In addition to the regular Tuesday meeting, an emergency meeting was held last Thursday night because the September 11 meeting was cancelled.

The meeting was called to order at 11:10 pm at Walker Lounge. All members were present. There were only two items on the agenda.

First, ASPC Vice President Michio Brunner ’02 brought a $1500 budget request for the approval by the full Senate, as the Budget Committee, which would usually deal with such requests, does not yet exist. The request was made by the Theater Department. It was for an Indian food buffet dinner, which would be served at a reception following the free performance of the Janavak Folk Dance Group from Darpana Academy in Ahmedabad the night of September 25.

Brunner pointed out that the Senate has $19,700 budgeted for these types of one-time requests, but after deducting an anticipated $2700 for "Ski and Beach Day," the figure becomes $17,000.

ASPC President Jake Oken-Berg asked Brunner if he had a budget recommendation for the Senate. Brunner replied that he did not.

After discussion surrounding the appropriateness of funding academic departments and the seemingly large amount of money being requested–Campus Events Commissioner Liz Fasse ’01 pointed out that even with 300 expected attendees, this was still $5 a head–Brunner made a recommendation of $500. Oken-Berg recommended $250. Communications Commisioner Dru Hilty ’01 made a motion to fund the request at $250, contingent on the money being entirely spent on food for the reception. Sports Commissioner Evan Sirc ’03 seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Oken-Berg then announced his recommendations for the Study Abroad Committee, which were Josh Daniel ’02 and Laura Staum ’02. He announced that the committee traditionally consists of a man and a woman, as well as someone who has studied in the "first world," and as someone who has studied in the "third world," although this is an informal rule. Because Daniel studied in Australia and Staum studied in Australia and Kenya, Oken-Berg’s recommendation observes tradition. There were five total applicants, consisting of one man–Daniel–and four women. Environmental Affairs Commissioner Andrew N. Cvitanovich ’02 moved to adopt Oken-Berg’s reccomendation. Sirc seconded the motion. The motion carried on voice vote, without objection.

The Senate is looking for a secretary, preferably an underclassman. This is a paid position. Also, the Senate is looking for a fall election coordinator. This position needs to be filled by the next meeting. Dean Quinley recommended Sam Glick ’04 for the position.

Natalie Klein ’04 was appointed to a position on the Curriculum Committee and was confirmed unanimously by the Senate.

Hilty said she has no idea how much money is in the speaker budget, but that she is trying to attract more women and minorites. Academic Affairs Commissioner Scott Laboda ’03 suggested Margaret Cho. Dean Quinley suggested Spike Lee. A preliminary list should be complete by the next meeting.

Oken-Berg asked if the Senate should specify procedures for certain or all committees on how committee members are chosen and confirmed. Laboda said that he felt the application process should be mentioned in the bylaws–especially as to who is eligible for what. Perhaps certain positions should specify that freshman are not preferred. Brunner disagreed completely, citing flexibility as a top priority in selection. Cvitanovich suggested that applicants read short statements to the Senate. Oken-Berg replied that privacy concerns are the reason that this has not occurred previously. Sirc said that Senate should have full access to all applications. Brunner suggested that contentious nominations should be postponed until a later meeting. Laboda and Senior Class President Christina Francisco reiterated that the recommendation and confirmation process should be in the bylaws as this would increase Senate accountability and transparency for the student body. Oken-Berg, Laboda, Brunner and Cvitanovich agreed to work on possible reworking of the bylaws.

Brunner motioned to amend CCLA’s bylaws to specify that one freshman member should be selected later on in the year to ensure a more qualified candidate. Francisco seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Fassee mentioned that two dollars from each SYR ticket will be donated to the American Red Cross.