SGA Minutes
7:10 – Sophie Papavizas ’11 calls the meeting to order
Roll Call
Assembly Members Present: Katie Dahl ’11, Liz Ritchie ’11, Aki Snyder ’11, Sara Jane Rodgers ’13, Jennifer Savage ’12, Blair Smith ’12, Sarah Kelley ’11, Gabby Marangell ’12, Mae Carlson ’12, Duong Nguyen ’13, Adelyn Kishbaugh ’12, Malina Toza ’13, Courtney Pinkerton ’12, Ellen Halbach ’11, Irene Shin ’13, Sam Salazar ’11, Lindsey Turr ’11, Heather Taddonio ’12, Kyle Aguilar ’13, Akshyeta Suryanarayan ’13, Krista Imre ’13, Pragya Krishna ’13, Elizabeth Olecki ’12, Maya Sachdeva ’14, Keshia Koech ’13, Ali Raeber ’13, Joo Park ’11, Hope Wayman ’13, Mary Margaret Peebles ’13, Jordan Cottrell ’13, Sarah Schnellbacher ’13, Emily Tafaro ’12, Kathryn Gary ’11, Emily Zhao ’11, Vrinda Varia ’13, Naznen Rahmen ’13, Sarah Capasso ’11, Priya Saxena ’12, Katharine Woolls ’12, Sarah Henkind ’13, Tiffany Olszuk ’12, Callie Jensen ’11, Sumehda Niranjan ’11, Kerlyne Jean ‘11
Assembly Members Absent: Miranda Hansen-Hunt ’11, Isidora Armentrout ’13, Giang Tran ’11, Priya Gupta ’13, Sarah Aubrey ’13, Julie Gorham ’12, Hannah Smith ’14, Daisy Sheng ’14, Olivia Xia ’14, Kate Gould ’11, Tanvi Surti ‘12
Community Members Present: Jess Martzall, Caroline Kenward ‘12, Lena Barnard ’12, Sarah Theobald ’12, Emma Rosenblum ’14, Gabrielle Fiorillo, Jillian Johnson ’12, Amanda Beardall ’14, Elizabeth Held ’12, Aya Martin Seaver ’13, Ariana Hall ’12, Zandra Martinez ’11, Lydia Bello ’12
Announcements
Blair Smith ’12, Jen Savage ’12: Hell Week starts this Wednesday at 5:37 pm and goes until 5:37 pm next Wednesday. All hellers need to give hellees schedules beginning at 5:37. There will be no containers or bags allowed into Goodhart or Erdman performances. If you are going to perform, you must bring a labeled CD with only one track. Confinement will be from 2-4 and then Erdman will be open for dinner. If you want to help bounce Goodhart performances, please email traditions@brynmawr. We’ve talked with the Senior Songsmistress, and the only way to sign up for the Maypole will be at Plenary. A school wide Hell Week schedule will be emailed to everyone tomorrow, and this schedule will include campus wide Hell Week events, Hell Week alternatives and Dean Rasmussen’s schedule.
Sarah Kelley ’11: I’d like to announce the new SGA Exec Board, the president is Yong Jung Cho, vice president is Rebecca Sanders, Mae Carlson is the new secretary, Tina Hu is the new secretary, and the new Honor Board head is Priya Saxena. The new Elections Head is Elizabeth Held, and the new Appointments Committee members are Tyler Garber and Caroline Kenward. Thanks to everyone that voted.
Adrienne Webb ‘11: I’m announcing that the Art Club is really low on paper. If you have any paper that you don’t want please consider donating it to Arnecliffe to be used for crafts.
Amanda Beardall 14: if you have any appropriate magazines for children, please leave those in Arnecliffe as well for a project
Malina Toza ’13, Adelyn Kishbaugh ’12: We met with the Board of Trustees on Saturday, and have some things to report. The school’s endowment has grown to 670 million dollars. Some ongoing projects they are working on are all target. The Grounds Committee is working on getting more outdoor furniture. There is also work happening to align things between the two schools like the CDO and other student resources.
Elizabeth Held ’12, Zandra Martinez ’11: We’re organizing Plenary bingo for this Sunday, and there will be prizes for winners, like Uncommon Grounds gift cards. If you have any suggestions for things to put on the bingo cards please email either eheld@brynmawr or armartinez@brynmawr.
Lindsey Turr ’11, Sam Salazar ’11: The first Senior Cocktails of the semester will be on the 24th of February in Pem East, and it’s going to be Western themed. Please pay your Senior dues, they can be delivered to either box 718 or box 420. Also please remember to give to the Senior Gift, even if it’s only a dollar. Senior portraits for the yearbook start on February 23rd, and the class ring salespeople will be here on the 16th and 17th of February.
Susie Kim ’11: If you could all look at the papers behind you, those are the contributions we received from Honor Code Appreciation Day. Please take a minute to read some of them when you have a chance.
Your Two Cents
Follow Up on Bi-College Club Funding
Sophie: Last week we had a big discussion about the Bi-Co News funding and bi-co clubs.We met with Haverford’s SC to come up with a funding agreement and also met with the Bi-Co News to fix their funding. I have the agreement printed out for people to read, and I can answer any questions you might have. We discussed a lot about what makes a bi-co club.From last Sunday, the concert series was an issue. We thought those shouldn’t be on the table, since we pay similar amounts for this series to what SC pays for events like Haverfest and FUCS. A Bryn Mawr and bi-co version of a club could exist, but only the bi-co club will receive funding. This is going to be incorporated into the SFC bylaws. We need the assembly to vote to approve this into the bylaws.
Bylaws are approved.
We also met with the Bi-Co News today and discussed their budget. We had them redo a budget interview so both schools could talk to them at the same time. They already received $3,500, and today requested $9,661 which included the $3,500 they originally received. We cut it down by $1,400, and split the cost, and now Bryn Mawr is going to pay $5,785.50. The Bi-Co News’ total budget for the year is $11,571. This should cover pretty much all they wanted.
Blair Smith ’12: Is this Bi-Co News budget approval contingent on Haverford approving it as well?
Sophie: They don’t need Assembly approval for changes like this, so no.
SGA Kitchen – Next Steps
Sophie: We discussed the possibility of getting more stuff for the kitchen a couple of weeks ago, and we might have come up with a solution that needs approval.
Laurel Lemon ‘11: It seems like there is an okay amount of supplies in the kitchen right now and anything missing was probably taken over the summer. I think our main solution is that we’ll store stuff upstairs in one of that rooms that locks during the summer. We do need a lot of essentials, but we can work on building up a better selection of supplies. Right now we’re looking to spend $350 on new supplies. We also want to create a labeling system for the kitchen to keep everything organized. We’ll also get some cleaning supplies.
Sophie: We’re going to vote to approve this budget.
SGA kitchen supplies budget approved.
Plenary Resolution Presentations
Sophie: Plenary is in one week. As a reminder, all Assembly members and volunteers need to be there by 9:30 in your t-shirts. If you need a shirt get there on time because sizes are limited. There is no food allowed in the auditorium. The balcony will be designated quiet space for studying.
Right now we’re going to have the resolutions presented and give the presenters feedback.Each group is going to read through their resolution and allow time for questions and comments.
Priya Saxena ’12: Whereas, usuage of translation websites do not reflect the high levels of comprehension and learning required in Bryn Mawr language courses.
Whereas, on-line translating disregards the cultural, socio, psycho, linguistic nature of human communication.
Whereas, such limitations forces communication to a set of technical information exchanges.
Whereas, this is sometimes not explicitly told by professors or by the Honor Code.
Whereas, professors have developed a growing awareness of the use of online translators for class.
Whereas, the use of online dictionaries is permitted and encouraged for the development of language vocabulary.
Whereas, when translating one word, the online translation function plays the role of a dictionary and is therefore permitted.
Whereas, all other online translation functions are against the Honor Code unless explicitly allowed by the professor.
Whereas, our Honor Code should be revised with regards to technological advancement and changes in the Bryn Mawr College community.
Be it resolved, that the translation function in any website should not be used in any language course unless specifically allowed by the professor.
Susie Kim ’11: This resolution came up from the Deans Office and Language Department.It’s a clarification, not a change to the Honor Code. Using online translation sites, which seems to be more prevalent, defeats the purpose of taking a language class.
Katie Dahl ’11: If this is just a clarification, why is this a resolution?
Susie Kim ’11: It’s a recommendation to the student body.
Sarah Theobald ’12: I think it needs a little clarification about using online tools for looking up words. I feel like it’s ridiculous, that students would put their whole paper into translations sites.
Susie Kim ’11: Professors want to ban translation sites for paper writing but will allow the use of online dictionaries.
Sarah Kelley ’11: I think it would be good if there could be clarifications about what could be considered a dictionary or translation site.
Priya Saxena ’12: It’s kind of up to the professor’s discretion. They have a better idea of what sites work best.
Jordan Cottrell ’13: Would it be possible to add that online dictionaries are allowed?
Priya Saxena ’12: We had that in our original draft, but the deans took it out.
Adelyn Kishbaugh ’12: Just to clarify, a dictionary looks up the words, but translation sites means you are putting your words in English and getting them put into a different language?
Susie Kim ’11: Yes, and our recommendation is in the hopes that it will stop.
Jennifer Savage ’12: Whereas, it is important for Bryn Mawr students to be able to study and complete work.
Whereas, there is a lack of computing and studying spaces available after midnight.
Whereas, Bryn Mawr students should be given the option of completing work after
midnight if it suits their study habits.
Whereas, the data taken during the 24 hour library during finals time in Fall 2010 shows
that an average of 84 people were in the library at 11pm, 74 people at 12am, 69 people at
1am, 60 people at 2am, and 47 people at 3am.
Whereas, quiet study spaces with computer access have been limited since computers
were moved from Guild to Canaday.
Whereas, members of the library faculty have expressed support for the idea that a quiet
study space with computer access should be made available to students until 2am and that
it is both possible and feasible to have such a space.
Be it resolved, that the new hours of Canaday Library will be Sunday 10am-2am, Monday-Thursday 8am-2am, Friday 8am-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm.
Sarah Kelley ’11: Have you talked with the library staff about the cost of keeping it open later?Also, do you think the numbers of students in the library that late was inflated because it was finals week?
Jennifer Savage ’12: We met with Elliot Shore and other library staff members, and they said it was feasible. The numbers might be a little inflated, but it’s an overall average.
Emily Kirchner ’12: Did you send a poll to students or get any non-library feedback?
Blair Smith ’12: It only took like 10 minutes to get 75 signatures in the dining hall, so we think it has a lot of support.
Jennifer Savage ’12: We just need the resolution to be approved to make it happen.
Priya Saxena ’12: So if the administration is behind this resolution, will it go into effect immediately if it passes?
Jennifer Savage ’12: Yes, the later hours would start after Spring Break.
Liz Ritchie ’11: We got the Campus Center open 24 hours without a resolution, why do we need a resolution about this?
Jennifer Savage ’12: Elliot Shore just wanted to see full student support with a passed resolution before putting it into effect.
Courtney Pinkerton ’12: WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the students and Bryn Mawr College to secure a grading system which accurately measures study performance in a way which is fair to students and faculty, may such a one be pursued;
WHEREAS:
An accurate and fair system instills faith in the mission of our school, security in the hearts of hard-working students, and parity among our peers and academic competitors;
Grades are intended to convey performance levels attained to students, financial aid offices, graduate schools, and employers;
Grade inflation depreciates the work of students by devaluing their grades and undermining their broader usefulness;
More and more, grade inflation is a worrisome topic and has been the subject of scholarly criticisms and nationwide news articles which disparage the trend in many private colleges and universities throughout the country;
Grades are intended to communicate valuable information to students (identifying their strengths – and weaknesses), financial aid officers (allocating funding), graduate schools (making admission decisions), and potential employers (screening job applicants). Grade inflation and grade compression depreciate the information content of grades and undermine their usefulness;
A system which allows for grade deflation puts students at a disadvantage when applying for opportunities, whether academic or professional;
Faculty and administration can also appreciate a system which does not promote or stand alongside inflation, allows accuracy through its eradication of deflation, and simultaneously and correctly improves the image of the College;
An adjusted system may allow for more competitiveness among students and heightened striving for academic achievement once the potential for grade deflation is removed;
When the potential for, and possible likelihood of, deflation is removed, scholar-morale may rise, resulting in an improvement in overall student well-being;
Bryn Mawr College is among those colleges and universities exhibiting and struggling with this trend in grading (regarding issues of inflation and compression) and such effects as inaccurate reflections of grades have become so problematic, many colleges and universities are reevaluating adopting grading policies, and so should this institution be among those, in the ongoing process of self-improvement;
Other institutions have moved away from stand-alone grades and that such numerical awards without contexts frustrate the purposes of distinguishing individual student performances;
In order to afford our fellow students an equal footing in post-graduate programs, professional schools, and employment opportunities, a Truth in Grading Policy is necessary and meet to accomplish these purposes;
Bryn Mawr College has hosted the details of this grading system for over three decades and this system, like any other, should be revisited periodically in order to confirm whether adjustments are necessary or the present process remains sufficient and desirable;
Bryn Mawr strives to develop an excellence and superior competence in scholarship in the range of studies which a liberal arts education makes available, and a system which so allows grade deflation prevents the College from displaying its graduates in an accurate light;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That Bryn Mawr College establish and promulgate, or allow the establishment and promulgation of, a committee of Faculty and Students to study Grade Inflation at the College and to report its findings to a designated authoritative body periodically and to propose and recommend a Truth In Grading Policy to be adopted thereby.
Courtney Pinkerton ’12: This is not proposing that a particular grading system be adopted; it’s proposing that a committee be formed to look at our current grading system. We want to prevent inflation, deflation or compression.
Jordan Cottrell ’13: What is grade compression?
Courtney Pinkerton ’12: Quotas sometimes become relevant and grades are compressed towards one end or another on the grading spectrum.
Sarah Kelley ’11: I’d like to suggest that you condense the resolution a little, it’s kind of long.Could the Curriculum Committee look at this? How does our system differ from our institution? Is there a better system at peer institutions?
Courtney Pinkerton ’12: The Curriculum Committee factor is already in the edits that I’m working on. We aren’t proposing that there’s really a better grading system. We have found that there are systems that allow every tenth of point allowed. I met with a lot of different departments, and apparently this current system came about in the 70s, and this was a system that was approved by grad schools.
Liz Ritchie ’11: If changes were to be made, what would happen with grades from Swat and Haverford? From what I understand they have the same policies we do.
Courtney Pinkerton ’12: From what I understand, Haverford has the same system we do and so does Swat. Our grading systems are separate from the other schools, so we could make changes without affecting the other schools. There was a lot of support when we were tabling for signatures.
Emma Rosenblum ’14: If there were changes that are going to be implemented, how would they be implemented? Like far into the future, or like halfway through some students’ college careers?
Courtney Pinkerton ’12: I don’t really know. Options would include grandfathering in the new system, gradually implanted, or it could start with everyone as soon as changes were made.This is just a recommendation.
Sarah Theobald ’12: Have you spoken to faculty interested in sitting on this committee?
Courtney Pinkerton ’12: We would ask if there was faculty interested in being on the committee. Among the interviews conducted in the past week, there seemed like faculty interested in getting involved.
Emily Kirchner ’12: Whereas, Bryn Mawr College prides itself on respecting all students
Whereas, Bryn Mawr student employment practices currently provide little oversight to pay rates on campus, resulting in pay inequality
Whereas, student employees are crucial for daily operations in most Bryn Mawr College offices and departments and especially in Dining Services
Whereas, Bryn Mawr College Dining Services (BMCDS) hires students without regard to previous food service experience or expertise, like many other employers on campus
Whereas, students working for Dining Services are subject to the most severe pay inequality on campus
Whereas, pay inequality degrades the BMCDS program and BMCDS student employees
Whereas, pay inequality exacerbates existing class issues and threatens the Bryn Mawr College community
Be it resolved, the student body recommends
1. that all campus jobs which do not require previous experience or expertise receive the same pay rate
2. student employment oversight must be instituted to improve pay equality
Emily Kirchner ’12: I’m the head supervisor at Haffner, and make $8.75 an hour, and I know someone who works at special collections makes the same amount in a starting postion. I’m not against library jobs, but office jobs have higher pay than in Dining Services. I’ve talked to Chief Administrative Officer Jerry Berenson and Lisa Zernicke, and they agree that something needs to be done about student oversight. I think now is a critical time that students could say something.
Sarah Kelley ’11: Is this a recommendation that would apply to all departments? Because I know that different departments determine how much to pay student workers.
Emily Kirchner ’12: It’s a recommendation to look at pay equality or inequality on campus.
Priya Saxena ’12: Does this mean everyone starts with the same pay rate and then it would increase over time?
Emily Kirchner ’12: I don’t really have a good answer. I’m most concerned about beginning pay rates for non-expertise required jobs.
Blair Smith ’12: Would this affect everyone who would be returning for jobs next semester and would this reduce any salaries?
Emily Kirchner ’12: I don’t think that it would be fair to cut anyone’s wages, but we also can’t just increase a lot of people’s pay at one time. I didn’t include dates for when things should go into effect, because I don’t think I’m equipped to make those decisions.
Julie Ershadi ’11: How will this affect tuition rates for students who need work-study?
Emily Kirchner ’12: I have no idea. I emailed John Griffth, but haven’t gotten a response. I explicitly asked if the budget could support this, so I hope to have his answer soon.
Sophie: We need to vote about whether or not to we want to invite the Deans and President McAuliffe to Plenary.
Sending invitations to both the Deans and the President approved.
Old Business
New Business
Aki Snyder ’11, Kyle Aguilar ’13: We were looking at our calendars, and noticed that the following Sunday is the Oscars, and we were hoping to move the meeting time. Usually this isn’t an issue, because the Oscars are the same day as Pleanry, but this year it didn’t work out. We propose that the meeting on the 27th be moved it to 1 pm.
Sophie: We’ll vote on whether or not to move the meeting time.
The meeting February 27th is moved to 1 pm.
8:24 – Meeting adjourned.