The following is a transcript of the SGA’s segment of the 5:30 PM broadcast of WMUA 91.1 FM on March 6, 2012.
Hi everyone, this is Tiff Tai with your Student Government and Campus Life update.
On Monday, Eddie Hull and Jean Kim spoke to Senate on the new solicitation policy, which was drafted in response to ACLU’s concerns on the policy’s constitutionality. Hull and Kim answered questions from Senate on the logistics of the new policy. After Hull and Kim left the meeting, Senate discussed the changes and agreed that while the new solicitation policy was a vast improvement from the former, Senate would have liked a better avenue for distributing flyers and for UMass student businesses to advertise.
Senate passed a motion that asks that changes to Res Life regarding student jobs be postponed until the university conducts extensive research on the first year experience at UMass, specifically. In the meetings for the Working Group for Student Success, Eddie Hull admitted that the decisions to eliminate the Peer Mentor and Apartment Living Advisors were made based on anecdotal evidence and not statistical evidence on the efficacy of Peer Mentors and Apartment Living Advisors.
Senate also passed a motion to task CEPA with conducting research on UMass housing, particularly the effect of the construction of the Commonwealth Honors College on non-honors students, the capacity of off-campus housing in the surrounding area, the number of students not likely to receive on-campus housing, off-campus affordability particularly for lower income students, and the impact of an increased off-campus population on relations with the Town of Amherst.
Matt Scot from the Resource Room presented on ideas for changing around RSO space in the Student Union, based on the suggestions given in the RSO forum survey. Some ideas currently on the table are to create multipurpose open meeting spaces that only need to be reserved on the same day, as well as creating a “cave space” for RSOs to informally meet. To give your input on how RSO space can be improved, log on to Campus Pulse and fill out the survey there.
Senator Nick Barton reported from the Master Plan committee: After spring break, construction for the new academic classroom building will extend to Hasbrouck and the Student Union. This means the pathway to the library near Skinner and Hasbrouck will no longer be available after spring break.
Senator Barton also noted that plans for the Commonwealth Honors College residential area do not include a new dining common. Those students are supposed to eat in Hampshire DC, and there will be a direct path from the Honors College dorms to Hampshire.
Tomorrow is the SGA Elections Debate, moderated by renowned Professor MJ Peterson from the UMass Political Science department! Come to the Student Union ballroom at 7 PM and learn more about the students running for President, Vice President, and Student Trustee.
Orchard Hill Area Government along with Orchard Hill Senators are hosting an open forum and discussion called Back to the People 2 tonight at 7 PM in the Field lounge. Come voice your opinions, concerns, and desires relating to life in Orchard Hill. Snacks and refreshments wil be provided.
Now on to Campus Events:
Tomorrow, the Cambodian Students Association is holding a cultural event called “Forgotten Faces”. Come hear the story of the Killing Field Survivors, including a history of the Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian genocide. Speakers include SGA President Yevin Roh, Samkhann Khoeun, Sopheap Theam, and Sayon Soeun. Light refreshments will be served. This event will happen tomorrow at 6 PM in Herter 231.
The Arab Students Club will hold a Candlelight Vigil for the Martyrs of Syria on Thursday from 7 to 9:30 PM in the Cape Cod Lounge of the Student Union. As the uprisings in Syria approach their 12th month, thousands have died and are still dying. Come commemorate and honor those lost in Syria. There will be an open mic session, a power point presentation, and a candlelight vigil outside the student union. Please bring signs!
Come to a “Know Your Rights” workshop on Thursday from 7 to 8:30 PM in the Theta Chi fraternity house on 496 North Pleasant St. There will be a lively and interactive Q&A session about what your rights are during police encounters, featuring Attorney Corey Carvalho of the Student Legal Services Office and Officer Mark Whelihan from UMPD.
The African Students Association is hosting a cultural event called “Coming to America” this Saturday at 8 PM in the Student Union ballroom. The event will be an opportunity for students to learn more about African culture. There will be an interactive event with several performances such as cultural dances, skits, poetry, and singing.That wraps up your Student Government and Campus Life update. I’m Tiff Tai. Now to Bennett with a look at Sports.