each participant - $10 of the fee will cover the cost of two textbooks and the remaining $5 will go to Mock Trial for their fundraising. The program is over the course of eight weeks.
Ovadia said he is offering his services during that time for free because he feels a great desire to give back to UB. His presentation outlined ways to make the program more sustainable in the future by partnering with Mock Trial.
The Senate decided to give $250 to Mock Trial from the New and Innovative line. Because the Senate cannot tell Mock Trial how to spend its money, it advised Ovadia to have students pay a $25 fee and have Mock Trial contribute $200 from its budget.
SWJ Chief Justice Twiesha Vachhrajaniasked for a $1,200 stipend for her work. The Senate revoked the stipend when past chief justices were not adhering to their duties for the role.
After discussion, the Senate decided there were not enough precautions on handling SWJ if members do not follow through on their jobs. The issue of her stipend was tabled for the next Senate meeting.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Senate voted to derecognize the AAAEA after it showed no signs of activity over the past year.
The Senate changed the date of future meetings, which will now take place every other Sunday at 7:30 p.m. in 250 Student Union starting Feb. 23.
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Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
