Wesleyan Student Assembly — Wesleyan University

Minutes: March 30, 2003, No. 17

WSA Officers

• President: Joey Wender
• Vice President: Yaw Agyenim-Boateng
• Coordinator: Sara Mirsky
• Treasurer: Adam Lachman

Opening of Meeting

The meeting was opened at 8:01 pm.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes were approved unanimously.

Meeting Agenda and Business

• SPIN Discussion
• Committee Reports
• Dining Concerns
• Budget Criteria Discussion
• Community Service Discussion
• New Business and Announcements

Students for Peace in Iraq Now (SPIN) Discussion – Joe Yannielli and Jenny Mariaschin

• SPIN wants the WSA to pass a resolution regarding the situation in Iraq. The discussion held tonight will be about whether in theory the WSA wants to get involved. If it does, a resolution will be drafted next week.
• Passing a resolution would be part of a large campaign; over 50 colleges around the country have already passed anti-war resolutions. Wesleyan should be involved in a similar campaign because of its reputation as a politically active campus. The resolution would most likely condemn Saddam Hussein and the actions of the United States; it would not need to be complicated.

Stack

• Camille Zahniser believes that based on members’ roles as representatives, it wouldn’t be fair to pass a resolution with which not everyone at Wesleyan is in agreement.
• Mr. Yannielli explains that the resolution wouldn’t say that the entire student body is against the war, it would say the entire WSA is.
• Yaw Agyenim-Boateng responds that the WSA is the entire student body, as stated in the WSA Constitution.
• Jeremy Abrams thinks that it would be overstepping the WSA’s bounds as a student government to discuss a geopolitical issue.
• Becca Solow asks two questions. How is it part of the WSA’s role to talk about something like this? What good would come of passing a resolution?
• Ms. Mariaschin answers that first, she believes the academy should be politicized, and second, passing a resolution would be along the same lines as a protest or a rally.
• Karen Courtheoux asks if the other university organizations that passed anti war resolutions are parallel to the WSA.
• Mr. Yannielli informs her that they were all student councils.
• Joey Wender states that he thought a lot about the issue and came up with four reasons why the WSA should not pass a resolution: 1) the WSA would risk being politicized as it’s never been before, 2) it would set a dangerous precedent, 3) the WSA exists to improve Wesleyan and fight for students, not to usurp the role of activist groups, 4) it is impractical to try to represent every representative’s opinion. He does support SPIN and hopes that they succeed, but doesn’t believe that the WSA as an organization can support it.
• Adam Lachman disagrees and points out that whenever the WSA makes a decision, it does not necessarily represent the entire student body. It should not be afraid of taking a position; the war with Iraq has a direct impact on our lives and activities in this institution. All resolutions that the WSA passes are political, and this resolution would be parallel with the atmosphere on campus. Passing it would enhance representation. The Assembly should not be afraid to deal with something of such magnitude.
• Yaw Agyenim-Boateng responds that this has nothing to do with fear. There are other campus-related issues that the WSA needs to address as a body; this issue does not directly affect students. A resolution such as this one would not have much impact as others that have passed.
• Ms. Mariaschin believes that war does directly affect students’ lives. It may not directly affect on-campus issues, but it affects taxes and education cuts. No resolution reflects everyone on campus. If a resolution isn’t made, petitions will be sent around campus. She suggests that the role of the WSA should change to take official political stances.
• Selina Ellis points out that Wesleyan has a silent minority of students who are conservative. By passing an anti-war resolution, the WSA would be further marginalizing them. It is important for the body to pass resolutions that are politically charged when they are necessary, but it doesn’t seem to be so in this case.
• Emily Polak completely respects Ms. Ellis’ point, but believes that this does directly affect education in general. She suggests passing a resolution that supports education rather than one that is anti war.
• Anay Shah states the resolution’s impact is irrelevant to the debate; it is for others to decide. Nothing will affect this campus more than a war, and no resolution that passes will totally represent the campus. Passing this resolution is very important and necessary.
• Jeremy Abrams argues that passing this would set an awful precedent. The WSA can express groups’ rights to express their opinions, but it cannot take a stance itself. The war affects everyone as a person, not as a student. He instead encourages petitions to be passed around.
• Karen Courtheoux agrees that petitions would be more effective than a pro- education resolution. She is scared of making people who dissent with the majority even more uncomfortable in voicing their opinions.
• Joey Wender agrees that war effects all students, but the WSA’s job is to empower students to take whatever action they feel is necessary. More harm could come of this resolution than good. Although the WSA could pass a pro- peace or pro-education resolution, but it would not be what SPIN wants. The WSA cannot pass a resolution on everything that indirectly affects students or that directly affects students as individuals.
• Gabe Tabak points out that there is a slippery slope; the WSA can’t draw a line where it’s going to stop being political. It needs to support groups on all sides. All other resolutions that have passed have been only about Wesleyan. He suggests writing a resolution in favor of activism on both sides of the debate.
• Mr. Yannielli believes that not taking a political stance is a political stance in itself. No matter what is decided upon, it will be a political decision.
• Sohana Punithakumar reminds the Assembly that it did not pass the resolution on battery eggs because it wanted students to have a choice. The same lines should be followed. In the past, many people have passed their own resolutions signed the “Members of the Wesleyan Community,” and recommends that as an alternative.
• Brian Byusa states that the war greatly affects international students; the Assembly should consider their stance on the war.
• Camille Zahniser argues that this resolution is fundamentally different than others that have passed. The WSA has concerned itself with students’ rights and the administration. It cannot give all of Wesleyan a political opinion.
• Jenny Mariaschin contends that any sort of resolution would be better than nothing. Not addressing the war is not acceptable because it is something that affects everyone in the world. Something has to be said, no matter how basic or watered down it is. She is not comfortable with saying that Wesleyan is totally separated from the war. Worded correctly, a resolution would probably spark debate instead of silencing people.
• Joey Wender assures her that the WSA recognizes the magnitude of the issue.
• Adam Poswolsky believes that nothing the WSA does is a matter of impact, but relevance. It has made political decisions in the past, such as being for chalking. An anti-war resolution is bigger and more important than other topics that have been discussed.
• Joey Wender responds that the fundamental difference between this issue and chalking is that chalking empowers students to say whatever they want to say.
• Ali Gomer reminds the Assembly that as representatives, people were elected to make decisions about life at Wesleyan. The atmosphere on campus is already hostile to people who are for the war. We should not further alienate them.
• Emily Polak suggests that a watered down resolution is better than nothing. She points out that we have been political in the past- the Green Mountain Coffee issue involved labor rights. A resolution on the war would show solidarity with other organizations that have passed resolutions.
• Jesse Watson believes that it is important to confront the war issue; it is historical and directly affects everyone. It is important that the WSA pass a resolution that is nonsectarian and in a way that allows students to think about the issue. He suggests passing a statement of compassion for those that the war affects.
• Adam Lachman argues that the Assembly does not have to take a stance of neutrality. Not doing so would break complacency and encourage people to take a position. He is afraid that not taking an action will create disenfranchisement.

Vote

There is a vote to frame a resolution: 20 in favor, 10 opposed, 2 abstentions

Vote

There is a vote for an ad hoc committee to meet after an email goes out to all student groups who will email their ideas to wsa@wesleyan.edu; the resolution will be discussed at the next meeting: Passes unanimously

Committee Reports

• Student Affairs Committee (SAC)
  • Emily Polak, SAC Chair, reports:
  • URLC: The gender blind housing is set for next fall. It will be located on the ground floor of Nicolson 6. ResLife is currently trying to find funding to ensure that there is an RA on this floor, and members of the GLBTQQ subcommittee are working on the wording for presenting it to pre-frosh and others in the GRS. Also, a viable storage solution has been found which really entails just beefing up the current system of using big trailers in Vine Street for everything, but the allowed tagable items which can be piled in the common room. However, unlike previous years, anything not tagged (or not allowed to be tagged, i.e. only bedroom furniture) will be donated to an agency for charity. Also, the URLCS is going to speak to Frank Kuan about a huge Vine Street tag sale were Middletown residents, Wesleyan students, and a furniture rental company could sell things in the fall. If you’re interested in helping out with this, email epolak@wesleyan.edu. Community standards are also a huge issue, especially as housing selection approaches. ResLife will be holding meetings for people to learn about the standards. Finally, the changes implemented for WestCo are going smoothly, with the upperclassmen selection underway.
  • Dining: Adam Poswolsky and Ms. Polak will meet with Tim Reiss this week to discuss concerns/questions about the proposed changes. There have been some concerns about workers’ hours as well, so they will be sure to address that. Late night dining is going well, though the committee just had a meeting with Dean Mike, Dean Rick, Frank Marsilli, and Rich Meigle regarding behavior in the Campus Center on weekend nights. Hence, they are requesting that Public Safety make a round through the Campus Center. The performances are going well, and if people know of anyone interested in performing, please email epolak@wesleyan.edu.
  • The SLC is meeting on Thursday to discuss a few key issues, including smoking in woodframe houses. After the outcome is decided, it will be brought to the WSA.
• Independent Projects Committee (IPC)
  • Yaw Agyenim-Boateng, WSA Vice President, reports:
  • The IPC met with the people who distribute newspapers around campus. They have statistics on the numbers distributed and numbers read. They will come to a meeting at some point to present.
  • The role of the Social Committee/WSA liaison is being reviewed.
• Educational Policy Committee (EPC)
  • Karen Courtheoux, EPC Voting Member, reports:
  • Professor Krishna Winston answered questions about the proposal to end the Humanities program, of which she is the chair. Due to faculty disinterest and the crosslisting of virtually all Humanities courses, she claimed that it was no longer a worthwhile program for the University. The committee agreed and voted unanimously to end the program with a thoughtfully worded motion.
  • Course access issues continue to be examined; institutional research reported on their findings from four pertinent focus groups. In the meantime, Judith Brown and the EPC are sending a letter to all faculty, encouraging to use the online waitlist.
  • Jesse Watson and Jared Make continue to tackle library hours of operation. If people have any concerns about the library, email jdwatson@wesleyan.edu.
  • The EPC continues its efforts to detangle the issue of reading week; the institutional researchers are sending a survey to all faculty asking them (anonymously, if preferred) with what assignments and corresponding due dates they end their courses. This survey also asks how each faculty member handles permission of instructor courses, as there seems to be little or no standard protocol in this area.
  • A small student panel met with the first of three finalists in the Library Director search. Ms. Courtheoux will be submitting a report to Judith Brown with the reactions of that group.
  • At the faculty meeting on March 4, the faculty adopted a five-year calendar.
• Finances and Facilities (FiFac)
  • Ali Gomer, FiFac Chair, reports:
  • The bookstore task force will be meeting at the end of next week. There hasn’t been a final decision about the bookstore provider, but Marcia Bromberg has been looking into a few national bookstores as well as some more independent, smaller chain stores.
  • Sam Franklin continues to stay in touch with WESU and Argus people and will be keeping them updated with renovations happening to their building.
  • Construction Services is continuing to gather figures for an estimate for WestCo Café renovations.
  • Brian Byusa met with Jeff Ederer and Jeff Miller to talk about summer housing for Wesleyan students. While he is still working on the cost of staying in Wesleyan housing for the summer, Jeff Miller promised to get the spaces cleaned more often during the summer.
  • FiFac is going to try to get the Space Committee’s survey out towards the end of April.
  • There was a big turnout at the campus planners’ meeting. It will be a slow process, but new trashcans will be installed this summer. The new University Center is down to three plans now. The planners are trying to find a place for a new teaching museum.
• Stack
  • Joey Wender points out the need to push for recycling bins next to each trash can. He also thinks that the WSA should officially support one of the plans for the new University Center.
• Community Outreach Committee ( COCo)
  • Jeremy Abrams, COCo Chair, reports:
  • COCo did not meet this week. It did, however, identify its three main projects to focus on (not exclusively) for the remainder of the semester. They are: WSA transparency, shuttle issues, and Roller Night.
  • Though shuttle plans can’t be changed for next semester because the budget has already been planned out, COCo will make a long list of recommendations for the following semester.
• Student Budget Committee (SBC)
  • Adam Lachman, WSA Treasurer, reports:
  • The SBC met and allocated funds the Monday before break. It has completed the April Awareness Month allocations and is now working with the Social Committee to secure the Spring Fling headliner. The SBC chair and Chad Gordon, chair of the Social Committee, have contacted members of the Board of Trustees working in the field of entertainment in an effort to expand the resources in planning the Spring Fling event.
  • The committee met in a closed session meeting this past week, in place of the normal allocation hearings, to discuss the financial benchmarks for the rest of the semester and to conduct a review of the current budget procedure: forms, including online forms and budget criteria. Becca Solow will present the changes to the budget criteria during the meeting.
  • The SBC is also very close to launching the online database allowing for up-to the-minute student account budget balances and the ability to reallocate monies unused at this point in the semester.
  • The SBC has started planning for the campaign to increase the College Body Tax and will start to work with student groups to advocate for the increase. Specific figures on the rate of spending and the overall strategy will be presented at the next meeting.
• Coordinating Committee (CC)
  • Sara Mirsky, WSA Coordinator, reports:
  • The Member of the Week is Brian Byusa.
  • The Cardinal Crest Award for the best WSA member of the year will be decided upon soon. Send nominations to lkupo@wesleyan.edu. Forms are online at www.wesleyan.edu/stuact.
  • Ms. Mirsky met with Jeremy Abrams and Camille Zahniser to come up with plans for increasing the WSA’s communication with the student body (ex, orientation presentation for freshmen, a letter going out to everyone explaining the WSA, looking into office hours for EC members, having the WSA send emails directly to everyone on campus).
• Executive Committee (EC)
  • Joey Wender, WSA President, reports:
  • The election timetable has been announced. Petitions will be available on Wednesday, April 9. They are due on Wednesday, April 16 at noon. On Thursday, April 17 at 6 pm, all candidates will meet in PAC001. That same day, candidate pictures will be taken for the Argus. The next day, Friday, April 18, candidate information will appear in the Argus. The Presidential Debate will be held in PAC002 on Sunday, April 20 at 6:30 pm (probably). The elections will be held from Monday, April 21 to Friday, April 25.
  • The EC is in the process of planning an end of the year WSA banquet, tentatively scheduled for May 1.

Dining Concerns – Emily Polak and Adam Poswolsky

• (see attachment 17A)
• Ms. Polak asks for any questions or concerns regarding the new changes that will be made to dining.

Stack

• Gabe Tabak points out that the Kosher Kitchen is a very important option. Many students are very concerned about its future.
• Nathan Victoria asks if First Harvest will be moved.
• Ms. Polak answers that the fourth floor of the Campus Center is being renovated, but she doesn’t know anything further.
• Selina Ellis asks how the renovations of Weshop will affect people in WestCo.
• Ms. Polak responds that the effects will be minimal.
• Becca Solow points out that the list of restaurants listed for flexpoints was kind of random; Neon Deli should be on the list.
• Jeremy Abrams requests sandwiches at Summerfield’s.
• Mr. Poswolsky asks the Assembly several questions. First, should Mocon be a continuous service from 11 am to 8 pm? There would be very little additional labor or costs, but there may be cutbacks in the future. (People are generally against this idea.) Second, noting the confusion caused by flexpoints and WesWings, are flexpoints even worthwhile?
• Sohana Punithakumar points out that flexpoints will further complicate financial aid issues.
• Mr. Poswolsky asks if a senior reduction for a buy-in to points a good idea.
• Jeremy Levinn thinks that it is a good idea, but the reduction is not enough.
• Selina Ellis points out that it creates for less equality among seniors.
• Joey Wender agrees and states that the rationale behind a mandatory point system was to create a sense of community.
• Jeremy Levinn argues that if buy-ins are reduced, it would create more competition and accountability.

Budget Criteria Discussion – Becca Solow

• (see attachment 17B)
• The SBC is engaging in an ongoing process to streamline how it hears and grants requests.

Stack

• Joey Wender points out that all of these regulations are codifications of what has been in practice for years.

Community Service Discussion – Sara Mirsky

• If anyone feels very strongly about one project over another, email Ms. Mirsky at smirsky@wesleyan.edu. The CC will decide on a community service project this week.

New Business and Announcements
There is no new business or announcements.

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:28 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Monica Arduini, WSA Secretary