Bryn Mawr College SGA Meeting – January 31, 2015
Roll Call
Announcements
Your Two Cents
Plenary Resolution Presentations
Old Business
New Business
Roll Call
Present: Emily Gifford-Smith, Mara Dominguez, Nolan Julien, Rhea Manglani, Melanie Bahti, Erin Saladin, Maria Minaya, Natalie DiFrank, Miranda Smith, Tyler Brown-Cross, Sarah Andrew, Sneha Soni, Elizabeth Lorenzana, Diamond Rey, Olivia Hollinger, Samantha Heyrich, Jasmine Rangel, Celeste Ledesma, Coco Wang, Chanel Williams, Alexis Wiltshire, Connie Lam, Ann Tran, Delia Landers, Hannah Chinn, Nora Dell, Kyra Sagal, Khadijah Seay, Lindsey Foster, Modupe Olufemi, Rachel Ofili, Charlette Williams, Casiana Omick, Stephanie Montalvan, Bridget Murray, Dijia Chen, Eve Cantler, Emily Siegel, Genesis Perez-Melara, Jess Shill, Alice Bell
Absent: Rina Patel, Lillian Oyen-Ustad, Nikitha Shakamuri, Oona Ryle, Radhika Singh, Tosin Ajiboye, Veda Nambi, Daniele Cadet, Shakari Badgett
Charlie Bruce ‘16 called the meeting to order at 7:10pm
Charlie Bruce ’16: Hey everyone let’s begin with roll call!
Roll Call
Angela Motte ’17: Hello everyone! As a reminder, I record these meetings, so keep that in mind when you speak.
Present: Emily Gifford-Smith, Mara Dominguez, Nolan Julien, Rhea Manglani, Melanie Bahti, Erin Saladin, Maria Minaya, Natalie DiFrank, Miranda Smith, Tyler Brown-Cross, Sarah Andrew, Sneha Soni, Elizabeth Lorenzana, Diamond Rey, Olivia Hollinger, Samantha Heyrich, Jasmine Rangel, Celeste Ledesma, Coco Wang, Chanel Williams, Alexis Wiltshire, Connie Lam, Ann Tran, Delia Landers, Hannah Chinn, Nora Dell, Kyra Sagal, Khadijah Seay, Lindsey Foster, Modupe Olufemi, Rachel Ofili, Charlette Williams, Casiana Omick, Stephanie Montalvan, Bridget Murray, Dijia Chen, Eve Cantler, Emily Siegel, Genesis Perez-Melara, Jess Shill, Alice Bell
Absent: Rina Patel, Lillian Oyen-Ustad, Nikitha Shakamuri, Oona Ryle, Radhika Singh, Tosin Ajiboye, Veda Nambi, Daniele Cadet, Shakari Badgett
Charlie Bruce ’16: Thanks! We’re going to move on to announcements. During this item, any new items for discussion, questions, or announcements can be made. We have allotted ten minutes for this agenda item.
Announcements
Rachel Massey ’18: Hi everyone! I’m here as PR for NAACP. We have a bunch of really cool events that are coming up throughout the entire month, such as the #BlackLivesMatter speaker Janaya Khan, who is coming Tuesday to speak at Thomas Great Hall at 7pm. Look around for our flyers with more information.
Genesis Perez-Melara ’19: Hi, I’m Genesis. I wanted to introduce our new Denbigh Dorm Presidents. Can you two please stand up? Thanks you guys. Also elections are coming up! Keep a look out for that.
Rachel Ofili ’16: Hi, I’m Rachel. I’m speaking as senior songsmistress. We’re making a new songbook to implement for WTF week so please email me song suggestions to add. We haven’t gotten many results, so if you can send them in by tonight, that would be awesome. Thank you!
Charlie Bruce ’16: Any more announcements? Ok next item! Your Two Cents! Anyone in the BMC undergrad community can host a straw poll or bring up a topic for discussion.
Your Two Cents
Charlie Bruce ’16: Anything? How about any song recommendations for WTF Week?
Hannah Chinn ’19: A song from Hamilton!
Rachel Bruce ’18: “History” by One Direction!
Celeste Ledesma ’17: “Miss New Booty”
Rachel Ofili ’16: Can we get two more?
Jasmine Rangel ’17: “Dreaming of You” by Selena.
Hannah Chinn ’19: “I’ll make a man out of you”
Charlie Bruce ’16: Thank you guys!
Plenary Resolution Presentations
Charlie Bruce ’16: So if all the plenary presenters can come up, we’re going to read through the resolutions, and take questions. I’m going to be reading for the 2016-2017 SGA EBoard because they haven’t been elected yet. Whereas, the Self-Government Association of the Undergraduate School of Bryn Mawr College is the first and oldest system of self-governance in the United States, Whereas, the spirit of self-governance permeates almost every aspect of the Undergraduate Bryn Mawr College experience, Whereas, the students of Bryn Mawr College have pledged to work together for the welfare, benefit, and preservation of the community as a whole, Whereas, we recognize that to reach full potential of our community, we require a commitment on the part of each and every individual, It is hereby resolved that we, the members of the Self-Government Association of the Undergraduate School of Bryn Mawr College present today, on behalf of the entire Self-Government Association, reaffirm our commitment to self-governance, the SGA Constitution, and the Honor Code.
Samantha Heyrich ’17: Hi, I’m the head of the Alcohol Review Board.
Bridget Murray ’17: I’m on the board.
Samantha Heyrich ’17: This is our first draft, and we are looking for a lot of suggestions. Whereas The Alcohol Concerns Review Board has recently become re-instated, Whereas the role of the ACRB has changed since the time it was defunct, the culture of Bryn Maw College continues to evolve and it proves imperative to update the board to reflect the needs of the community Whereas there should be a streamlined and effective group lead by students promoting health and safety of their peers in relation to social events Be it resolved that the name of the Alcohol Concerns Review Board be changed to “______” as mentioned in every instance in appendix A. Strike Article VI, Section I, Subsection B, Sub-subsection 8 Be it resolved that Article VI Section XI Subsection B be changed to read “the members of the board shall be The Head of Social Committee, The Head of Campus Safety Committee, one member of the Honor Board and one Dorm President to be voted upon by the residence council. The head of the board will be determined by the consensus of the board. The head shall be a member of the board.” Strike Article VI Section XI Subsection C Be it resolved that Article VI Section XI Subsection B be changed to read “Quorum for a review session or hearing of the Board shall be 3 people.” Be it resolved that that there be a Section XI Subsection H that reads “the board shall be responsible for hosting continuing education efforts including but not limited to 2 events in the fall semester including one aimed at continuing education for all returning Bryn Mawr College students and at least one additional educational event, and one in the spring semester. We’re looking for feedback for a new name. We want to make the name more inclusive and less intimidating. We don’t think the name is welcoming or accurate. A suggestion that we had was like, “The Board on Social and Education Health and Wellness”- anyway suggestions?
Erin Saladin ’16: Is there anything that you can tell us that you’ve learned that the committee kind of does? So we have a better idea of the name.
Samantha Heyrich ’17: Yeah! So we review party policy every year, we do things thorough Tuesday group and honor board, so we’re supposed to review all party forms and party infractions. We are supposed to publish an informational packet about statistics, like how many parties were on campus and how many infractions happened. Our aim is to have an educational program. If anyone has any other suggestions, contact me at sheyrich.
Rachel Bruce ’18: I’m working with Nikki Barker to get a second blue bus stop at Pensby Center/Cambrian Row. Whereas many students with physical disabilities are many times unable to access the Pensby Center, Cambrian Row, Brecon Hall, and Batten House. Whereas the Lantern Van only runs from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM during weekdays and from 4:00 PM to 12:00 PM on the weekends. Whereas a second Blue Bus stop near Cambrian Row would allow students with disabilities to more easily access events at the Pensby Center and Cambrian Row, as well as Brecon Hall and Batten House during most hours (approximately 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 AM Friday, 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM on Saturday, and 9:00 AM – 12:30 AM on Sunday). Whereas the Tri-Co Transportation Garage is adjacent to the Pensby Center and Cambrian Row. Whereas the Blue Bus schedule would only have to be altered slightly to accommodate for an additional stop (Appendix A). Whereas Bryn Mawr College’s partner institution, Haverford College, has found success with a second Blue Bus Stop. Whereas a second Blue Bus stop would open the campus for all Tri-Co students and visitors regardless of any kind of disability. Whereas a second Blue Bus stop would increase the turnout for cultural and community events at the Pensby Center, Cambrian Row, as well as social events at Brecon Hall, and Batten House. Whereas according to a recent poll, 60% of students are in favor of adding a second Blue Bus Stop near the Pensby Center and Cambrian Row. Be It Resolved that a second Blue Bus Stop be established by Cambrian Row in order to make all of Bryn Mawr’s campus accessible for all students and visitors.
Melanie Bahti ’16: I want to point this out to you because I feel like it comes up a lot at Plenary. These are only recommendations. People may ask you how this will come about. So it may be helpful to conclude any questions you have with people that work in transportations.
Rachel Bruce ’18: Thank you! We plan to meet with them and access services some time this next week.
Nora Dell ’19: Whereas there exists an abundance of SGA records dating back decades, and the knowledge contained in these records could be valuable in solving present day problems. Whereas a project to recover and organize these records that does not have institutional support or continuity would face many challenges. Whereas the work of more than one person would make these records useable in a shorter period of time. Whereas the following Subsection D in Article IV(4), Section IX(9) reading, “The Traditions Committee may appoint a Bryn Mawr College historian”, has not been utilized in recent years. Whereas institutional memory, or the collection of learned experiences by a group of people collaborating in an institutional framework, is important for the transmission of learning from generation to generation. Whereas the preservation and use of institutional memory injects accountability and transparency into the system of self-governance. Whereas the continued preservation of institutional memory requires time and resources that are more easily tracked by members of that institution. Whereas the lack institutional memory between members of the SGA Representative Council and Executive Board pertaining to the history of their positions affects their ability to execute their responsibilities. Whereas the annual turnover of position holders and their constituents causes solutions to recurring problems to be forgotten. Whereas the efficient and effective resolution of issues confronting the SGA is a long term goal of the representative council.
Be it resolved, that the following Subsection be removed from Article IV(4), Section IX(9): “Subsection D: The Traditions Committee may appoint a Bryn Mawr College historian.” Be it resolved, that “The Committee on Institutional Memory” be formed, hereby referred to as “committee” to research, collect, and publish histories pertaining to the short and long term history of SGA in the area of elected and appointed officials. This committee would be comprised of up to six appointed positions, chaired by a “SGA Archivist”, who would be elected and serve on the representative council. Be it resolved, that there be added in Article II, Section I, Subsection C, a position of “SGA Archivist.” Be it resolved, that there be added in Article IV(4), Section I, a Subsection S: SGA Archivist, reading:
- The position of SGA Archivist shall be an elected position, held by only one person.
- The SGA Archivist shall have one vote on the Representative Council.
- The SGA Archivist shall attend meetings of the Representative Council and will advise on issues relating to SGA.
- The SGA Archivist shall call and preside over meetings of the Committee on Institutional Memory.
- The SGA Archivist shall present quarterly reports at Representative Council meetings on their findings that are relevant to current issues and discussions of the Representative Council and greater campus community.
- The SGA Archivist shall, to the best of their ability, assist in carrying out the SGA’s long and short term goals.
- The SGA Archivist shall collaborate with the SGA Executive Board and Representative Council to grow institutional memory continuously, from year to year.
Be it resolved, that there be added in Article VI(6), a Section XIII(13): Committee on Institutional Memory (hereafter referred to as “The Committee”), reading: Subsection A: The Committee shall be headed by the SGA Archivist, and comprised of up to six additional members of the SGA. Members of The Committee shall be appointed by the Appointments Committee in the spring semester. Subsection B: The Committee shall assist the SGA Archivist in carrying out the SGA’s long and short term goals. Subsection C: The Committee shall be responsible for the preservation and utilization of institutional memory in the Representative Council and the SGA. Furthermore, the Committee shall also maintain a public SGA Archive. Be it resolved, that the “SGA Archivist” be elected through a Special Election to be held no less than three weeks following the passage of this resolution, in accordance with Article VIII(8), Section IV(4), Subsection E of the SGA Constitution, and in the future through a normal elections round in the spring semester. So that’s the resolution. I’m meeting with special collections Thursday! A single person cannot do the work that needs to be done in an appropriate amount of time. I think this needs to be a continued initiative, and be continued. I think it would help us be a lot more effective. Any questions?
Mara Dominguez ’16: They’ll just be looking over archives?
Nora Dell ’19: The committee will go through the archives and establish all of this into a public archive that will be accessible by members of the community. The archive is meant as a resource so people have the history of SGA positions, and what issues have been affecting the representative council and the greater community.
Rhea Manglani ’17: You should get into contact with Monica Mercado.
Hannah Chinn ’19: You mentioned article 6 section 9 subsection D- you wanted to strike the traditions college historian?
Nora Dell ’19: It hasn’t been used in recent years, and this committee would address this more specifically.
Hannah Chinn ’19: Do we already have archives?
Nora Dell ’19: We have public records, but not in a way that is useful to the community as a whole. We also have records in special collections and within the community.
Hannah Chinn ’19: We’re not talking about Bryn Mawr College in general, but SGA, rather?
Nora Dell ’19: Yes! Any more questions? Thank you so much!
Molly Mac Dougall ’16: Waiving the Requirement of Minutes in Honor Board Hearings Whereas the proceedings of Honor Board hearings are confidential,
Whereas it is in the spirit of restorative justice for proceedings to be kept comfortable and confidential, Whereas the Honor Code states that minutes will be taken during hearings (Article II, Section A, Subsection 2, Subsection e; Article II Subsection B, Subsection 2, Subsection d), Whereas information that comes up in hearings is often sensitive, Whereas it would be inappropriate to have permanent records of certain information discussed in hearings, Be it resolved that, the requirement of minutes taken during hearings be stricken from the Honor Code to protect the safety of hearings and the confidential information discussed during them, Be it resolved that, Article II, Section A, Subsection 2, Subsection e be changed to read, “…Each record includes all written statements and the Honor Board’s final decision in the case.” Be it resolved that, Article II Subsection B, Subsection 2, Subsection d be changed to read, “Social hearings are confidential. Each record includes all written statements and the Honor Board’s final decision in the case. Any questions? Ok.
Rachel Massey ’18: I’m speaking as a member of the honor board, now. Honor Board Reports to Other Institutions Whereas, certain violations of the Honor Code are understood in hearings to be mistakes in good faith, Whereas, the intent of the Honor Code is to bring about restoration after an infraction,
Whereas, not all students were afforded the same education on issues like plagiarism and use of resources in high school, Whereas, at the moment, all violations of the Honor Code are reported to graduate schools, Be it resolved that, the Honor Board be given the discretion to recommend on a case by case basis that the Dean’s Office not report violations to other institutions of higher education.
Melanie Bahti ’16: So if I remember correctly, it’s Haverford’s policy to not give results of Honor Code infractions to institutions of Higher Education. It may be worth it to have that in your resolution. That way it’s clarified that this isn’t like totally off the wall.
Swati Shastry ’18: Recommitment to the Values of the Honor Code. Whereas, the life of the Honor Code relies on community investment and engagement, Whereas, all members of the undergraduate community have a responsibility to abide by the Honor Code, Whereas, confrontation is the necessary first step toward bringing an infraction to the attention of the Honor Board, and is a responsibility listed in the Code (Article II, Section A), Be it resolved that, we, the undergraduate students of Bryn Mawr College, reaffirm our commitment to positive confrontation. Any questions? Nope, thank you!
Charlie Bruce ’16: If you want to follow up with any of these presenters, email SGA, and I will give them your contact information. Over the upcoming weeks, we will have more presentations where the presenters will read their resolutions, and we can help them make the resolutions better. Thank you for presenting! Please come to Plenary. Old Business!
Old Business
Charlie Bruce ’16: Any one? I have some! Who lives on Campus? Has anyone noticed a water fountain in their dorm? Who was here at the very first SGA Meeting of the year? Precious Robinson asked why some dorms don’t have water fountains. Six months later, and a lot of work, here they are!
Olivia Hollinger ’16: More will be made in Radnor and Merion, and over the summer Rock. Everywhere else should have water fountains.
Charlie Bruce ’16: I want you all to highlight, bookmark, star this moment! This is SGA! We have water fountains now. Granted, six months later, but hey! Ok, anything else, no? Ok, new business!
New Business
Nora Dell ’19: Hi Everyone! I’m back. In the similar vein of my plenary resolution, I want to establish a long term goal- a commitment to institutional memory. This helps us build upon the knowledge of the last classes. I think it helps us find this shared thread, person to person, class to class- shared history. It helps us discover a shared future. I think it helps us to develop the community. Options are yes, no, abstain. Yes, no, abstain. Thank you.
Emily Gifford Smith ’16: I’d like to change the time of the SGA meeting next week, because Super bowl kickoff conflicts with SGA. Motion to vote to change the meeting times- wait questions?
Hannah Chinn ’19: What times?
Jasmine Rangel ’17: 11am!
Stephanie Montalvan ’18: 4pm.
Rachel Bruce ’18: 3:30pm.
Chanel Williams ’16: 1pm.
Emily Gifford Smith ’16: So those are the options. 11am, 4pm, 3:30pm, 1pm. 4pm it is!
Charlie Bruce ’16: We have reached the end of our agenda.
Coco Wang ’16: I vote to adjourn the meeting.
Nora Dell ’19: Second.
Charlie Bruce ’16: We’re outta here!
Meeting Adjourned at 8:16pm