Wesleyan Student Assembly — Wesleyan University

Minutes: December 8, 2002, No. 10

WSA Officers

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

Meeting Agenda and Business

1. Meeting Opening
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Discussion of Auxiliary Services
4. Committee Reports
5. Discussion of Administrator Bylaw
6. Discussion of Disability Accessibility
7. New Business and Announcements
8. Adjournment

Opening of Meeting

The meeting was opened at 8:05 pm.

Approval of Minutes The minutes were approved by a majority.

Discussion with Manuel Cunard, Director of Auxiliary Services

Mr. Cunard has spent over twenty years working on college campuses. He has been at Wesleyan for two weeks, working as the Director of Auxiliary Services under Vice President Marcia Bromberg. His goal is to create and organizational design that would improve "auxiliary services" (i.e. food, housing, mail services, etc.). His current task is to look at all of the services and to organize them, improve them, and increase their efficiencies. The first priority is to increase the quality of food; the second priority is to bring the campus bookstore back to the students. He is also analyzing the spaces going into the new university center, planning to improve spaces for services like food and mail. The administration, however, does not listen to students enough; students need to be listened to as consumers and users.

Stack

• Joey Wender asks what the official relationship between Atticus and the University is.
• Mr. Cunard says that it is not like anything he has seen. Years ago, it was established that Atticus would be the official and exclusive university bookstore. The University gets no money from it and does not have a say in product lines and text books. Better used-book sales are also needed. There is no formal relationship between the two entities in terms of finance or student input. The contract is about over, so the University is looking for something more positive. They are looking into bringing in a big college bookstore company, which might be more positive for students.
• Matt Lerner asks Mr. Cunard's understanding on infrastructural concerns beyond the big campus center. He also asks what Mr. Cunard's role in it is.
• Mr. Cunard responds that there is a significant lack of informal and formal meeting space for students. The meeting spaces that exist should be closer to each other. He hopes to build enough credibility quickly enough to have a say in the new campus center.
• Yaw Agyenim-Boateng states that Atticus needs to be improved, especially because the books there are much more expensive than students can get them for on the Internet.
• Mr. Cunard says that professors have to change editions less often so that more used-books will be available. He is working towards more electronic book distribution, in which students can download text books, hear the pages turning, and highlight the pages. Also, a lot of colleges sell every student a laptop.
• Adam Lachman comments that student space should be looked at now because the new campus center is in the future. He also asks how changing the bookstore affect relationships with Middletown.
• Mr. Cunard answers that we need to make sure that good access is continued with the city. He suggests making the bookstore more welcome for both students and residents.
• Mr. Lachman also points out that mandatory meal plans for students limits potential investment in Middletown.
• Mr. Cunard thinks that an obligatory program is important, but he proposes bringing other places into it (e.g. using a meal card in restaurants in town). There should be a students advantage card, in which students can use their points at most stores around the area.
• Jeremy Abrams points out that independent places that students use cards for have to pay Aramark 15% of their profits.
• Mr. Cunard agrees that 15% is higher than the norm. Wesleyan's meal plans, however, are cheaper than most. Upper classmen shouldn't have mandatory plans, though, especially If they're living in houses. He proposes starting a card-to-cash plan.
• Colleen Galbraith informs Mr. Cunard that creating alternative study, music, and art spaces is a high priority for students.
• Mr. Cunard responds that there is no music rehearsal space designed into the new campus center, but it would be very easy to get it programmed into the new building.
• Ms. Galbraith points out that there are many spaces that can be renovated to create these spaces even before the new center is built.
• Mr. Cunard informs her that he is in charge of space during nonacademic times of the day. He is overseeing Nancy Albert.
• Ms. Galbraith asks when the new bookstore will be open.
• Mr. Cunard responds that it is their highest priority and will be open next year.
• Adam Poswolsky states his concern for the lack of Wesleyan-Middletown relations and of the college town atmosphere.
• Mr. Cunard answers that those problems don't exist on other campuses due to many factors. It is very possible to change Wesleyan-Middletown relationships.
• Mr. Poswolsky also points out that the bookstore is a huge source of revenue that is lost because of its distance from the campus. A lot of money could be gained from people coming to visit and buying paraphernalia.
• Mr. Cunard adds that students should be able to order books online. They are considering putting a "spirit shop" and a book pick-up station in the new campus center.
• Mr. Cunard adds to the discussion that he would like to see smaller, alternative eateries closer to the residential halls even after the new campus center is built.
• Jeremy Abrams suggests having a shuttle service that goes into Middletown, especially Middletown bars on Wednesday night.
• Mr. Cunard promises to look into the issue.

Committee Reports

1. Student Budget Committee (SBC)
   Adam Lachman, WSA Treasurer, reports:
   The SBC met and allocated funds.

   Speaker/Music: Total $1664.56

   1. Group: STARC (Email Vote) What: Kevin Damaher Lecture in PAC 002
      Request:$1,000.00 Allocation: $1,000.00 Percent:100.00%
   2. Group: African Students Association What: Sound/DJ Party At 202 Washington
      Request:$200.00 Allocation:$200.00 Percent:100.00%
   3. Group: Eclectic What: Punk Show Concert 12/07/02 At Eclectic
      Request: $294.56 Allocation: $294.56 Percent: 100.00%
   4. Group: Wesleyan Dharma Study Group What: Chris Pleim Lecture in Butt Lounge
      Request: $150.00 Allocation: $150.00 Percent: 100.00%

   Supplemental: Total $1638.01

   1. Group: Sound Co-Op What: Repairs and Supplies
      Request: $562.01 Allocation: $312.01 Percent: 55.52%
   2. Group: SSDP What: Banner and Supplies
      Request:$106.00 Allocation: $26.00 Percent: 24.53%
   3. Group: NIA (EMAIL VOTE) What: Party for Middletown Women
      Request: $400.00 Allocation: $400.00 Percent: 100.00%
   4. Group: Traverse Square What: Field Trips, Food, Supplies
      Request: $1,390.00 Allocation: $900.00 Percent: 64.75%

   The SBC will have its last budget meeting on Monday, December 9th at 4 pm. The midyear report will be presented at the first meeting of the next semester.

2. Educational Policy Committee (EPC)
   Colleen Galbraith, EPC Chair, reports:
   The EPC is officially adjourned until next semester, so there is little to report.
   The Faculty as a whole voted to promote the Film Studies Program to the status of Film Department.
   The Curricular Renewal Subcommittee is currently reviewing the key capability "speaking," and has summarized its notes on all meetings this semester. They will passed on to next semester's committee.

3. Student Affairs Committee (SAC)
   Emily Polak, SAC Chair, reports:
   The SAC met this week and discussed a few key topics.
   The new University Center is scheduled to open in 2007, but the Board of Trustees is trying to have it open in 2006. If people are interested in being on Dean Mike's smaller committees regarding the new University Center, email Ms. Polak at epolak@wesleyan.edu, and she will pass your name on. The Dining Advisory Committee will meet next week to discuss Tim Reiss' list of proposed changes for the spring semester. These include adding a six foot salad bar to Summerfields, keeping First Harvest open long, and having the Science Center food cart. The Dining Committee is also trying to fix the Frosh Equivalency problem for dinnertime; Dean Mike is working on it. Finally, the Dining Committee's plan to keep the café open for late night dining this weekend was a great success. Both nights ran out of food, and Matt Lerner arranged for some great musicians. We will have late night dining next semester.

   Chalking: Ms. Polak, Adam Poswolsky, and Kevin Hall (from the SLC) met with President Bennet and Dean Hill last Monday to give Bennet a brief look at where the WSA is with the chalking policy. President Bennet still does not see why chalking is important. The plan is to make a few more changes to the working policy after a meeting with student representatives, send it out next week to the student body by campus-wide email, and then present it to Bennet formally.

   SLC: The GLBTQQ is working to accomplish many goals, including gender-neutral housing, behavioral health services audits, and a focus on Trans Week. If people have questions, they should contact Selina Ellis at sellis@wesleyan.edu or Adam Poswolsky at aposwolsky@wesleyan.edu. The Alcohol and Other Drug Subcommittee met and discussed environmental management.

   Member Dan Matzkin reports that the Frosh Forum has been postponed to next semester, with advice from Dean Hill.

4. Independent Projects Committee (IPC)
   Yaw Agyenim-Boateng, WSA Vice President, reports:
   The Social Committee's Winter Carnival Planning is complete. It will be held on December 10 at Mocon from 11-3 am. The bands performing will be Royce 5'9", Blonde Redhead, and Heiruspecs.
   IPC Member Melinda Coro and SBC Member Thang Le Ngoc will upload esquid over winter break. If people have new ideas, they should email Ms. Coro at mcoro@wesleyan.edu.

5. Coordinating Committee (CC)
   Sara Mirsky, WSA Coordinator, reports:
   A new Assistant Coordinator has been appointed: Jeremy Levinn '04, whose favorite food is lamb chops. Member of the Week is Honorary Member Matt Eaton, who finally fixed the WSA's voting webpage.
   Voting for SBC Members will be held starting at midnight tonight at www.wesleyan.edu/wsa/voting.
   If there are any vacancies on committees, inform Ms. Mirsky so that appointments can be held at the beginning of next semester.

6. Finances and Facilities (FiFac)
   Ali Gomer, FiFac Chair, reports:
   Ms. Gomer met with the Major Maintenance Fund Leadership Committee and got 30 new trashcans and lighting for outside Olin approved as projects to be completed over next summer.
   Ms. Gomer will be meeting with the University Center Executive Planning Committee next week to begin discussion on the design of the building.
   Everyone should attend the information and discussion session with the Master Planners on Tuesday at 4:00. There will be lots of pizza, but more importantly, it's an opportunity to give you input on changes for the campus in the upcoming years.

7. Community Outreach Committee (COCo)
   Jeremy Abrams, COCo Chair, reports:
   COCo will now be sending bi-weekly updates to recognized groups.
   Member Tina Huang is helping with organization of a Students of Color forum.
   COCo is working to create a club recognition forum for next semester.
   The freshmen evaluation survey will be sent out next semester.

8. Executive Committee (EC)
   Joey Wender, WSA President, reports:
   The EC followed up on the suggestions offered at the last WSA meeting regarding how to improve Sunday night meetings. Online committee reports (including information about SBC allocations), the agenda, and minutes will be sent out on Fridays. Furthermore, the EC will continue to work on bringing guest speakers to our Sunday meetings. If you have ongoing suggestions for improvement, email President Wender at jwender@wesleyan.edu. Each committee should together review their accomplishments of this past semester and set goals for the spring semester.

   Stack

   • Adam Poswolsky asks the IPC if students will be able to vote for groups for Spring Fling because it did not happen for Winter Carnival.
   • Maris Yanow responds that it will be easier to do that for Spring Fling, and that she will talk to Chad Gordon.
   • Jeremy Abrams suggests that people should not know what band is playing because if they pull out, people will be disappointed.
   • Jade Mill points out that that is still not a good excuse and that there should be a vote. Perhaps artists will be more pressured to play if the campus clearly wants them.

Discussion of Administrator Bylaw – Adam Lachman

(see Appendix 10A)
The goal of the Administrator Bylaw is to codify the role of the WSA Administrator (Cari MacDermott's job currently), which is as of yet not mentioned in the constitution. It is important that we codify the role of the Administrator to maintain the efficiency of the WSA office and the Administrator as an invaluable resource to the Assembly and Student Groups.

Stack

• Matt Lerner asks why this was not needed before.
• Joey Wender responds that Ms. MacDermott was hired in 1977. Before then, the situation was very different than what we do now.
• Mr. Lachman points out that since Ms. MacDermott has been here for a long time, we have not run into this problem.
• Karen Courtheoux asks if the procedure for determining the Administrator's salary is what is had been in the past.
• Mr. Lachman informs her that it is. Ms. MacDermott received her salary adjustment at the beginning of this year, but the salary assessment is supposed to happen at the end of every academic year.

Voting The Amendment passes unanimously.

Disability Accessibility Discussion – Emily Polak

(see Appendices 10B and 10C)
Ms. Polak presents the plans that Joyce Topshe proposed as improvements for disability accessibilities. If people have other suggestions, they should email Ms. Polak at epolak@wesleyan.edu.

Stack

• Becca Solow asks the proposed timeline for these improvements.
• Ms. Polak answers that it could take years, and that there is no timeline
• Ms. Solow responds that the plans should occur right away. As a tour guide, giving tours is embarrassing because of our lack of disability accessibilities.

New Business and Announcements

Joey Wender announces that the first meeting of next semester will be held on January 26th. Since it is Super Bowl Sunday, it will be held earlier in the afternoon. He also tells everyone that although we have done a lot this semester, there is still a lot to be done.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 9:48 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Monica Arduini, WSA Secretary