Wesleyan Student Assembly — Wesleyan University

Minutes: November 6, 2005, No. 5

WSA Officers

President: Jesse Watson

Vice President: Monica Arduini

Coordinator: Emily Malkin

Treasurer: Matt Ball

Meeting Agenda and Business

1) Open Form for Student Concerns

2) Approval of Minutes

3) Discussion about Wesleyan's Strategic Plan with President Bennet

4) SBC Report on Initial Allocations

5) Committee Reports

6) New Business and Announcements

Attached Documents

Strategic plan: www.wesleyan.edu/wesleyanplanning

SBC initial allocations report

Opening of Meeting

Meeting opened at 7:05pm

Open Form for Student Concerns

None

Approval of Minutes

Minutes approved unanimously.

Discusson about Wesleyan's Strategic Plan with President Bennet

• How can students take advantage of the strategic plan?

• Board approved the plan in May. Plan gets implemented through the budget process. A lot of estimation and forecasting for funds, spending, etc. Read it online. Wants Wesleyan to assert itself as a very powerful force in the country.

• Financial issue: Can take up to 5.5% every year from the endowment. Right now, Wes is spending 7.4%. Some of it goes to the cost of running the fundraising campaign (ironic?). The plan wants to reduce spending to 6.5%, then to 5.5% in five years. Institutions can reduce to 5.5% in a year by cutting salary increases, etc… Doesn't think Wesleyan need to do that, instead, proposes a 5-year gradual change. Fairly ambitious fundraising campaigns.

Stack:

• Argus rep asks what will be cut? Bennet: won't cut salary increases, might cut non-faculty positions. Not exactly sure yet. Says Wesleyan already runs very efficiently. Devotes more to teaching and research than peer institutions.

• Benedict Bernstein asks what the returns are from the endowment are, and if there are plans for a larger draw (how much). Bennet says they're not trying to get a larger draw, last fiscal year's returns was 14%, which is very good. Wants to get into the top quartile of schools.

• Eric Rosenblum asks if there will be a greater emphasis on cutting spending or more fundraising? Bennet says both. Fundraising is going very well. Portfolio is unpredictable. Bennet doesn't "buy" the argument that there's no money. There are resources.

• Benedict Bernstein asks how the budget cuts will affect the bidding for the dinning services. Bennet says it probably won't affect it. Dinning will not be affected, no cuts.

• Casey Wilson asks how our endowment compares to Williams and Amherst. Bennet says it's just under 600 million. Williams and Amherst has about 2 or 3 times more per student (their student size is half of ours). Casey also asks if there are plans to spend more on services and facilities. Bennet says that Wes didn't spend much on facilities for a few decades, until now.

• Eric Rosenblum asks about academic issues in the strategic plan: advising and key capabilities. Bennet says that faculty has adopted key capabilities. Working on how exactly to implement that. Key capabilities will show up on course selections, etc… Advising pressure has been somewhat relieved with the new drop/add system. Eric asks if there are plans for a new advising system. Bennet says that he's not sure how the advising system is working for students.

• Nathan Ratner asks if there are plans for increasing for OBHS budget. Bennet says that the changes to OBHS won't cut services, just make better use of it. Will not cut OBHS budget. Dean Cruz Saco agrees. A careful analysis of services provided is the only way to understand needs of student body.

• Argus Rep asks if decreasing spending will have on tuition. Bennet says that tuition will rise 5% per year. Tuition rates are increasing at the same rate at other schools, but other schools with larger endowments give better financial aid.

• Casey Wilson asks what the plans are for increasing Wesleyan's ranking on US News and World Reports. Bennet, after making a screeching noise, says that US News has legitimate measurements, but we increased class size slightly to help access issues, and financial state isn't too pretty. Casey asks how successful fundraising has been. Bennet says it's become very professional and effective.

• Emily Morris asks how Bennet is feeling. Bennet says he's feeling wonderful. It took a while, thinks he must've looked terrible before, treatment was onerous.

• Benedict asks what Bennet thinks about the frats. Bennet says that the decision on fraternities will not be made based on funding or program housing, but thinks that the issue is what kind of environment we're looking for. The issue isn't whether or not we should have fraternities, but whether or not they discriminate. Bennet is very committed to a Wesleyan that doesn't.

• Nya Roy asks how Bennet can be more assessable to students, since he recently cut office hours. Bennet says that office hours weren't working, very unproductive, not enough discussion, too much petition. Looking for other ways to increase availability.

• Bennet talks about beyondpartisan.org (electronic issue development thing, not marginalizing).

• Eric Rosenblum asks if Wesleyan has considered just refused to participate in US World News reports. Bennet says that it would be cowardice to remove ourselves after dropping in the ratings. Ranking for academic excellence is higher than other stuff.

SBC Report on Initial Allocations

Matt Ball, treasurer:

• Transition this year: new office coordinator. Really excited to have Lisa.

• The big priority this year is establishing policies for institutional memory.

• Wants to give most efficient allocations, wants enough money for next semester.

Goals:

• Accountability: Making student groups accountable for responsible spending. Big emphasis on itemization. Starting a new debt policy: carrying debt over from year to year, and giving groups a time limit to pay debt back.

• Organization: SBC lockbox: online accounting system. Will be able to see how each group is spending money, and their account status. Each student group will eventually have an account, and will keep track of their funds. Reformulated allocation forms, more accurate.

• Short term goals: expect groups to do more fundraising.

• Trying to decrease initial allocations, more fluid process. Spends about %25 in the beginning for large groups, such as Argus, WESU, and second stage. Funds aren't entirely accurate: actually has a little less money. Also does not account for office budget, which is substantial. Jesse Watson says that it's not usually included in initial allocation report. Traditionally spend more money in first semester (big groups such as Argus only come in once in the beginning of the year). Last year had surplus, wants to keep that as an emergency fund.

Stack:

• Benedict asks if surpluses will roll over as well as debt. Matt Ball says that allocations that have not been spent will not roll over, but profit will.

• Nathan Ratner asks when the lockbox system will be finalized. Matt Ball says that he's not sure. Depends on tech guy. Wants this to replace the other system Lisa is using. Lots of work, hopefully by next semester.

• Benedict asks what the plan is for educating the general student group audience about the changes. Matt Ball says he wants to improve the website (immediate changes will happen here). Will send out contact and email for big changes.

• Maria Cruz Saco asks what "Transactions with University" is. Lisa Henricks says it goes to the concert series, New York Times, etc…

• Nya Roy says that people generally ask for twice as much to get what they actually need. With these changes, how can SBC make sure that if they give an accurate request, that they won't end up with only half of what they need. Matt says that with an itemized list, it becomes easy to discern what is appropriate, exaggerated, etc… No existing policy of necessarily giving groups less than what they ask for.

• Emily Malkin asks about food and drink allocations. It's on the form, but thought that SBC doesn't provide funds for food and drink. Matt says that SBC only provides funds for food and drink if it's in the group's mission statement, such as Taiwanese student association, international food fair, etc…

• Jesse Watson asks for an explanation of changes to forms. Matt Ball says that the object codes are universal, explanation for codes is in office and online. Encouraging groups to seek funding from other places.

• Raffi Medrano asks if SBC has funded program houses. Yes: Earth House, Eclectic, etc…

Committee Reports

All personal pronouns refer to the specific committee or committee chair.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EDUCATIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE

• It was a slower week in EPC as we continue to work on some long term issues. Advising: I (Sam Ruth) will be meeting with Billy Weitzer and Paula Lawson (the woman who pairs freshmen with their advisors) next friday the 11th to discuss ways to improve frosh advising. Afterwards I will meet with just Billy to brainstorm about peer advising.

• The student EPC has put together a questionnaire on advising that will be posted on the WSA website in the near future. We need to troubleshoot it with a few administrators before we can make this happen.

• Grant for Educational Excellence+ Alumni Lectures: Both of these projects are waiting to proceed until I can discuss them further with Billy.

• Individual Projects: Members of the student EPC are each engaged in creating a personal project. Our hope is that every member can focus on and take charge of one particular issue (which will be outlined at this sunday's meeting).

• The student and Faculty EPC has ratified language pertaining to the new pre-registration system, is reviewing a department's requested changes to their major and continues to work on the Capabilities.

STUDENT BUDGETARY COMMITTEE

This week, the Student Budget Committee met and allocated money as usual, but with a wild new twist. After our meeting on Sunday, we reassessed methods to help save money for the rest of the year. We had been a little concerned with some of our allocation criteria and wanted to make sure that we were being fair to all student groups, so we devised a couple new informal criteria for the rest of the year. First of all, we are planning on emphasizing alternative sources of funding and fundraising for all groups. The goal is to make the Student Budget Committee the last stop in getting money, and because there are so many sources for funding across campus, this can decrease the amount of money we would like to spend. Secondly, we addressed the issue of expediency and making sure that we are fair to all groups who came in, and we reached a consensus that before a member leaves (if they have a conflict) they have to record their recommendations on funding. At our meeting, we got through many groups quickly and effectively, emphasizing the alternative sources of funding and fundraising.

We also did work on the new forms and descriptions for the new object codes. We hope that the process of object codes will be more straight-forward, but some changes on the website should help make the process a little more self-explanatory and less convoluted and mysterious. That said, the presentation at this Sunday's WSA meeting should present a lot of the work that we've done so far.

FINANCES AND FACILITIES

• Dining Committee - We met and heard from the composting group about reusing food waste at the new University Center. We also heard from EON about examining and improving the University's food purchasing choices. The next step is to start writing the vision of dining for the new University center. The drafting committee will consist of Gabe, Zelda, Max, an EON rep, and a faculty member (for input on the University Club, which faculty will hopefully dine in).
• Major Maintenance starts meeting again next week. Let me know if you have any last-minute suggestions.
• Katie and Nya will be the FiFac reps to the Foss renovation committee, which will be meeting in a few weeks.
• Financial Aid and library committee meetings are on the horizon.

STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Dining update from Max Ornstein:

*Compost Presentation—Three members of the compost group presented their idea for composting for the Usdan center, there appears to be no downside. Manny seemed in support of the idea, and we will consult them when the Concept of Dining Team meets (more on that later).

*Environmental Impact Proposal—Owen presented his idea for a more centralized method of dealing with Env. Impact dining choices. He suggested a website dedicated to the cause, where students can post information and suggest items to be placed on a "Do Not Buy" list. The administration would also be responsible for increasing transparency and relaying all vender choices to the students. Owen will talk to ITS, and will also serve as EON rep to the Concept of Dining Team.

*Concept of Dining Team—Gabe, Zelda, Owen, Max, and two administrators will form this committee to form the concept of dining for the Usdan center. Meeting TBA.

URLC Meeting Minutes for November 3, 2005

Present: Rafael Medrano, Whitney Matthews, Gabe Tabak, Garth Mitchell, Gian Ishino, Matt Johnson, Nya Roy, Robin Hershkowitz, Mike Whaley, Jeff Miller, Fran Koerting

1. Minutes for 10/27 were approved.

2. Deadlines were tentatively set for each topic as follows:

Physical Changes:

Foss renovations – representatives selected from FiFac as well as Foss residents; will meet with the design committee in December Conversion of student storage spaces to lounges and kitchens -included in above; will also be discussed in Program House AdHoc Committee Railing at Low Rise and Traverse Square – will be revisited at URLC on 11/10 Proposed fence behind Foss Hill Residences – approved Major Maintenance and Capital Improvement requests – submitted Additional laundry facilities – Jeff will include in Major Maintenance requests

Feedback:

Alternatives for student storage – administration will present to URLC when developed

Proposal to furnish the senior woodframes – survey current residents and juniors by December (FiFac will develop survey), utilize Community Advisors, discuss in January

Feedback on recent new construction – by December Proposal regarding Quiet Hours during reading period – waiting for proposal to be presented to the committee Student satisfaction with Residential Life and Physical Plant – committee is asked to discuss categories by Feb. for use with focus groups Housing lottery procedures – subcommittee set up (Whitney, Matt to work with Rich DeCapua), proposals to URLC by December.

Reporting and Policies:

Consistent cable service – audit already in progress by Comcast, Fran will find out costs for extended cable so URLC can discuss bedroom vs. common area options on 11/10 Consider expectations and biannual reporting for community based living (Westco, 200 Church) – by December Gender neutral housing – received an update at today's meeting, QTF will look at recommendations for next year and bring them to URLC Review class (graduation year) distribution within residence halls – by December (concern is whether or not freshmen are clustered in critical mass in Foss and Butts, or isolated) Fraternity housing on campus – should expect a proposal from the fraternities by beginning of December (concern is impact of university policies on their housing)

Ad hoc committees:

Program housing: relocations, connection with diversity efforts, minimum membership, house manager compensation – representatives already selected (Gian, Rafael, and Whitney), will meet with Dawn's committee in next few weeks

3. A meeting regarding Buddhist House was held on Wednesday. Students explained why they wanted to remain at the current location; identified their specific needs such as a large meditation hall that will remain a sacred space, a community building/common area space. Students will visit 202 and 230 Washington to assess their merits and drawbacks, and the group will then reconvene. In the meantime, Peter Patton will share their concerns regarding sale of the house with senior staff.

4. At the WSA meeting on Sunday, a resolution was passed in support of fraternities at Wesleyan. The Greek organizations are developing a proposal regarding student housing at their facilities, which they will present to URLC later this semester.

5. Mike Whaley gave a report on how gender neutral housing was handled for the class of 2009. The process developed by the URLC last semester was followed, and resulted in four students requesting gender neutral housing. They were offered single rooms in locations which were not their first choice, and all four students opted to

live in a double in their first choice location. The Queer Task Force will review the process and possibly suggest improvements, which will be brought to URLC for discussion.

6. Mike Whaley gave an overview of the House Sale Plan and the rationale behind it. After the committee, which determines timeline for sale of specific locations meets, Peter Patton has offered to meet with the URLC to give an update.

Topics for next meeting:

Low Rise/Traverse Square railing

Extended Cable Service

SLC Meeting minutes November 4,

2005

Present: Dean Maria Cruz-Saco, Dean Rick, Dean Mike, Marina Melendez, Fran Koerting, Renee Verdier, Garth Mitchell, Nathan Ratner, Rafael Medrano

1) The draft of a job description for the Dean of Diversity and Academic Advancement (previously known as the Dean of Multicultural affairs) is ready. I will make it know to the WSA members as soon as Dean Maria presents it to president Bennett and senior Staff.

2) We also discussed and the composition of the search committee: It's going to be a total of 10-12 members. Dean Maria and I will begin inviting the representatives immediately after thanksgiving. 3 representatives from the Dean's office 3 student representatives (Rafael Medrano, a student who has worked closely with orientation and SARN, and a Student at Large suggested by the me (or the WSA), ideally 2 underclassmen)

1 member of AFCA 2 faculty members Affirmative action officer

3) Advisory Board: composition we are thinking about 15-18 people, who will meet 3 times a semester. The SAC is working on drafting a description for the Campus Diversity Advisory board, which will be presented to the SLC. If you want to work on the drafting of the board's mission come to the QRC (second floor of the WSA building) at 9 PM or if you have any suggestion email them to me.

We are also thinking about the possible members for the board. My position should be ex-officio?

-WSA president

-Class dean

-rep from student services

-student leadership

-Think of allies (not just members of underrepresented groups) and how to incorporate other people in this.

-Dean from academic affair

-Provost

We are trying to be inclusive so the message goes many places. Goal to have this board complete early next semester.

4) Dean mike Gave us a proposal regarding changes to our current guest policy. The SLC will be reviewing the proposal pretty soon. I don't know if it is confidential or not, but if you want to talk to me about it or see it, let me know.

Queer Task Force met but since it conflicted with the SLC meeting we were not able to attend the full meeting. We caught the very end. Dean Cruz Saco seems to much in favor or gender neutral housing. I will update you all on QTF stuff once I get the minutes.

Nathan Met with Mike Butterfield about the petition against OBHS. Tried to ascertain his concerns: Butterfield doesn't think a specific number of sessions, even if flexible, is good for mental health. Doesn't want a set number at all, wants to hire more people.

Have fun frolicking around…

INDEPENDENT PROJECTS COMMITTEE

ITS Advisory Cmte met and talked about: quality of wireless acess, network access in woodframes, library information commons, Blackboard, E-mail services, telephones (landlines will probably be eliminated by the end of this year), Ruckus and file-sharing, the possibility of putting the Ride Board on the Internet.

CRC Advisory Cmte will meet this week. We'll need to recruit a humanities major and an international student from outside the WSA to be on it.

That's it for now...

Wants an ad Hoc committee on orientation week/advising. Dean Rick wants to cut orientation week by one day, since new registration system is easier. Wants to get committee together to look at programming, etc… Anyone interested, see Monica.

COORDINATING COMMITTEE

• Website stuff: profiles are updated, URLC minutes are up, etc….Anything else (other than major rehaul?)

• Archiving system is getting together; hopefully should be up within the next couple of weeks. We would like to put together a file cabinet system for the long term, but are hoping to put binders together short term.

• Constitutional Review is on our horizons….

• All-Campus Emails and the WSA email account update: wants people to time them around Thursday/Friday

• Member of the week: Casey Wilson, for her work on the COCo yellow pages.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE

FRESHMAN COMMITTEE

Stack:

Jesse Watson asks Jason Harris about lighting tour. Jason says that the area near the observatory is controversial: darkness is good for star-gazing, bad for safety. Jason says that he fell there once, wants safety over astronomy.

Emily asks if they could turn the lights off sometimes. Jason replies that there was a system like that, didn't work.

Jesse Watson says that he was under the impression that the lights that are being installed doesn't have any effect on the observatory. Benedict suggests moving the observatory.

Emily Malkin asks about 202 or 230 Washington St. for Buddhist house. Raffi says that they were also looking

Gabe Tabak asks about removal of landlines for telephones. Zach Blau says that Westel has been operating at a loss for a while, wants to look at a Wesleyan cell phone plan, instead of Westel.

Anda Greeny says that a switch system for lighting not working is unacceptable. Tries to explain usage of bi/semi/ annual, monthly, etc…

Sean Corlett asks about dinning development. Gabe Tabak says the biggest issue is employees.

Ashley Martin asks about splash pages. Are they going to be changed? Jason says that Yellow pages are coming out this week. Splash pages must be updated. Threat of withholding funding.

Jesse Watson asks Raffi about storage on foss hill, wants alternative. Don't know what they're going to be, but will be alternative. Jesse also asks Matt about alternative sources for funding. Matt says that there are a lot of funds, such as diversity fund, Leilani Kupo has a couple of other funds, wants groups to have looked at these before coming to SBC.

Jason Harris asks about Dining. Gabe Tabak says the biggest issue right now is new University Center philosophy.

Benedict asks Gabe about EAC. Gabe says that there will be developments after the next Trustee's meeting.

New Business and Announcements

Xiaoxi Tu request committee chairs to email late committee reports and other documents to her directly.

Benedict Bernstein wants to commend the soccer team for winning NESCAC.

Emily Malkin asks about the elections for SBC. Will be happening soon.

Adjournment:

8:38pm

Respectfully submitted,

Xiaoxi Tu, WSA Secretary