The controversial discussion of The Amherst Hamster's monetary problems was, in the interest of time, cut shorter than some senators would have liked, (see story, page 1).
"The issue is not [whether or not] the bill has been paid, but that some groups put us in [a bad position]," said Will Johnson '03, of the Hamster controversy.
Vice President Bob Razavi '03 announced the resignations of President David Bugge '04E and Judiciary Council Chairperson Jun Matsui '03.
Razavi is acting as interim president and plans to run for that office. Vivek Lakhi '05 is serving as chair of the judiciary council until the Feb. 25 election.
Luke Swarthout '04 began the discussion of student-faculty committees by stating their purpose-addressing the issues that the College campus faces.
Senators bombarded Lincoln Mayer '04 with questions after a short presentation on the Committee on Discipline. Because the proceedings of the Committee are confidential, most senators knew very little about it. Two male and two female students serve on the committee, as well as two professors. Only three students serve at any individual hearing.
Associate Dean of Students Frances Tuleja can refer cases to the Committee for one of two reasons: if the case has the potential punishment of at least one semester of suspension or if the facts of the case are in dispute. The votes of each committee member (both faculty and students) are weighted equally in the final decision. The committee is only reactive, and plays no part in policy-making or reviewing.
The College Council representatives reported that the committee is looking into the possibility of instituting an honor code. According to Mike Flood '03, it is also reviewing theme housing and room draw. Elan Ghazal '05 made the point that the College Council is another place where student groups could seek funding.
Senator Jesse Freedman '03 complained of the atmosphere of disrespect present on the campus. "It's unbelievable, the stuff that goes on here," said Freedman. "I think [the atmosphere] at other colleges it is a function of an honor code."
Mike Flood '03 reported that he has been researching honor codes with Professor of Political Science Pavel Machala, but that the administration will be of little help in implementing one. "We are just beginning our exploration of issues surrounding an honor code," he said.
Rocío Digón '03 reported that the Committee for Educational Policy is looking into course times (possibly adding 80 minute classes on Tuesday at 1:30 as an added option) and preregistration. "We're trying to balance students' flexibility with being able to shop," said committee member Stacey Kennard '03.
Kennard reported that the Committee on Admissions and Financial Aid was looking more into admissions this year than financial aid. The committee will also begin to discuss affirmative action as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear oral arguements about the University of Michigan cases.
The College libraries will soon acquire their millionth volume, and the Library committee is currently planning a celebration.
"It's all open to students, but we've been talking about making part of it especially for students," said Ben Baum '03. One possibility that the Committee is looking into is holding a formal party in Frost Library.
Livia Angiolillo presented the Budgetary Committee's (BC) weekly recommendations and the senate passed them. The recommendations included allotments of $7,140 from programming funds, leaving a total of $33,653.09, and $552.56 from discretionary funds, leaving a remainder of $57,027.44 in discretionary funds for the semester.
The groups that received funding were Students for a Sensible Drug Policy, La Causa, the Outing Club, the Progressive Students' Alliance, NOTE, the Science-Fiction/Fantasy Club, Hillel, the Amherst College Republicans and the Amherst College Diversity Coalition.
Some senators questioned the budgetary recommendations, particularly the ones sending various groups on trips. "Isn't it kind of silly that we're funding people's spring break trips? I'm not sure that's the kind of thing we should be funding," said Flood.
Angiolillo responded that it was not the place of the BC to judge the worth of various groups and trips, but to distribute funding fairly and uniformly. Some senators attested to the value that the various trips would bring back to campus.
Caleb Deats '06 announced a meeting this Thursday in the Frontroom of Keefe Campus Center to discuss alternatives to diversity seats. The meeting is open to all members of the College community.
"We are hoping to find alternative ways that we can increase the accessibility of the Senate to underrepresented groups on campus, who are seeking a greater voice in student affairs at the College," said Deats. "It is important that we address this issue head on and make sure we find different approaches to the issue."