At the semester's first meeting of the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) on Monday, the senate heard reports about plans for the semester. President Ryan Park '05 opened the meeting by explaining that the trustees of the College approved an AAS request for $1,500 from the President's Office to go toward purchasing incentive prizes to encourage students to fill out surveys on the Scrutiny Web site. Each student entry automatically will be entered into a lottery for a free iPod or gift certificate to Antonio's.

Treasurer Ian Shin '06 announced that fall semester accounts would be ready by next week. Shin also proposed a new policy requiring that the Budgetary Committee freeze a club's funding if club receipts are disorganized.

Senator Elan Ghazal '05 said that senate elections are scheduled for April 3, and Chair of the Judiciary Council (JC) Ryan Park '07 reported that the JC has requested that all clubs submit reports for review.

The senate then held senator elections to committees with open seats. The senate elected Senators Ali Khan '08 and Marco LoCascio '07 to the Budgetary Committee, and Senators Rob Cobbs '06 and Avery Amour '08 to the Committee of Discipline.

The AAS also took nominations for the Committee of Health and Safety. "I ... approached Justin [Sharaf '05] about the toilet [seat] covers last year. I'm really irritated it didn't get approved," said Ghazal, the winner. "I'm also concerned about staph infections. Also, about social dorm paper towels."

The senate then elected Senator Noah Isserman '07 to the Committee on Physical Education and Athletics, and Senator Spencer Robins '08 to the IT Policy Committee. After LoCascio's resignation from the Dining Services Committee, the senate elected Senator Raj Borsellino '08 to fill the open position. "I think the Valentine hours need to be changed. I am willing to do what it takes to make those changes," said Borsellino. "I would make sure that Valentine is open for snacks."

The senate also elected Senator Mike Simmons '06E to the Committee of Honorary Degrees and Cobbs to the Residential Committee, a position that required a junior. Finally, the AAS chose Robins to sit on the IT Director Search Committee.

The meeting closed with a discussion of proposals and new issues. "Is there a way senators can be more proactive this semester?" Simmons asked at the conclusion of the meeting. "Last semester, there was a sense of real inaction in the senate."

Vice President Dave Scherr '05 clarified the AAS absence policy, stressing harsher punishment for absences this semester. "For the most part, most absences aren't going to be excused. I will excuse circumstances ... [such as] medical issues or if a class is rescheduled," said Scherr. "Personal issues like too much work is not excusable."