Senate began its weekly meeting a few minutes late Tuesday but drove into business with full force once organized.
At the Speaker’s Podium, organizations requested support for various events and trips. The Dedman School of Law’s Mock Trial troupe, a group designed to prepare students for a courtroom environment, asked for volunteers for its practice sessions. Volunteers would assist the troupe by acting as “fake witnesses” in its mock trial sessions.
The Cheerleading and Pom Squad requested $5,910 to attend the National Cheer Association and National Dance Association tournaments. It will be the Pom Squad’s first year to attend a national conference.
The third-year graduate acting class asked for $3,000 to attend a showcase in New York and Los Angeles in April and May. Called one of the most important events for graduate actors, the showcase provides an opportunity for actors to present their talent in front of agents and representatives in the theater community.
After the Speaker’s Podium, President Liz Healy reminded senators to vote in the Student Body Officer run-off election, which ends today at 7 p.m.
Vice President Taylor Russ spoke next, wishing Senate a safe and happy spring break. Russ also commented on the elections, encouraging all students to vote in the Student Body Officer elections.
Secretary Katherine Tullos brought up senator attendance, emphasizing the need for senators to attend all sessions. Tullos also thanked all who attended the John J. Tower Medal of Freedom presentation to John McCain on Monday.
Committee reports followed, with the Environmental Committee announcing its efforts working with SMU Dining Services management to bring more vegetarian and eco-friendly options to on-campus cafeterias.
The Scholarship Committee reminded students that all Senate scholarship applications are due this Thursday by 3 p.m. in the Student Activities Center.
Healy then stated the need for an Election Appeals Board for this week’s run-off elections. Senators Calvo, Shafi, Rizzari, Hatch and Manthes were appointed.
Discussion began regarding funding for the MBA program’s International Day. Sen. Carlton requested $3,000 for international food and dinner supplies for students to eat on the day of the event.
The Finance Committee proposed its recommendation of $2,100 for the event, and Carlton emphasized the need for the full $3,000, stressing that the event would not be able to happen if necessary money was not given.
Debate centered around why the business school could not fund the event.
Carlton responded that though the business school is well funded, the student organizations, especially those of the MBA program, need money. Following lengthy debate, the Senate voted in favor of giving the full $3,000.
A resolution for dining services to reevaluate meal-plan options for non-first-year students then received discussion.
The resolution aimed to start a dialogue between Senate and the student body in favor of cheaper, more valuable food options for the student body as a whole. The resolution was approved.
Senators then talked about a resolution encouraging Residence Life and Student Housing to install Pony access card readers in the Binkley Colonial Apartments, recognizing that any person may access the four common areas of each building. The resolution was approved.
Extensive debate centered on amending the student Senate election code, including the revision of campaigning and voting regulations. The executive board gave a negative recommendation, stating that the resolution needed further consideration.
“Next semester, Senate could deal with all election issues at once, not a few bills here and there,” Healy said.
Though the executive board opposed the immediate approval of the resolution, it passed when taken to a vote.
Senate then chose to award the Cheerleaders and Pom Squad the requested $5,910 to attend their respective competitions.
The graduate acting class then reiterated its need for funding to attend a showcase. Senate will vote on this issue next week.
