Does this come with Big Girl Panties?

Cleaning out the Closet

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:20:00 +0000

So after about two months in this apartment, I am getting ready to move again. Moving is one of my least favorite things and my most favorite things, simultaneously. I hate it for the obvious reasons: having to pack everything I own into boxes, then haul those boxes to my car, creatively stuff my car, then haul the boxes to a new apartment, and unpack everything I own.

I love moving because it gives me a chance to embrace my organizing dorkiness as I sort through everything. Though I am still finalizing where I am moving, the Moving Craze began today. I have done five loads of laundry and gone through all of my clothes.

This brings me to the point of this post: I have definitely gained weight over the four years I attended college. My pants span four sizes and my tops cover the range of women's, junior's, and even kid's clothes!

At some point, I think it was during my third year of school, I became very self-conscious of this weight gain, so I started trying to dress in order to disguise it. This would explain the variety of tops I own that could pass as maternity clothes! You know the type: gathers just under your breasts and has a free-flowing tummy portion that is very easily hiding a baby bump up until you're six months along. I had about 8 of these shirts. I wore maybe two of them and put the other five on in the morning, only to take them off for making me look pregnant. Hmm, go figure!

My "maternity" tops went in the giveaway bag, along with 11 pairs of blue jeans of various sizes. The best part of gaining weight pretty quickly and not being able to find clothes is that everything you give away is only gently used (if used at all)! :) Now my closet is less crowded and I have a couple bags of clothes to donate. Good day all around!

Now back to sorting through my belongings, then folding laundry (ick!) and doing dishes. I will be packed in no time! Just need to figure out where I am moving...

:) Chynna

Vote for Smile Empty Soul!

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Thu, 20 May 2010 08:13:00 +0000

I love Smile Empty Soul and have been a huge fan of their's for years! Please vote for them and help them win artist of the year! Vote through this link because I am trying to win a trip to Vegas to meet them! lol :)

Welcome to the Rat Race...

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:27:00 +0000

So I officially graduated yesterday! You can see the pic below of me and my bestie! :)

It was pretty amazing! I am happy to be done with school and finally able to get on with my life!

As a graduation gift, my parents got me a Flip camera, so I will be posting plenty of videos in the coming weeks that document my new adventures.

But the most poignant moment yesterday came while my family and I were eating at Cracker Barrel. Toward the end of the meal, the waitress came up to me and said "Welcome to the Rat Race!" I let it roll off me at the time, but I have been thinking about it all day.

In the shower this morning it all finally sunk in. I am done with school. I have graduated college. I am an adult. I am on my own. I need money (lol). I drew many lines in the sand these past few months as I proclaimed, "I will not do that!" Today I suddenly felt prepared to let go of my silly boundaries (I will obviously keep the legit boundaries) and start living as an adult.

I am in charge of my own life and where I am heading, which is terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time.

I am now officially a part of the rat race, but as the waitress concluded her comment, "There are some bad parts, but there is mostly good. You'll be fine!"

:) Chynna

I'm going to learn how to cook!

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Mon, 10 May 2010 04:14:00 +0000

So, true confession: I can't cook...

I try to cook, but usually end up just reheating some frozen meal. My signature dish is meatball subs, but that really is reheating frozen meatballs and spaghetti sauce, then putting it all on a sub topped with mozzarella cheese. I try to make a couple casseroles, but they are never as good as my mom's.

Anyway, I am going to learn to cook. I bought Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution cookbook and am committed using it to teach myself how to cook.

I chose Jamie's book because I was impressed by his ABC television show about the Food Revolution and also by the book's description:

Cooking good food from scratch is a skill that can save you money, keep you healthy, and make you and your family and friends happy. What I've tried to do in this book is pick a whole load of meals that we all love to eat and break them down to make them as simple as possible. There are plenty of clear instructions and step-by-step pictures, so whether you're an accomplished cook or a complete beginner, you'll be able to enjoy cooking and achieve great results in the kitchen.
This book is inspired by all the people I've met who thought they could never and would never learn how to cook. I believe that good home cooking is one of the most essential, fundamental skills that every single person on this planet should have in order to look after themselves, their families, and their friends. This food revolution is all about people learning how to make a recipe, then teaching that recipe to their friends and family . . . if enough people do this, pretty soon everyone will be cooking. So cook something today, then PASS IT ON!

I went grocery shopping today to get the ball rolling and two hours later I returned home with *almost* all of my ingredients to make:
-Classic Tomato Spaghetti
-Broccoli and Pesto Tagliatelle
-Macaroni and Cauliflower Cheese Bake
-Crunchy Garlic Chicken

I still need to get a red chile and dried tagliatelle. Does anyone know where you get dried tagliatelle? I looked at Woodman's and couldn't find it.

I am very excited about this new adventure and appreciate of the brave souls (mostly my boyfriend) who will be testing my food. When possible, I will post pictures of the adventure. I will also post a review of each dish and maybe a review by anyone else who tried what I made.

Any recommendations for other recipes I should try?

:) Chynna

Let's Get this Show on the Road!

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Sun, 02 May 2010 20:52:00 +0000

So, after four long, grueling, crazy years, I am graduating May 16! Thursday, May 6 is my last day of classes and I am hoping to have ALL my papers and finals turned in at that point. I will then be D-O-N-E with college (probably forever). I can't wait!

I had a few days where I freaked out about the future and what comes next, but I realized that I just need to embrace the craziness that is ahead and enjoy the journey through it all. I still don't have an apartment lined up to move into after my lease is up June 30. I have a conference I am speaking at in June that I haven't registered for or bought plane tickets for (nor am I really sure what I am saying yet). And there's a thousand other things going on that need my attention, my money, or my time. I refuse to feel overwhelmed because I know that, one way or another, it's all going to come together.

I am ready to start living my "real" life! But before that can happen, I have seven papers totaling about 46 pages to write by Thursday.

I will post more when it's all done!

:) Chynna

Working Class Kid Goes to College!

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:43:00 +0000

Hey everyone!

So today I want to attempt to tackle the HUGE topic that has been lingering in front of me for months! What does it mean to be working class and a college student? To put a finer point on it, what does it means to be working class and a college student at an ELITE, FOUR-YEAR university? I will by no means fully unpack this topic in this post, but its time that I start writing about it. With 59 days until I graduate with a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I feel ready to start talking about the past four years. This post will be my general thoughts on what it means to be working class at a college like mine, particularly discussing some of the challenges we face.

I first want to repost a portion of a post that is from my personal blog/journal. It was written in January 2009.

Life at UW-Madison is like living with a permanent suspension of disbelief--I know it is not this way for everyone, but it is for me and others like me. While around campus with my best friend, she will often look at me and say, "Are we in the Twilight Zone right now?" We laugh and share in our inside joke, one only working-class, small town, first-generation college students like us understand.

College is when people like me straddle two worlds, then life after graduation is where we live in limbo--dwelling between two worlds, never at home in either. While in college, we must choose whether to lose ourselves, to sell-out, to become like the elite students around us; or we must fight to remain true to our roots, to not lose our cultural identity, to leave with the same soul as when we entered. If we choose the latter, we must learn how to survive in an inhospitable land that actively works to destroy us. We are slowly mastering this process:
Master smiling. A smile is ambiguous, no one really knows what is going on behind. Learn to smile through your tears, your anger, your fear, and your shame. Learn to smile in the face of ignorance and hatred.
Bite your tongue. When you are the only person in your class who is poor class, working class, from a small town, a first generation college student, etc., you will not win a verbal exchange because no one, including your professors and TAs, will understand what you are saying. For this reason, you must learn to bite your tongue. Bite it even if it hurts. Bite it even if it bleeds. You can speak your mind, but you must do it with your peers, which is partially why I founded the Working Class Student Union.
Learn to pass. Study the rich elites--their words, their mannerisms, their clothing, their humor (or lack thereof), and their interests. After studying these people, pick parts of their behavior to mimic when appropriate. Mimicking clothing is one of the best and easiest things to do. For this, be sure to shop at second hand stores, especially Goodwill. Working class/poor class stores (i.e. Wal-Mart) are catching up to current styles, but at much more affordable prices. Another factor on our side is the fact that the rich elites, particularly those who are politically active, think its cool to dress like they are "poor" and usually they do an awful, stereotypical, offensive job of this. Their bizarre style and ridiculous way of doing it, often makes us appear to be of a higher class than them because we dress in the cheaper versions of current style. Manner of speaking is also huge, but it warrants its own blog post (which is forthcoming).
Make Connections! This is the key to our survival--if no one knows who you are, they will not notice when the UW squeezes you out! Connect with (IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE) with your professors, TAs, classmates, student organizations, administrators, ASM leadership, and anyone and everyone else you can find! Good ways to this are to join student organizations, get appointed through ASM to Shared Governance seats on UW committees, and seek internal UW jobs. Additionally, join the Working Class Student Union because if you get squeezed out, I guarantee I will notice and I will ask why!
This list could be longer, but I will spare you all the nuances now and will post them at a later time. I will wrap this long post up now, but more posts will follow.

Fourteen months later, I still stand by these words. The best way to summarize my behavior these for years is that I survived my college experience. In some regards, I thrived (regarding skill development through my student orgs) and failed (regarding some of my academic course work). All in all, I survived. I completed my degrees in four years and will get the prestigious piece of paper and a chance to take a 30-second stroll across the stage. I know it was worth it, but I still am concerned about what the cost was of doing so.

I know my mental and emotional health has been impacted, due partially to the high levels of stress that come from balancing multiple jobs and classes; and partially to spending four years in an economic minority as a cultural outsider at an institution that rarely acknowledged I existed.

I know that my relationship with my family has changed as I become the first person in my family receive a four-year degree immediately out of high school. I speak differently and have to consciously "turn-on" my college voice or my Beloit voice. I have to work constantly to behave in the manner in which my college education has taught me--taking the role as "researcher" versus participant, always analyzing those around me, and working to change the behavior of the "uninformed."

I honestly fear this change. Despite my best efforts, I know that I have changed. But how much? How will this change impact my relationships with my family and community? How will this change impact how I raise my children? Has Chynna really changed or just the way she thinks sometimes? I know that I will slowly realize the answers to this question, especially when I leave the Ivory Tower and return to my hometown in May. I will be a straddler in limbo between my working class roots and middle class education. I just hope that I can renegotiate my identity and role in my family and community. Living in limbo is unsettling and I hope that find a way to do it on my own terms.

Like I said, this is the first of many posts on this subject. Please comment with your thoughts and experiences.

Thanks!
Chynna

Money, Money, Money!

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:16:00 +0000

Hey everyone!

Not sure why I love repetition in my post titles, but I do! Today I wanted to share a few links to some fabulous financial resources! I think almost everyone in the world (at least my world) is at least a little stressed about money. I am working on my own financial freedom, so these have been great sources of information for me!

Check out this resources and let me know what you think!

Dave Ramsey-- I love this guy's no nonsense approach to money! My parents are on his finance plan and are now debt-free except for their house. He can really help you better manage your money by getting on a spending plan and working on the debt snowball.
DailyWorth-- This is a great resource for women trying to manage their finances! You can actually get on their email list and receive a daily email with a few tips about managing your money. They provide very simple and doable suggestions.
Bundle-- I just discovered this site, but so far it seems pretty cool. You can actually use it to see how much other people spend on items (based on credit card expenditures). Plus, it has pretty funny (sorta) confessions of people's bad money habits.

Be sure to check this out and let me know what you think!

What am I doing today to work towards financial freedom? I packed my lunch and snacks from the day with food from my fridge versus buying food from the food court!

Thanks!
:) Chynna

Rain, Rain, Go Away, Come Again Another Day

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:31:00 +0000

Hey everyone!

Yep, once again I went a ridiculously long time without updating you (and by "you" I mean the maybe two people who read this! haha)! I had on my To Do List for months to write a blog post, but every time I sat down to write I was hit with writer's block. These past few weeks have been some of the most challenging weeks of my undergraduate career. Hell, who am I kidding? These past four years have been the most challenging of my undergraduate career! Isolating a few weeks is just silly! That being said, I have spent a lot of time trying to unpack what has been going on, how I feel, what the experience is really like, and what it all really means. I certainly do not have all the answers, but I am making progress.

I have a series of blog posts that will be coming over the next couple weeks that represent my small attempt at making sense of all of it. I have 66 days until graduation. These next 66 days will be my attempt to share the insight I am slowly gaining, as well as record the shenanigans as they actually go down. After that, I will keep writing about the world of limbo that faces working class students after they graduate, especially when they return to their working class communities, as this will be my experience. I will also write about the moments that took place during the 1,461 days I was a UW-Madison student--hopefully with more clarity and sense of purpose than I had while living them.

I feel like its going to be an 66 days until I graduate and an even more exciting several months that will follow. Please read. Please comment. And, if something I say speaks to you, please share it with your friends.

Thanks!
Chynna

229 days, baby!

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:18:00 +0000

Hey everyone!

So I promised a new blog full of my ramblings and I have delivered nothing! Wow--what a few weeks it has been though! Know the metaphor: "When it rains, it pours"? Literally my life these past few weeks--like LITERALLY!

I woke up last Tuesday to my ceiling leaking all on my arm. I think the Universe has a weird since of humor because it was approximately 7:37 Tuesday morning when my ceiling started dripping water on me, just in time to wake me up for my 8:50 AM discussion. Though I am still entirely confused and pissed that the ceiling of my fifth floor room in my sixth floor, two-year old building leaked on my arm, I do have to acknowledge the strange ways the Universe works.

Besides the leaking, I have been dealing with random family issues, an intense academic schedule, and working to find a balance between my 18 credits and 3 jobs. I am still working diligently towards the latter, but just give me a little time and I will get it together! :) Additionally, October is Working Class Celebration Month, which is a huge month for the Working Class Student Union [WCSU] (the org I founded two years ago) and this year is the first time we actually have funding to do fabulous programs for the campus! I am pumped, but also super stressed.

On a happier note, I did meet with my Gender & Women's Studies adviser and she informed that I will in fact be able to graduate in May with a GWS degree! HECK YEAH! Now I just have to verify with my Communication Arts adviser and American Indian Studies adviser. Hopefully those meetings go well.... Regardless, I have 229 days until graduation, baby! Who woulda thunk that I would graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison! Let alone do it on-time in four years! It sincerely amazes ME!

Oh and I also forgot to share another fabulous event--I went to my FIRST UW football game EVER! I had the privilege of going to the Madison v. Wofford last Saturday and it was AMAZING! Dean Berquam and Chancellor Martin invited a handful of students to share the event with them in the Chancellor's Box, which is on the ninth level. How cool to enjoy your first game from the ninth level, on the 50 yardl line? Pretty amazing! Here are a few pics:

This one is Chris and I in the box.Chancellor Martin took us down to the sideline in the middle of third quarter! This is what the student section looks like from the sideline!

The left pic is of Dean Berquam tweeting about the game from the sideline. The right pic is of Chancellor Martin talking to one of the assistant coaches (I think) from the sideline.

As you can see, it was an absolutely amazing day! I was so privileged to have the opportunity to attend the game PERIOD, let alone with such company and with so many perks (the buffetS were awesome!)! Thank you to everyone who was there!

With only 229 days left in my fourth and final year of college, I am determined to make every moment count! There are many things I have left to do and experience on this campus before I leave, so be looking for more updates!

Thank you all for reading and have an absolutely beautiful and amazing week!

Chynna :)

Blog Revamp! Welcome to a New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Hey everyone!

Welcome back to another lovely academic year! I am happy to report that this is my fourth and final year of college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison! YAY! With that being said, I am pumped that fall is just around the corner! Autumn in Wisconsin is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to spend time enjoying it!

So as you have probably gathered, I am taking this blog in a new direction. I originally launched my blog to share information about UW-Madison's student government and the work of the various organizations with which I was involved. I think my blog was helpful and showed many campus leaders the necessity of providing timely updates on their work (just look at how many ASM leaders have Twitters!), but I have decided that I no longer want to write solely on these issues. Of course, I may occassionally still post about campus issues or UW happenings, but it won't be the sole objective of the blog anymore.

So what am I going to write about now? Just about anything! Though most people will only find this new format moderately interesting, those of you who know me or appreciate healthy doses of sarcasm will find it pretty amusing.

After spending the past several months reflecting on my life and the world around me, I am struck by the amount of negativity that exists. As I have said time and time again, I am a certainly a realist who often sees the glass as half empty versus half full, but even I am exhausted by the negativity that we all have come to accept as normal. I think this new direction will allow this blog to include more positive thoughts. Just like life, my blog won't be all gumdrops and sunshine, but it will be real. So do expect humor, sarcasm, reality checks, and awkward moment recaps, just like my real life.

Happy reading!
Chynna

If I could Tweet during work....

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:04:00 +0000

Hey everyone!

This post is a deviation from our normal discussions, but it is summer, so what the heck. I am doing an internship this summer involving social networking and new media. It is a really great job and I love it, but it doesn't allow for me to tweet during the day. So today I just jotted a few notes when important or humorous events occurred as if I were really tweeting. A former boss of mine called this "Twitter 1.0."

Below are my insights from the day:
8:27 AM: It’s true that GenY is overdosing on technology, as demonstrated by me now using my desktop computer and my laptop simultaneously…

11:42 AM: 3 minute dance session in my cubicle with no music--a sign that I either need more work or someone to talk to.

11:56 AM: Just took a drink out of my huge water bottle and spilled water down my face, chest, and onto my pants…I am classy!

12:01 PM: Weight Watchers’ Smart Ones Fettucini Alfredo is in the microwave! Woo-hoo, its lunch time!

12:35 PM: Got complimented for my delicate handling of opening the garbage can (the kind with the foot pedal). Had to admit that it is because I tip over.

1:45 PM: My cube looks like my purse exploded in it, no wonder many coworkers avoid my space…Two computers, iPod, pictures, PAPERS, books, food

2:13 PM: Discovered Yammer.com and love it! I shared it with the other youngins here…Wonder how long until IT blocks it…

2:45 PM: Still think about my latest epic moment—used Yammer.com to tip fellow intern off to free food for the taking. :)

3:05 PM: Getting very sleepy…wishing I could take a nap for the next hour or so. I think its probably a bad idea, so I’ll get free food instead.

4:12 PM: Almost time to go home! Lots of errands to run this evening and a City Council meeting to get too…18 more minutes and counting…

With all that said, thank you for humoring me. Also, head over to my other blog to see me *hopefully* live-blog Beloit's City Council meeting tonight. You can find that at Only in Beloit (http://onlyinbeloit.blogspot.com/). Have a great night!

Thanks,
Chynna

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Agenda for 6/12/09 Student Council Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:37:00 +0000

I was asked to kindly post this agenda for tonight's ASM meeting. Though this agenda says 6:30, my understanding is that the meeting actually begins at 6:00 PM!

Associated Students of Madison

Student Council, 16^th Session

6:30 PM; 8 May, 2009

Hearing Room, Student Activity Center, 333 E. Campus Mall

Roll Call
Swearing in of New Representatives
Open Forum
Removal or Impeachment of Representatives, Filling of Vacancies in the Student Council and Swearing In of New Representatives
Adoption of the Agenda
Reading and Approval of the Minutes
Special Orders

Committee and Board Appointments

Diversity Committee

Adoption of Fall Semester Campaigns

Old Business
New Business

Approval of Nominations Board Recommendations
Student Savings Club

Reports of Special Committees

Safety Campaign
UHS/SAC Standing Board
Bus Pass Advisory Committee

Reports of Standing Committees and Boards

Academic Affairs Committee
Diversity Committee
Finance Committee
Foundation Hiring Committee
Legislative Affairs Committee
Nominations Board
Shared Governance Committee
StudentPrint Board
SAC Governing Board

General Reports

Chair
Vice-Chair
Student Judiciary
Student Services Finance Committee

Reports of Liaisons
Viewpoint Neutrality Appeals
Announcements
Roll Call

In solidarity,
Chynna

Support the Working Class Student Union!

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Mon, 11 May 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Dear friends and family,

In October 2007 I founded an organization committed to providing support and advocacy for working class students and first generation college students, as well as raising awareness about the issues impacting these students. This organization is known as the Working Class Student Union (WCSU) and is the first of its kind on the nation. For more information about this organization, you can visit our website at http://uwwcsu.org/.

We are currently selling cookbooks called "This is what home tastes like!" as a fundraiser. The cookbooks contain 75 delicious recipes and cost $11. About half of the proceeds cover the cost of printing, while the other half will be put towards the cost of food at our cultural events. I think we can all agree on the importance of food in one's life and how central it is to our culture, which is why we strive to supply working-class food (casseroles, brownies, chili, etc.) at our events. Currently, our funding source does not pay for this food, so we must run fundraisers or give personal donations to cover this cost.

Please help the Working Class Student Union by purchasing one of our cookbooks! It is simple: Just e-mail wcsu.president@gmail.com with the number of cookbooks you want, how you will be paying (cash or check), and when you are able to pick it up or have me drop it off.

Regarding pick-up/delivery: I will be returning to Beloit on Monday, May 18, so I can deliver cookbooks after that point. Madison pick-ups/drop-offs, just let me know your schedule and we can set something up. We can also ship cookbooks via USPS for $4.00.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Thanks,
Chynna

ASM 16th Session Leadership Endorsements

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Tue, 05 May 2009 05:44:00 +0000

Below are my endorsements for ASM's 16th Session Leadership.

Chair: Undecided due to concerns regarding both candidates. (I may make a final decision by this evening)
Vice Chair: Tom Templeton
Nominations Board Chair: Theo Sharpe
SSFC Chair: Tyler Junger (if he does not win the Chair position)

For more information about my endorsements, please read the end of this article.

Job Openings, Cookbooks, Regents Meeting, Alcohol Committee Opening

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 06:49:00 +0000

Dear friends, allies, and constituents,

I have a handful of updates and announcements to share with you.

First off, the Working Class Student Union (WCSU) has extended its hiring deadline to Monday, April 27 at 5 PM. WCSU is hiring for a Communication Secretary and Finance Secretary. These positions begin on July 1, 2009 and pay $9.19/hour. Applications and job descriptions are available at http://uwwcsu.org/page_attachments/0000/0005/WCSUapplication.pdf.

Secondly, WCSU is selling cookbooks for $11. The cookbooks are called "This is what home tastes like!" and contain 75 delicious recipes. To purchase a cookbook, please e-mail wcsu.president@gmail.com. We are also able to ship cookbooks to you for an additional cost of $3-$5.

Our third announcement is that there will be a bus going to the May 7 Board of Regents (BoR) meeting at UW-Milwaukee. At this meeting, the BoR will vote on the Madison Initiative. The bus will be departing at 10 AM and leaving Milwaukee at approximately 3 PM. If you are interested in attending, please e-mail me at chaas2@wisc.edu by Wednesday, April 29 so I can pass that on to those who are planning the trip.

The fourth announcement is that the Associated Students of Madison, your student government, is looking for one student to serve as a non-voting member of the Alcohol License Review Committee, a committee of the City of Madison. This committee is charged with reviewing license applications, establishing and maintaining standards, addressing violations, developing city alcohol-related policies, and making recommendations to the city Common Council. More information on the committee can be found at http://www.cityofmadison.com/mayor/myCommit/roster/100300.cfm. To apply for this position, please send a letter of interest, detailing your motivations for applying for the position, as well as any relevant experience, to Brittany Wiegand at asmchair@gmail.com. The appointment will last until May 1, 2010, at which time it may be renewable. Any applicants must be enrolled at UW-Madison through May 2010. Please indicate your age in your application, as well as your availability for Wednesday evenings. Applications for this position MUST be received by Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 5:00 pm.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me.

Thanks,
Chynna

Final Poll Results: Should ASM endorse the Madison Initiative?

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:11:00 +0000

Should ASM endorse the Madison Initiative?

Yes	30 (68%)
No	13 (29%)
I don't care	1 (2%)

Votes so far: 44
Poll closed

Thank you to everyone who voted and left comments!

LIVE BLOGGING! 4/22/09 Student Council Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:32:00 +0000

Associated Students of Madison

Student Council, 15^th session

22 April 2009

Hearing Room, Student Activity Center

6:30 p.m.

Roll Call @ 6:32 PM (I am here!)
Announcements

State of the ASM address: Monday, April 27^th
Board of Regents meeting May 7 & 8, 2009

Swearing in of New Representatives
Open Forum

Psych. Major here--She wants us to not endorse the Undergraduate Initiative--she believes that families making over $80,000 but are impacted by the recession. Valid points about parents' jobs, two kids in school.

Sol G: Echoes previous speaker, saying we rushed in.

Removal or Impeachment of Representatives, Filling of Vacancies in the Student Council and Swearing In of New Representatives
Adoption of the Agenda APPROVED
Reading and Approval of the Minutes APPROVED
Special Orders
Old Business

SACGB Bylaws (passed once 8 April 2009) APPROVED by acclamation
SSFC Bylaws (passed once 8 April 2009)

Gosselin moves to remove all new amendments to Student Judiciary section, believes SC's deliberative sessions being recorded politicizes the body. APPROVED (I abstained)

Main motion to approve SSFC Amended by-laws APPROVED (I voted in favor)

External Affairs Bylaws (passed once 8 April 2009) APPROVED (I voted in favor)

New Business

Dissolution of the Constitutional Committee Brought to the floor by Rep. Wright. If next session wants to restructure, they can set their own course versus having committee. Committee members will be taking down the blog and codify the information there, then forward materials to archives. APPROVED (I voted in favor)
Shared Governance 2009-2010 Appointments APPROVED (I voted in favor)
Resolution 15-0422-01, “ASM Endorsement of the Madison Initiative”

TIME FOR THE SHOW!

Now going over the results from a student survey. Lots of numbers and questions.

Q7. In general, how supportive are you of the Madison Initiative?

Count	Percent
94	4.50%	Very supportive
305	14.61%	Moderately supportive
828	39.67%	Neither supportive nor opposed
473	22.66%	Moderately opposed
387	18.54%	Strongly opposed
2087	Respondents

We just viewed the language of the draft proposal to the Chancellor.

Rep. Tackett is encouraging each member to share how they reached out to students. He suggests that if we don't know what our constituents want, we delay the vote and have a special meeting. (note, we were suppose to spend the past two weeks talking to constituents) He has spoken to his reps--2-3 e-mails to Med. School folks. Dean of his school has talked about it to students. Feedback from students is extremely positive because it improves overall institution.

Bemis (Engineering): POLYGON (sp? Engineering Student Council) voted in support of the Initiative!!!! Support because of the financial aid, against it because they are already paying a differential tuition for just engineering. He believes that as folks get more info, the number of those in support will grow.

Chair Olikara: participated in and organized a few discussion groups. Generally been support for Initiative, but concerns about how it will impact out of state and international students.

Templeton: Outreach to Fraternity and Center for First-Year Experience. Both groups supported it in theory, but wanted to see the advisory committee to be there and review the Initiative a year or two down the road.

Chair Sheka: Looking at survey results online. If you look at them date specific, going from start to end, the support grows. Still not overwhelming, but support goes. For this reason he is nervous using survey data that is two weeks old. Has been speaking to a lot of folks. People who are informed about the Initiative are in support of it, those who are not informed are against it.

Coordinator Grosskopf: He can't vote on it. We have to be careful in how we are going to get the benefits of the Initiative--we are having some students who are paying out of their own pocket for it. Wonders about the role of alumni giving.

Rep. Wright: Taking a lot of time to build infrastructure to get funds from alum. The alumni giving part is not enough in the short-term to sustain this.

Kaiser: Held a townhall for transfer students living in University Housing. Large group of folks in his class wrote policy briefs against the Initiative--can't see measurable outcomes, hiring more profs is means to an end not measurable end. Wants us to force people to go back to the drawing board.

Rep. Tobelmann: Sent e-mail to grad students in his program. Questioned if grad students will have to pay increase, no. Overall were supportive. Heard lots of stories about losing lots of faculty in the past 5-6 years. Concludes that the Grad School is in support of it--Dean of Grad school sent letter in support of it. Had conversation with interim provost about if we could fundraise the money from the alum. She said the easiest thing for the university to raise funds for is scholarships, but the current form says you have to give large sum of money to give funds for scholarships. With the Initiatiave she said that it is easier for smaller donors to donate, so more fundraising.

Chair Fergus: (no voting rights) Reiterate that we all must speak on this before we go to a vote about how we outreached and how our constituents feel. He has been outreaching. Agrees with Sheka that the more folks know, the more they are in support of it. Those only looking at tuition increase are against it. Won't make things perfect, but will improve things.

Sommer: Freshmen living in Statesider. Talked to many out of state students and many seemed unconcerned about increase, even though they are paying the bulk of it. State schools are losing a lot of funding (NY Times) and cutting back. Negative press, so they would be willing to pay for quality.

Bemis (again): Personal opinion--Is there a need for this money? Yes. Is the magnitude justified? New info about who needs faculty makes sense. Allocation areas? High demand courses is the way to go. Way its been carried out? Way money is being allocated and oversight--not fully answered and appreciates Chancellor wanting to involve students, but no guarantee. Still has a few concerns: 1) only given to us six weeks ago, despite being in works since december, doesn't seem to line up with BOR requirements. Didn't go to student body before chancellor signs off on it. 2) College of Engineering differential tuition "paying double" on increased faculty. Concerned about redundancy if faculty not hired for L&S courses.

Vice Chair Karns: International Studies in support. Spoke to several Greeks. First thought that it unfairly targeted out-of-state students. Then asked by they came to Madison. 1) Came for excellent education and 2) get an experience that they couldn't get anywhere else. Initial reaction very negative, but after speaking to them about the Initiative and the holistic approach, then supported it.

Sec. Minor: Disappointed not more student involvement in crafting process. Spoke to constituents (school of education) in classes and attended their forum. Mixed results at first, lots of opposition at first. As time went on, opposition went on. be more explicit for shared gov. committee.

MORE DATA I WANT TO SHARE FROM SURVEY: (re: Tina in comments)

Count	Percent
202	8.84%	Very familiar
653	28.57%	Moderately familiar
733	32.06%	Slightly familiar
698	30.53%	Not at all familiar
2286	Respondents

Rep. Newman: Outreach in dorms to freshmen. They will be paying the most out of current students (here the longest). They are watching people graduate without job offers, so increasing the value of their degree matters to them. 90% of students plan on attending summer school or attending additional semesters here to fill requirements because they can't get in core classes and advising is not cohesive.

Olikara: Responding to the woman in Open Forum about making over $80,000. Chancellor defers to Finanicial Aid. Wants council to consider it.

Templeton: Only 19% of our budget comes from the state, even though we are a state university. In addition to that, ties into faculty retention and recruiting faculty. 33% of our faculty is retiring in the next 10 years.

Sheka: Brought this up at Shared Governance meeting. People said that 1) looking @ fundamental disagreement versus nit-picking (overall bad idea or people don't like something small?), 2) UW needs reform or will lose prestige, 3) we have programs (acadmic advising) that are broken or don't work, we need to address that. Regarding students not being consulted until six weeks ago--unfair, Chancellor was holding forums at the end of last semester asking students about what needs to change at UW. It goes beyond the money, it is a vehicle for reform. Understand that Financial Aid sucks and parents are making over $80,000. Personally in this boat, but he doesn't want his degree to not be worth as much at graduation as what he paid for it.

Rep. Tobelmann: There will be a certain pool of money being raised that will go to financial aid. Part going to offset increase for those making under $80,000, the rest is going to make up the $20 million deficit in financial aid.

Rep. Gosselin: Misconception about who is going to effected positively. People think if you make $81,000 you will be hurt by this, see what Tobelmann said. In theory realm: Policy maker makes decision to impact the most people postively as possible. This will maintain quality of our education and provide financial aid for those who need it.

Ewers: Her constituents (grad students) also wanted to know if they would be paying for it. Then conversation shifted to how grad students could benefit from it--could result in more grad student funding opportunities. Form that perspective she supports it, but she doesn't feel she has the right to support it because she is not an undergrad here.

Chair Tiernan: Last time spoke as chair of Academic Affairs, but now he will talk about interaction with constituents. Most interaction in class or in social situations. Most students didn't read beyond the tuition increase, so his role has been a lot of educating.

Rep. Haas: I have outreached through poll on my blog, facebook event, and commments on my blog. Read quote from Luke:

Increasingly, students who belong at UW are unable to afford the rising cost; world-class faculty are lured away to other institutions that can afford to pay them and provide them with better benefits; and the staff who often put in alot of work but go under appreciated are forced to take on more and more responsibility with fewer and fewer people as positions are cut and/or not replaced. This initiative represents a way to stop this disturbing trend and once again set UW on an upward bending course. As a Badger Herald Collumnist astutely pointed out, "Perfect should not be the enemy of good." In a perfect world, we don't need this initiative, but in the world we live in, this is a good and strong proposal. It is for these reasons, among others, that I personally support the Madison Initiative for Undergraduates.

Next, I'll address as a representative of CALS Students. I have spent some time talking to students in CALS and am currently trying to visit as many student groups as possible to get feedback. Generally, CALS students have been supportive of the Initiative. There have been some good and vibrant questions, but most have been about the nuts and bolts of the proposal and not philosophical opposition. From the students I have talked to thus far, I believe CALS students support this proposal. However, there was a very intersting point that was raised that I need to express. One student (who supported the proposal) asked if there was an underlying, systemic issue, particularly in L&S that was causing all of these faculty to be lost that isn't as common across campus. His concern was that this Intiative could act as a blanket to cover up a deeper issue. I don't know if Chancellor Martin will be at the ASM meeting tonight, but if you would express the desire to not only move forward with this Intiative to but evaluate closely what got us to the point of needing it so that we can take steps to avoid the same mistakes again I would appreciate it.

Additionally addressed student who spoke at begininng--financial aid will look at this case by case. The Initiative will raise money through fundraising to fill the $20 million of unmet need. I will post more later.

Coordinator Grosskopf: We have a skewed representation of campus. When a survey comes out with nearly 40% opposed of the program.

Rep. Wright: Echoed Coordinator Grosskopf. Spoke to students in classes and various orgs. We need to make sure that there is active student partiicpation on the student oversight board. Worries about the survey going out over the next couple days--we could do something counter to what students think. There could be a learning curve to the Initiative. This would make the university more accessible to a great number of people.

Rep. Ewers: Referring to e-mails of support from Chair Wiegand that were letters of support from students and faculty.

Rep. Tackett: Compares this vote to the vote on the Union project while he was an undergrad senior. This will increase diversity in the broad sense--diversity of ideas. It will take a long time to get the funding from alumni to be able to assist with instruction, we need to the tuition support for that.

CALL TO QUESTION: (i voted against it because someone opposed it, so someone wants to speak)

Rep. Stark arrived! Hi Jamie!

Chair Fergus: Objected calling to question because some people haven't spoken, so they should go on record and be accountable to their constituents.

Rep. Stark: Strongly in support of the Madison Initiative. Talked to a of the freshmen constituents and they are very much in favor of this. We understand that we need more professors and to protect the value of our degree.

Rep. Wallach: In support of the Initiative. We need to add sections, programs, and increase diversity.

Chair Vollrath: Spoken to alot of people on campus, include Schools of Engineering and Business who are paying their own differential for those schools. She is in school of Business and is paying differential. They understand that their tuition is going up, but they see the benefit of having increased faculty and courses. She is in economics and sees the need for improved quality and number of faculty there. Most students will understand, once it is explained to them, the benefit of this.

Chair Wiegand: Can't force anyone to talk. If people aren't comfortable, they don't have to.

Rep. Smith: Communicated to students in Engineering and they are hesitant. The way we are talking makes it seem like everyone we are talking to is in support of this. Even after talking to them, they still don't like the increase. Brings up survey data again.

Rep. Yang: Minimal outreach done, but invited UW friends to join Madison Initiative facebook group and fan the Chancellor (as she requested at forum). Spoke to members in RSOs he is a part of. They are supportive and he will be voting in favor of it.

Rep. Tackett: Move to add. "Be it further resolved that I have run out of speaking rights."---Non-sense motion to gain speaking rights. We are now debating the ridiculous motion... Basically we should agree to this so people who have almost exhausted their speaking rights can now speak. People tried to object to the second...not parliamentary procedure correct... Now he is speaking to the motion--------> Concerned that if we vote in favor of the Initiative, but then have students vote against it tomorrow, we are just like the last session of ASM and we have made no progress.

CALLED TO QUESTION: Voted against it because it was non-sense.

Chair Wiegand stepped down, Vice Chair Karns now chairing meeting.

Chair Wiegand: First survey sent out to 19,000 people, only 2,200 people responded. She sent reminders and results would spike. The original plan for the second survey was to put it out at the end of last week, but Chancellor Martin moved her final proposal out to after our meeting instead of the end of last week. She then moved the survey release until tomorrow. If having ASM on there is an issue, she will put her own name on it. There is no way that Chancellor Martin will put her own survey out, it is not in her best interest. She is trusting us as elected representatives of the students to vote on it. People are generally supportive, but they are not passionate about it. A lot of people are like, no we don't an increase in tuition, so survey would not necessarily be accurate. Last point--at last Council meeting people were almost ready to vote to support it and since then considerable amount of outreach has been done. If students vote against in a survey, would we all really change our minds? At last meeting we all thought it was a great policy.

Olikara: Why put Chair Wiegand's name on it?

Wiegand: To address Rep. Tackett's concern that having ASM's name on it would make us look bad if students voted against it. She would be willing to put her name on it.

Rep. Gosselin: What we are discussing tonight is if we as elected reps support the initiative or not. Based on what people have indicated with constituent contacts and we as an informed representative body it seems clear that our opinion is there. People can abstain if they really need the survey results. He will vote yes. CALL TO QUESTION, SECONDED BY WALLACH

VOTE ON THE INITIATIVE (roll call vote see below)
Bemis: yes
Ewers: abstain
Fung yes
Gosselin: yes
Haas: yes
Kaiser: no
Marnell:abstain
Minor: yes
Newman : yes
Sheka: yes
Smith: yes
Sommer: yes
Stark; yes
Tackett: yes
Templeton: yes
Tiernan: yes
Tobelman: yes
Wallach: yes
Wiegand: yes
Wright: yes (sorry for missing you Jeff!)
Yang: yes

XI. Reports of Special Committees and Campaigns

Bus Pass Advisory Board Seeking student input on how safe cab and bus programs have been run
Constitutional Committee No longer exists.

Reports of Standing Committees and Boards

Academic Affairs Committee Students can drop books off before they leave for the summer. Working with students in the Spanish Department to look at enrollment with program majors and those with retro credits. Just had Domestic Partner Benefits Town Hall meeting--highly attended by faculty and staff, with some students. Discussed issue and how to move forward.
Diversity Committee Had event with MCSC on Monday as part of Hip Hop Conference. Great event. Able to transition issue from one rooted in social justice movements to one concerned about education. Diversity is pat of 21st century world-class education. Involved in the MSC mission review process with ODOS, successful process. First focus group the other day, continue to help through next semester. Involved with SOAR and First Year Experience becuase they wanted feedback from Diversity Committee. L&S Diversity & Equity Committee had Steven work as a consultant about their fall retreats for student input. Now meeting with administrators to advance vision of diversity into future years.
Finance Committee They are done with all grant hearings for the year. Now they will be reviewing policy and procedures at the next meeting. Then Rep. Fung gave a kind of strange speech.
Legislative Affairs Committee No chair, so no update.
Nominations Board Chair Collins is absent. Tiernan steps in. Search and Screen for two ASM advisor positions. Candidates coming in for interviews tomorrow.
Shared Governance Committee Finished appointments and gave a shout out to his awesome, committed committee!
External Affairs Committee Last United Council event will send 22 Madison students to Building Unity! (YAY!)
Student Activity Center Governing Board All 63 office spaces are now full. We will start allocations again. Updated SACGB website, so minutes are online. Survey is going out to the tenants. Then general survey gauging interest for cafe space.

General Reports

Chair Press Conference on Monday will be where to hear general overview. May or may not be called the State of ASM Address...

B. Vice-Chair Disc[us]sion 2009 had positive feedback from students who went. Working on Move Out Night Initiative. Campus Area Housing has agreed to help supply food and staff for the event. Campus Safety and UWPD will work to provide safety. SAC is working with it. Other folks interested.

Student Judiciary Talked about sacred deliberations... Thanked for patience last week during the election. No election complaints filed and deadline has expired. Results are finalized.
Student Services Finance CommitteeWants SSFC and Student Council to maintain close relationship. Thinks new office will facilitate that. Wants those returning to 16th session to consider joining SSFC. You will get at $40 a week stipend to be on SSFC.

Reports of Liaisons

Viewpoint Neutrality Appeals
Roll Calls MOTION TO ADJOURN, WE DID IT, WE CLAPPED!

Share your thoughts on the Madison Undergraduate Initiative!

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:22:00 +0000

Dear friends, allies, and constituents,

So I just posted the language of the proposed resolution for ASM to endorse the Madison Undergraduate Initiative after it was requested. I decided that it warrants its own post, however. So below is the language of a resolution that will be debated and voted on at this Wednesday's meeting. Please read the language, vote in the poll on the upper right-hand side of this page, and share your thoughts in the comment section. I want to share your thoughts and feedback at Council.

Thanks!
Chynna

LANGUAGE OF THE RESOLUTION TO ENDORSE THE MADISON INITIATIVE

Associated Students of Madison

Student Council, 15th Session

15-0422-01

Title: ASM endorsement of the Madison Initiative

Sponsored by: ASM Chair Wiegand

Whereas, the ASM has gained feedback from thousands of students on campus in the form of online surveys, meetings with constituents, and meetings with student organizations,

Whereas, ASM leadership has met regularly with the Chancellor to discuss the Initiative,

Whereas, ASM believes the Madison Initiative is essential to ensure the accessibility and prestige of a Madison education,

Whereas, ASM strongly encourages the Chancellor to continue to pressure legislators, alumni, and other donors to make alternative funding sources more robust;

Therefore, the Associated Students of Madison acting in Student Council do enact as follows:

Be it resolved, that the ASM officially endorses the Madison Initiative;

Date: 22 April 2009

Domestic Partner Benefits Town Hall Meeting TODAY @ 4 PM

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:37:00 +0000

Hey everyone,

This is a reminder that there will be a Domestic Partner Health Insurance Town Hall Meeting today at 4pm in the Red Gym. The facebook event is listed below with more details so please add the event!

Co-hosts: Office of the Provost/Vice Provost for Faculty & Staff, ASM, the Domestic Partner Health Insurance Task Force, and the WI Coalition for DP Benefits.

Come hear people speak on this issue and have a chance to ask questions and voice your opinions.

Don't miss out on a great event.

Check out the event on Facebook

Food will be provided!

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

Brought to you by the Associated Students of Madison.

Work for the Working Class Student Union!

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:54:00 +0000

WCSU is Hiring for Finance & Communication

The Working Class Student Union is hiring for two paid officers. These positions will begin on July 1, 2009 and will each will be paid $9.19/hour. The application is available here . Please e-mail it back or drop it off to our mailbox or office by Wednesday, April 22 at 5 PM. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

For more information visit:
http://jobcenter.wisc.edu/jobdetail.asp?JobID=44600 (Communication Secretary)
http://jobcenter.wisc.edu/jobdetail.asp?JobID=44598 (Finance Secretary)

Communication Secretary:

Job Description

* Coordinates with the Working Class Student Union Assembly Officers about publicity.

* Coordinates history of past work for institutional memory.

* Maintains the WCSUA publicity materials, including the website, news publications and campus outreach.

* Writes and contacts all media outlets when needed during campaigns.

* Shall work with the WCSUA Officers to assemble the agendas, minutes and other items as needed by the WCSUA.

* Will receive agenda item requests and meet with the Chair to distinguish what will go on the agenda.

* As appropriate, serves as the primary contact person for WCSU to the media, for campus events/committees, and as otherwise requested.

* Required to hold weekly office hours at the WCSU office or other agreed upon and posted location.

* Attends weekly officer meeting(s) to ensure communication and collaboration.

* Prepares all necessary press releases for WCSU campaigns.

* Chairs the Communication Taskforce.

* Attends all Committee meetings as necessary, particularly those of the Activism Committee.

* Coordinates all media contacts, campaigns, and releases.

Finance Secretary:

Job Description

* Prepares and presents SSFC Budget Requests, End of Year Reports, and Eligibility Applications to SSFC, with input from all staff.

* Educates staff about financial procedures (so that everyone understands how our budget operates, how we pay for expenses, etc.).

* Works with coordinators to stay within budget while efficiently and effectively using funds while expending all funds responsibly.

* Works with the SSFC Financial Specialist to pay all bills in a timely and efficient manner, through use of blanket orders and specific requisitions.

* Oversees and reviews all WCSU operational policies, documents, and outreach efforts to ensure compliance with SSFC, UW-Madison, Wisconsin, and Federal laws.

* Prepares all eligibility and budget applications, documents, and spreadsheets as required from the funding source.

* Works to solicit in-kind donations from community organizations and unions.

* Is a trained and authorized signer for financial matters.

* Required to hold weekly office hours at the WCSU office or other agreed upon and posted location.

* Attends weekly officer meeting(s) to ensure communication and collaboration.

* Represents WCSU at all required funding meetings and hearings.

* Works with WCSU officers, advisors, committee chairs, and members to prepare the budget and distribute funds appropriately.

* Maintains in house accounting system.

* Gathers statistics necessary for fiscal accountability: calls for referrals, advocacy meetings, attendance numbers of all WCSU events, number of volunteers, etc.

* Manages the payroll system and the bank account at the UW Credit Union.

* Collects, processes, and submits coordinators’ timesheets on a biweekly basis.

* Orders and purchases office supplies as necessary.

Agenda for 4/22 ASM Student Council Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:37:00 +0000

Dear friends, allies, and constituents,

This Wednesday will be the LAST Student Council meeting of the Associated Students of Madison's 15th Session. Below is the agenda for the meeting. Please comment if you have any questions, concerns, ideas, or opinions that would like me to know prior to the meeting. Additionally, I will more than likely be live-blogging at this meeting like I did at the 4/8 meeting.

Associated Students of Madison

Student Council, 15^th session

22 April 2009

Hearing Room, Student Activity Center

6:30 p.m.

Roll Call
Announcements
State of the ASM address: Monday, April 27^th
Board of Regents meeting May 7 & 8, 2009
Swearing in of New Representatives
Open Forum

Any member of the ASM shall have the right to speak at the Open Forum, subject to the time limits specified here. Members of the Asm who are not officers of the ASM shall take precedence over officers and appointees. Non-members of the ASM may be granted the opportunity to speak by a majority vote of the Student Council. Each speaker may speak once for up to three minutes. The Open Forum is limited to 45 minutes, unless the Student Council shall by two-thirds vote to extend it.

Removal or Impeachment of Representatives, Filling of Vacancies in the Student Council and Swearing In of New Representatives
Adoption of the Agenda
Reading and Approval of the Minutes
Special Orders
Old Business
SACGB Bylaws (passed once 8 April 2009)
SSFC Bylaws (passed once 8 April 2009)
External Affairs Bylaws (passed once 8 April 2009)
New Business
Dissolution of the Constitutional Committee (forthcoming)
Resolution 15-0422-01, “ASM Endorsement of the Madison Initiative”

XI. Reports of Special Committees and Campaigns

Bus Pass Advisory Board
Constitutional Committee

Reports of Standing Committees and Boards

Academic Affairs Committee
Diversity Committee
Finance Committee
Legislative Affairs Committee
Nominations Board
Shared Governance Committee
External Affairs Committee
Student Activity Center Governing Board

General Reports

Chair

B. Vice-Chair

Student Judiciary
Student Services Finance Committee

Reports of Liaisons

Viewpoint Neutrality Appeals
Roll Calls

Thanks,
Chynna

~~UPDATE~~
LANGUAGE OF THE RESOLUTION TO ENDORSE THE MADISON INITIATIVE
(Thanks Luke L. for the request!)

Associated Students of Madison

Student Council, 15^th Session

15-0422-01

Title: ASM endorsement of the Madison Initiative

Cap Times Article about WCSU

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:34:00 +0000

Dear friends, allies, and constituents,

Todd Finkelmeyer, Higher Education Editor for The Cap Times, wrote an article for yesterday's print edition that focused on the Working Class Student Union. His article did a wonderful job of highlighting key aspects of this organization that I founded in October 2007, as well as using my personal story to highlight the struggles that working-class students and first-generation college students are facing.

"I'm kind of in this bubble where I don't qualify for a lot of money, but I don't have a lot of money -- so I'm basically on my own," said Haas.

To pay for school, Haas works 35 hours per week during the school year and about 60 a week over the summer. Even so, she figures she'll be about $23,000 in debt when she graduates next May.

It is these financial struggles -- as well as an awareness of what money can buy in terms of access to power and opportunities -- that prompted her in the fall of 2007 to found a student organization that gives a voice to working-class students at UW-Madison.

"I think it's important to ask why a working-class person should basically have to go bankrupt just to try and put themselves through college," said Frank Emspak, a professor emeritus with UW-Extension's School for Workers. "A working-class person in 1961, like myself, could put themselves through school without much trouble. So why should that have to be so different today? I think anytime someone can raise these topics -- because they go to issues of equity and fairness in society -- it's a plus."

The Working Class Student Union might well be the first of its kind in the nation. And while the organization is now run by a core of about 10 members, Haas hopes it can become more of a force on campus during the 2009-10 school year, when it will receive $63,000 in student fees from UW-Madison's student government for its operating budget.

Haas has no single definition for the term "working-class," but notes the tag often relates to what kind of work a person does, how much one earns and where a person is from.

I encourage you all to read the full article, as well as learn more about the Working Class Student Union.

Thanks,
Chynna

ASM Disc[US]sion 2009 TONIGHT @ 6 PM

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:50:00 +0000

Please attend this event tonight! This is your opportunity to share your ideas and feedback with ASM! See the following blurb from Vice Chair Hannah Karns:

The Associated Students of Madison is having a campus-wide forum entitled "Disc(us)sion 2009." Reform has been a hot button issue throughout the year, and ASM would like to solicit student opinion regarding potential changes for the student government. The forum will be held Wednesday, April 15 6:00-8:00 pm in the Student Activity Center. The objective of this town hall meeting is not to press any agenda: we are viewing this as an opportunity to gather student opinions.
There are three components of the forum. First, we will ask students what they perceive ASM does on campus. Next, we will split into small groups, utilizing the same format as the budget forums the chancellor organized in the fall. Questions will include those that touch on the issues students face on campus, what ASM can do to improve outreach to students, etc.
Again, we are inviting the campus to help us, ASM, serve the student population better by shedding light on issues, outreach ideas, etc. The feedback will be recorded, categorized, and presented to the new 16th Session. It is crucial that students attend so that their voices can be heard, issues can be identified, and we can strengthen our student government together.

I promise that this event will be an open line of communication between you (ASM members!) and your student government! The information gathered and ideas generated will be broken down into categories, then passed onto the next session of ASM to incorporate into their strategic plan for the year. Let's get as many students at this event as possible and tell ASM what it is that we want!

See you there!

Chynna

Three Awesome Events this Week! (Sponsored by the Campus Women's Center)

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:31:00 +0000

Healthy Relationships Panel (TONIGHT!)

April 14th, 6:00pm-7:30pm, 1111 Humanities

Find out what it looks and feels like to be in a healthy relationship with friends, roommates and significant others! Learn more about where you can receive help from on campus resources such as: Carmen Hotvedt (UHS Violence Prevention), Yolanda Garza (Assistant Dean of Students) and Domestic Abuse Intervention Services.

**Jennifer Baumgardner Lecture**

Thursday, April 16th, 6:30pm in the Ebling Symposium, Microbial Sciences Building (1550 Linden Drive)

-"In her role as author and activist, [Jennifer has] permanently changed the way people think about feminism...and will shape the next 10 years of politics and culture." - Commonwealth Club of California

- Founder of the Rape Awareness Project and producer of "I Was Raped," a documentary designed to highlight the prevalence of rape in our culture and interrupt the silence and shame that surrounds it

- Acclaimed author of Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future; Grassroots: A Field Guide for Feminist Activism; Look Both Ways: Bisexual Politics; and Abortion and Life

- Investigative journalist for Harpers, The Nation, Glamour, RedBook, Elle, and NPR's All Things Considered, exploring stories such as why younger women appear to be less pro-choice and the fact that "rape kits" medical exams are routinely lost or rendered inadmissible in sexual assault cases

Watch Baumgardner's documentary, "I was Raped" on Monday, April 20th at 7:30pm in Memorial Union Play Circle

**Take Back the Night March and Rally**

Take Back the Night is a broad-based community event that will focus on violence in traditionally marginalized communities. It will include a March to the State Capitol, speakers, the Clothesline Project, a candlelight vigil, and a speak out. For more info, check out: www.madisontbtn.blogspot.com

Agenda:

4:30-5:30pm: Tabling in Library Mall

5:30-5:45pm: Rally in Library Mall

5:45-6:10: March to the Capitol

6:10-6:50: Keynote Speaker, Kabzuag Vaj

(speaking about violence in Hmong Communities, barriers to accessing services, inclusivity in our work)

6:50-7:10: March Back to Library Mall

7:10-7:50: Candlelight Vigil and Speak-Out

LIVE BLOGGING! 4/8/09 Student Council Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Chynna Haas) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:58:00 +0000

Associated Students of Madison

8 April 2009

Hearing Room, Student Activity Center

Roll Call (in favor)
Announcements
Swearing in of New Representatives
Open Forum (funny story about this coming)

Any member of the ASM shall have the right to speak at the Open Forum, subject to the time limits specified here. Members of the Asm who are not officers of the ASM shall take precedence over officers and appointees. Non-members of the ASM may be granted the opportunity to speak by a majority vote of the Student Council. Each speaker may speak once for up to three minutes. The Open Forum is limited to 45 minutes, unless the Student Council shall by two-thirds vote to extend it.

Removal or Impeachment of Representatives, Filling of Vacancies in the Student Council and Swearing In of New Representatives
Adoption of the Agenda
Reading and Approval of the Minutes
Special Orders
Old Business
New Business

ASM Internal Budget Reconsideration

Lots of discussion on this! We voted at the last meeting to reopen the Internal Budget for 09-10 for the purpose of including the expenditures for the new Tenant Rating Website costs, but now members are proposing adding money to the Operations Grant line item because several groups came to Open Forum and said that the fund ran out of money. Proposed by Rep. Tackett and seconded by Rep. Ewers to add $5,000 to line item.

Chair Fergus and Vice Chair Karns speaking against. Vice Chair Karns said we are already over the budget cap due to increase in salary for Student Print's advisor (more on this later). Chair Wiegand said that this is actually violating VPN because members are saying that certain groups should get funds because they do "good" work, but there were clarifications that this was not their intent. Chair Fergus reiterates that we are already at the budget cap and that we are inappropriately using committee's time by entertaining this motion.

Basically the issue at hand is that more groups have requested funding from the Operations Grant and have exhausted the fund for the first time in two years.

VOTE: Add $5,000 to Operations Grant. I voted against. Motion fails.

NEW MOTION: Add funds to lines 31 & 34 to pay salary for Student Print Advisor to partially compensate her new role as supervisor of SAC Floor Manager.

Concern expressed as to why we are adding money to this line item for the sake of "helping our relationship with Student Print." So why are we adding money to this versus directly serving students. Chair Vollrath speaks in favor because the Student Print Adviser is doing more work now than what is in her job description because she is dealing with tenant issues, etc. Chair Sheka agrees. VOTE: Adding 9% of StudentPrint Advisor salary and StudentPrint Advisor fringe benefits. I voted in favor. Motion passed.

NEW MOTION: Add the program Tenant Rating Website (lines 22-25) to the budget (Vollrath). This would fund the program that we just approved at our last meetings. VOTE: I voted in favor. Motion passed.

NEW MOTION: Vote to approve budget as amended. I voted in favor. Motion passes (14-0-6).

2)GSSF Budget Reconsideration
Chair Fergus has the floor. We are reconsidering this because Badger Catholic (GSSF org) came forward and asked to decrease budget by $70,000. Moving from event planning model, to service model. Benefits UW-Madison students. VOTE: I voted in favor of decrease. Motion passes (11-0-9)

3) Resolution 15-0408-01, ASM Position on the Madison Initiative
CONTROVERSIAL! (see previous post for language of this proposal).

Resolution calls for PARTIAL endorsement of resolution. Issues: International students will be charged the fee for others' financial aid, but they are not legally able to apply for aid. Out-of-state students could be argued to be paying fair amount based on tuition, but it depends on state you are from and what school you are looking at.

Wants to utilize expected family contribution (from FAFSA) versus the adjusted gross income for threshold of who qualifies for the grant aid to offset the increase.

Photographer buzzing around.

Questions for the Chancellor (but she is not here yet):

What is the justification for a 50/50 split between enhanced student services and curricular and co-curricular innovations (see “outcomes” slide in presentation on website)?
Specifically, what types of pedagogical innovations would possibly be implemented?
Why is adjusted gross income being used as the determinant for eligibility for the hold-harmless grants as opposed to estimated family contribution?
How will success of the Initiative be determined? What kind of input will students have in determining the success of the Initiative?
Will money generated be used to increase enrollment at UW-Madison?
What standard will be used to determine which classes will be offered?
What is the Chancellor doing to work with the state legislature in order to ensure that the percentage of state funding that the University receives is not cut?
What are the long-term perspectives for matching tuition dollars with privately-raised funds? Is the University planning on providing these dollars indefinitely?

Chair Wiegand's proposal calls for the establishment of a committee made up of students, faculty, and staff to oversees the proposal. Then there would be a sub-committee made up of all students that would advise on student services component to Initiative.

Now onto to DEBATE! Vice Chair Karns disagrees with the clause that would switch from adjusted gross income to the expected family contribution (from FAFSA).

Chair Sheka proposes a change to the clause about the establishment of a committee. This committee can't be established unless initiative passes formally. So this committee is not final, but it must be student majority and chaired by a student (state law). Student sub-committee would see proposals for student services (i.e. advising) and then bring them to the larger committee, then it would be worked into final proposal for spending the money. Not merely an advisory group--they would have a lot of power. Motion made to the motion (yeah, get that?) by Rep. Kaiser to clarify language saying this is pending passage of Initiative.

WE ARE GETTING TECHY! We are going to project the amendment and the amendment to the amendment on the fancy overhead! My segs are being put to use! Rep. Junger is using his laptop for this, so SO to Tyler!

CHANCELLOR MARTIN IS HERE!

Okay, so the technology stuff is not working, so we are just staring at each other....

VOTE: Amendment to the amendment--adding sentence that that ASM endorsement is contingent on said shared gov. committee. I abstained from voting.

Back to debate on original amendment. Chair Olikara is discussion adding a scholarship for out-of-state students and international students as part of the Shared Gov. committee. Moves to amend the amendment to say that "the Shared Gov. committee will be charged with overseeing the impact on out-of-state and international students."

Main Amendment: Be it finally resolved, if the Madison Initiative is approved by the UW-System Board of Regents, ASM shall create a student-majority shared governance committee comprised of students, faculty, and staff that is charged with overseeing the Initiative, reviewing requests, and evaluating the success of the Initiative. A smaller subcommittee made up of only the student representatives shall receive and approve proposals regarding improvements in student services. This subcommittee shall make recommendations to the larger committee. Although the Chancellor makes the final decision regarding the usage of differential tuition, students shall have a meaningful role in the Initiative's oversight through these means.

I moved to yield 2 minutes of my time to Sec. Junger. Here he goes! Good job, Sec. Junger! Essentially he explained that students directly voting how tuition dollars is spent is not in the best interest of students and not really legal.

VOTE: Amendment to the amendment. I voted in favor. The motion passes.

VOTE: Main amendment (see above). I voted in favor. The motion passes. I agree with Sec. Junger on this issue, but if it will get an ASM endorsement, then I am in support. ASM must support this Initiative to benefit campus.

MOTION: Rep. Kaiser to change "Be it further resolved, that although there are clear benefits in terms of financial aid for in-state students, we have concerns about the financial impact on out-of-state and international students" It would drop the specifics and only say that we have concerns about current and potential students. Amendment to the amendment: create two separate clauses, instead of replacing one. VOTE: I voted in favor. Main Amendment VOTE: I voted in favor.

Rep. Tackett is brilliant--is asking us to call to question and move back to questions to talk to the Chancellor.

QUESTION AND ANSWER AGAIN!
Bemis: Questions about numbers of faculty being proposed. Why can't we do this for less? Why $1,000 per student. He only sees justification for a few classes (I am not sure why his justification matters).
Chancellor: Trying not to pre-determine where funds will go because other students think all our decisions have been made. L&S has lost 66 faculty in last 7 years, entire campus has lost 75. The number is as many as we can afford to balance with financial aid. Several students don't get into Spanish, econ students who can't get courses except through TAs, bio-med students can't get in, etc. She could come up with the need of several hundred faculty. She is happy to make more information available, but they have not finalized decisions.

Tackett: Moves for Brittany to ask our 8 proposed questions without interruption.

ASM Questions:
1) What is the justification for a 50/50 split between enhanced student services and curricular and co-curricular innovations (see “outcomes” slide in presentation on website)?
Chancellor: Not a good justification, but--difference between these services is blurry. Mistake to draw line there and say it is 50/50. It sounds like a semantic problem. Not an absolute division between her understanding of difference versus other individuals' understanding, but there is a blurred line. "What I want to do is provide what we need."

2) Specifically, what types of pedagogical innovations would possibly be implemented?
Divide into two different categories. 1) Technology assisted learning--we've had great success with technological innovations already. Spread across other disciplines. New technology developing, but we don't have enough staff to translate our needs into the services. Fund delivery methods. 2) Set of curricular changes in content and pedagogy. Students consider FIGS successful, other options like FIG light that other schools have. We need to bring students into contact with tenure and tenure-track faculty. More field and internship opportunities. Provide on a conditional basis funding to departments and programs that are willing to change curriculum to catch up to science and technology.

3) Why is adjusted gross income being used as the determinant for eligibility for the hold-harmless grants as opposed to estimated family contribution?
Chosen on the basis for clarity in effort to be as clear as possible. Not evident to her that it is the best choice. Question for Financial Aid staff.

4) How will success of the Initiative be determined? What kind of input will students have in determining the success of the Initiative?
No resistance to the group of everything. Not only a group, but even the website up showing the expenditures. Open to students being involved in decision making. What concrete benefits to students. How many more students can get through what they need? Study students of different pedagogical methods, etc. but need revenue to get staff and faculty to make info available.

5) Will money generated be used to increase enrollment at UW-Madison?
Would consider increasing enrollment, but none of this funds from this supplement would be used for this. Governor wants increase because of demand.

6) What standard will be used to determine which classes will be offered?
Bottlenecks that exist in key areas. Deans and departments will need to provide data on an on-going basis. Standard really is where student need is. Make funding for departments contingent on departments/programs funding tenure-track faculty, seeing plans to build diverse pools for possible candidates before they are authorized to search, do many things to make sure that hiring faculty really benefits campus in a way that is holistic. Its potential for hiring really great faculty should also play a role.

7) What is the Chancellor doing to work with the state legislature in order to ensure that the percentage of state funding that the University receives is not cut?
She added up hours at Capitol--70-80 hours meeting with legislatures on both sides of the aisle. Doesn't count her reception for legislatures at her home. We have to continue to apply pressure to the state. We have to be out there aggressively and persuading citizens of our state and other states of the importance of higher education. Show them what public will receive as a result of funding higher education.

8) What are the long-term perspectives for matching tuition dollars with privately-raised funds? Is the University planning on providing these dollars indefinitely?
Yes, we need to combine endowment funding with annual giving--no strong program here yet--a lot of potential to build this campaign that will be on-going as endowment payments are. Best possible outcome of all of this is that we more students of more financial need here. Will this always go 50% to financial need? Yes, hope that more lower income students will enrolled so need is there.

Chancellor: I needed to know if our Big Ten peers use tuition dollars for need-based aid. Not new, almost all our peers do this. Discount rate--what percent of tuition does any university use to pay need-based aid. Now have the data. Our peers use a lot of tuition dollars to cover need-based aid, some peers even up to $60 million a year, we only want $10 million. We need to use it or we lose some quality.

Sheka: Describe what Chancellor sees oversight committee being. What extent recommendations will have on her final decision.
Chancellor: Most cases I will do what committee wants. It is my job to use my judgment and view of the whole to do the right thing. Will always refine recommendations that I get. Anticipated an oversight committee that will be made up of faculty, staff, and students. The thing is, you all don't know me yet. I have a long history of working with groups at Cornell collaboratively. I would work with any committee in good faith and take a different route only if I felt it was really compelling or committee wasn't really representing views of campus.

Chancellor: Out-of-state income had ever gone above median of our peers? It has in the past gone above median of our peers, neither applications nor enrollment went down during this period. This Initiative will keep us still below the median of our peers.

Bemis: another questions about engineers...
Chancellor: Engineering students take 45% of their hours in L&S.... UW-Madison should get the pricing right so that it is still affordable (creating financial aid), but we add faculty that benefits everybody. It is about the quality of UW-Madison. She disagrees with Bemis' assertion that engineering students would be "doubling-up" on tuition increase. This proposal is designed to go the heart of where we are educated, which is L&S. We have to be very careful and strategic because the greater benefit to the greatest number of students if fixing some problems in L&S.

Chair Collins observed that Chancellor Martin looks great in her black and red jacket this evening. I agree.

Chair Fergus: What feedback are you getting in total about services you are funding?
Chancellor: Problematic academic advising is in pre-major years, how seriously career advising is need. Another thing is programs students would like to see--peer mentoring programs, etc. How will we want to think about adding staff, traditional advising, in addition to doing other things students think would be more effective.

Tackett: Financial Aid be specifically earmarked to undergrads?
Chancellor: Yes.
Tackett: "Hold harmless" would it be as currently proposed or estimated family contribution, idea of percent difference? Specifically percent currently would be "held harmless"?
Chancellor: She has data, but can't give specifics off the top of her head. She would be happy to send it to us. Would know difference in data soon--Financial Aid office is working on it.

Ewers: All students are subsidized to some extent because we don't cover the cost of educating ourselves. You won't be increasing enrollment through the funds that are generated, increased enrollment will only happen if students "pay for themselves."
Chancellor: No, separate two funding sources. Funding from this initiative will take care of problems we have for current students. To increase enrollment targets, we would have to use tuition to pay for the costs required to educate them. This would be net the financial aid of these students would pay for what we need in additional resources.

Olikara: Preserving and increasing value of UW degree. Envisions that as impacting decision-making of high school seniors and faculty to come here. For students two major factors are costs and perception. Potential scholarship to offset cost, as well as getting exceptional students here.
Chancellor: Merit-based aid that exists in colleges. Could we use this to encourage merit students? I don't know if Madison wants to go that route. Do we need more merit-based aid? Yes. (clarified versus seeking several, but increasing it somewhat)

Tobelman: There are a lot of students that are apprehensive of lack of specifics. As these revenues role in and are applied, how will you deal with student sentiment that it isn't being applied where they want. Accountability.
Chancellor: We need to put in place some of the things we know that works, using data.
Tobelman: Would you be able to communicate to people that if a program is failing that funding can be pulled?
Chancellor: I agree with you and I think there are more things at the University that need sunset clauses. Regarding specifics, I could lay out with you the ways I would spend the entire amount of money and maybe I should then the committee could decide if that is right. Its not that we don't have specifics in mind, but we want input if this is the right way to go, but also we don't want to fix everything and pretend that there aren't unintended consequences. There are unintended consequences to all policy initiatives.

BACK TO DEBATE!
Chair Sheka: Series of amendments...yeah.
Though confusing and choppy, here is what I have for you on the series of amendments:
"Be it further resolved, ASM's endorsement of the Madison Initiative is contingent upon a written agreement between the Chancellor and ASM to create a student majority oversight board for the Initiative, as described in the following clause.

Be it resolved, the shared governance committee shall review all continuing funding on a yearly basis, to evaluate the improvements to a program and recommend a cessation of funding if measurable improvements are not seen.

remove "the"

Be it finally resolved, if the Madison Initiative is approved by the UW-System Board of Regents, ASM shall create a student-majority shared governance committee comprised of students, faculty, and staff that is charged with overseeing the Initiative, reviewing requests, and evaluating the success of the Initiative.

-The shared governance committee shall also be charged with CHANGE TO (reviewing) the impact of the Initiative on out-of-state and international students.

A smaller subcommittee REMOVE ((the) student representatives) shall receive and approve proposals regarding improvements in student services; the only voting members of this subcommittee shall be students. This subcommittee shall make recommendations to the larger committee. Although the Chancellor makes the final decision regarding the usage of differential tuition, students shall have a meaningful role in the Initiative's oversight through these means."

Chair Fergus seconded the motion, but he moves to strike the language that says ASM's support is contingent on a written agreement. Instead added language that would make it so ASM would work with Chancellor to create committee, no demand for majority of committee.

Now we are being encouraged to vote this amendment to the amendment down, then propose a new amendment. VOTE: I voted against. Motion fails (intentionally).

Sheka new amendment to the amendment--striking stuff, changing stuff, not worth writing here right now.

I just spoke and said that I feel we are wasting our time discussing the very specific details of this committee. We are losing the essence of what we are suppose to be discussing, which is the whole Initiative and our concerns that need to be addressed. I brought up the fact that we will be revisiting this issue in two weeks and reconsidering a full endorsement.

VOTE ON AMENDMENT: I voted in favor. Motion passed.

MAIN DEBATE: Rep. Wright not a fan of a partial endorsement is an oxymoron. We have received answers to our questions. We should either table this to next meeting or vote on full endorsement.

Tackett: #1 We need to talk to our constituents and then vote at next meeting. #2 Interested in how $80,000 was determined in current proposal or how estimated family contribution. #3 I hate to bring this up, but "hold harmless line," if we moved from $80,000. This debate could get us to a point where only a small portion of campus is paying this increase, so what does that do to campus climate.

Wiegand: Understand that partial endorsment is oxymoronic, but we are our student government and people want to know what we think. We need to indicate how we feel about the initiative, we are the way to get student feedback. I want to know our concerns. It would be a change to the campus climate, but I think it would positive change.

Fergus: We need to keep sight in what we are doing today. You have had weeks to talk to your constituents and the people you are serving.

Haas: Brought up that it is absolutely essential that our unversity shows it is committed to economic diversity. ALL students will benefit from this proposal through increased student services and tenure track faculty, etc. I will share more info on this in an upcoming post.

Wright: Supportive of Initiative because it benefits the whole campus, we need this to maintain the quality of our education. This is not a new things, tuition is often used to fund need-based financial aid. Comfortable with full endorsement or partial endorsement.

Minor: Agrees that we should make full endorsement or not endorsing at this point. Feels that we should be endorsing. Agrees with Fergus that we have had ample time to get beginnings of constituencies thoughts. Talked about School of Education.

Bemis: Wants to go on record that he understands everyone, including engineering is getting benefits. Upper level class funding doesn't benefit engineers. Sorry I am not listening anymore to the engineering argument...

Tiernan: As Chair of Academic Affairs Committee, worked with many people working on accessibility. Out of all the students and administrators he has meet with, this is one of the best ways to improve the quality and accessibility of our education.

Kaisers: Represents rural students from Wisconsin and transfer students. Went to community college, first gen. student out of concern on sticker shock value. Our peer group is not the Big Ten, but is other state schools. Can't support because it could discourage low-income students.

Ewers: Phrase tonight not equal-giving, but equal-sacrifice. Percentage you can afford--$20,000 a year versus $20,000 a year.

Olikara: Main concerns: what happens once initiative is passed and concerns from specialized schools.

Sheka: Another amendment idea, Tiernan assists. Amendment passes...blah blah.

BACK TO MAIN DEBATE:
Wiegand: Shouldn't do full endorsement, still have questions. We lose leverage and create disconnect with student body. We have opportunity for two weeks to look through questions and find areas of concern.

Tobelman: Grad students support because they reap benefits without paying. He will abstain from vote so undergrad voices heard. Need student oversight, but endorse vote of yes so we can hash out details later. Lots of discussion on differential burden, this means discussing costs, but fundamentally this initiative is about value not just what we are spending. How much more valuable your education will be.

Fergus: Motion to strike "partial" from first "Be it resolved" clause. Lots of conversations against it, you know the deal. I voted against amendment. Motion fails.

CALL TO QUESTION!
VOTE ON ENTIRE RESOLUTION! I voted for the motion. The motion passes (12-1-5).

10 MINUTE RECESS!

4) SACGB Bylaws
And we're back...
We just approved the SACGB by-law changes by acclamation, now onto SSFC by-law changes. Carl is going over all the changes for us. VOTE ON SSFC BY-LAWS: I voted in favor of the motion. The motion passes.

5) SSFC Bylaw Changes
Now onto the Operations Grant decision. Over 99 groups applied for funding, 41 appealed their decision.

On an unrelated note, I got breadsticks and a pop during the break and I now feel great!

6) Operations Grants
Now onto debate of the Operations Grant decision... but we apparently entertaining make line item changes for a group? Legally we can do it, but I don't like this precedent of side-stepping Finance Committee. AMENDMENT: Require that public record reflects budget alterations and budget changes. I voted against this motion. Motion failed.

QUORUM CALL! I am present. And quorum is present!

Back on main motion for Operations Grant. Call to question. VOTE to approve Operations Grant: I vote in favor of the motion. The motion passes.

7) Domestic Partnership Benefits Townhall Co-Sponsorship
Now onto Domestic Partner Benefits Townhall resolution to co-host event. VOTE: The resolution is approved by acclamation.

8) Now onto Tenant Rating Board Appointments. This would be appointing Rebecca Newman, Bryon Eagon, and Kurt Gosselin. I asked how they were selected--they expressed interest to the creators of the website. VOTE: I voted in favor of the amendment (to remove Erik Paulson at his request) and in favor of the appointments. Both passed.

9) Reconsidering agenda to add at 10.9 to consider External Affairs by-laws that apparently went missing. This passed, now we are adopting the amended agenda.

10) Now onto By-law Amendments for External Affairs Committee (what we just voted on). Passed by acclamation.

XI. Reports of Special Committees and Campaigns

Bus Pass Advisory Board

Contentious issues in funding.

Constitutional Committee

Final meeting was last Tuesday. Discussed the past nine months, took copious minutes--one recommendation was to create an advisory committee to the constitutional committee. Working on getting a hard copy of the blog to send to archives. All the info will be compiled--archives in Steenbach (sp?) Library. Jeff is talking to GSSF organizations to see how to move forward. Those notes will be forwarded on.

Bantor between Rep. Minor and Rep. Wright about power of allowing folks getting money to be sitting on committee that advises org that gives money. Referenced my previous committee proposal.

Reports of Standing Committees and Boards

Academic Affairs Committee-- Day of Action of UW schools in Madison lobbying legislatures, 60-80 students calling legislatures.
Diversity Committee--Collaborating with MCSC and other orgs on April 20 (7-9 PM) event. Will be series of performances, then Steven will be keynote speaker for event. At Historical Society. MSC mission review process, Steven will have more info. Contact him if interested in voicing opinion about MSC.
Finance Committee-- Heard Operations Grants the past couple weeks. At least two people interested in chairing committee next year.
Foundation Hiring Committee
Legislative Affairs Committee
Nominations Board-- Search & Screen for new ASM Assistant Director and Campus Organizer, as well as Organizing Advisor. ASM FOun
Shared Governance Committee-- Chancellor approved PA position for one more year, then look into it and get back to us with more info on a multi-year commitment. She said she would do a 3-year commitment with an evaluation period after that (just found out as the Chancellor was leaving our meeting).
StudentPrint Board
External Affairs Committee
Student Activity Center Governing Board--See memo about limited Easter weekend hours. Also set additional holiday hours. On August 14, the SAC will possibly be open to address homeless night.

General Reports

Chair--Milwaukee SC members can arrange to go to BOR meeting.

B. Vice-Chair

Homeless Night is taking off to secure free parking lots, can probably use SAC. Things coming together.

All campus forum is next Wednesday--GO, BRING PEOPLE!

Student Judiciary
Student Services Finance Committee--GSSF groups are hiring! APPLY! Also, several large GSSF events coming up. Additionally, ASM folks will be presenting the segregated fee budgets to the Chancellor tomorrow. Seg Fees are going to go up 14%, 11% caused by Wisconsin Building Project.

Reports of Liaisons

Viewpoint Neutrality Appeals
Roll Calls