Senate Briefs

Ritter Confirmed

ASPC President Phil Kopczynski '03 opened the meeting at 11:20 a.m. with the approval of the previous meeting's minutes. Kopczynski then told the senators that former Head UN Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter had agreed to speak at Pomona on April 4 for $9,000. The event is tentatively scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and will likely be held in Edmunds Ballroom. Final details for the event will be publicized following spring break.

Former ACLU President Nadine Strossen has yet to confirm that she will speak at Pomona; however, Kopczynski said he expects confirmation within the week. Strossen is tentatively scheduled for April 17 or 18.

5-C Senate moves towards longer library hours

Kopczynski then informed the senators that ASPC Vice President Julia Patzelt '03 had presented the ASPC's letter requesting a month-long trial period of lengthened hours at Honnold-Mudd Library during Sunday's Five-College Senate meeting. Although Claremont Graduate University (statistically the second largest user of Honnold during the last two hours) did not have a representative present, the other representatives supported the plan. Claremont McKenna's student senate has already approved a nearly identical statement to that proposed by the ASPC. Kopczynski hopes to bring the other student governments on board before presenting the letter to library and consortium administrators.

One of two events not in the red

CCLA Commissioner Sara Sherrod '03 was then asked to give an update on CCLA planned activities. Sherrod reported that although Smiley '80s was the last big event of the year, it went well. Without specific numbers available Sherrod assured senators that CCLA at least broke even on the event, and may even have made money. Sherrod reminded the senate that Smiley '80s and SYR are the only two events of the year which traditionally make money. Sherrod also reported that April 4 and 5 will be a weekend of live music and that the Spring Formal is scheduled for April 11. Sherrod and others then raised concerns about Campus Safety, particularly with regard to Smiley '80s and the previous weekend's Harwood Courtyard party for which Sherrod believed security was "over the top." Kopczynski acknowledged those concerns and agreed to discuss them at a later date.

Environmental Affairs Commissioner Josh Tulkin '03 then asked why some students were denied re-entry to Smiley '80s after already purchasing tickets. Sherrod explained that the event was filled to capacity and no more students could legally be allowed to enter. Some discussion followed about whether CCLA should limit ticket sales to the capacity of the venue; however, Associate Dean of Students Neil Gerard pointed out that many students often leave an event with no intention of returning.

Elections Supervisor Appointed

Kopczynski next opened the floor to nominations for a spring ASPC Elections Supervisor after first nominating fall supervisor Patty Van Kuran '03. Patzelt moved to appoint Van Kuran as supervisor and the motion carried. Kopczynski then commented that deadline dates for the spring elections should be available soon.

The Senator's New Clothes

Residence Halls and Food Commissioner Evan Sirc '03 then reported on his designs for ASPC Senate T-shirts. Sirc proposed numerous ideas including shirts reading: "Property of ASPC Senate," "ASPC Senate: Your student fees at work," "I was on ASPC Senate and sat front row at the Ben Harper concert and all I got was this lousy t-shirt" and "ASPC Senate: None of the notoriety, all of the scandal." Designs incorporating a prison theme and a "priceless" theme similar to the well known MasterCard commercials were also suggested. Kopczynski asked Sirc to select two designs for the senators to vote on at the next meeting.

Environmental Quality Report

Tulkin then presented a report from the Environmental Quality Committee outlining a variety of projects including: arranging to have speakers come to campus to discuss water privatization; the formation of a committee to investigate the feasibility of switching Pomona College to ten percent renewable energy usage by 2010; the possibility of holding a competition between dorms to see which dorm could reduce its energy usage the most; the preservation of the native plant garden outside Thille when the building is torn down to make way for the new biology building; and including information about opportunities to get involved in recycling and conservation efforts in next year's student handbook.

Other Business

South Campus Representative Sierra Ferguson '05 then asked how to bring the smoothie bar back for weekend brunches. Sirc agreed to look into this matter. Ferguson also reported that Ski and Beach Day was a successful event and that she was particularly "impressed by the catered dinner on the beach with table cloths."