Senator Adam Bookman '08 reported that the Committee on Physical Education and Athletics met and proposed an external review of the relationship between classes and athletics. Senator Emily Silberstein '06 announced that the Trustee Advisory Committee discussed the new Committee on Academic Priorities (CAP) report that will be available for students to read in Valentine.
Judiciary Council (JC) chair Kevin Nattinger '08 swore in Katherine Roza '08 as a new member of the Judiciary Council and Senator Ashley Rose '07 reported that the College Council met to discuss the future of the social dorms, resolving to address the issue "very soon."
Discussion over Senator Jessica Rothschild '06's senate project then commenced. In her plan, the number of senators per class would be reduced to six, effectively reducing the size of the senate by 25 percent. Also, the current three at-large committee spots available to all students would be increased to 14 at-large positions.
Senator Pan Venkatraman '09 asked about the reason for the changes, and Rothschild responded that comparable to other schools, the current senate is disproportionately large. She also added that limiting the number of senators would both make the senate more decisive and encourage more competition amongst students. Rothschild also noted that students should be allowed to serve on a committee without having to serve on the senate.
Senator Rob Cobbs '06 warned, "I'd be cautious about diminishing ourselves with the faculty … with the senate now being more than just the Budgetary Committee (BC) and with committee spots, we are respected." Simmons added to Cobbs' concern, stating, "These are big changes and I think we should proceed cautiously."
A straw poll showed senators in support of reducing the number of senators to six per class, but against the increase in at-large committee positions.
Bhala next addressed BC recommendations. Senator Charmel Maynard '07 motioned to fund two additional people for the Harvard Business Conference with $250. Rothschild suggested reducing the amount to $110, paying only for the registration fee. Her motion, as well as the BC recommendations, passed unanimously.
Simmons then initiated debate over the senate's policy of denying clubs' funding requests for food during their meetings. After debate, senators agreed that funding food for introductory meetings in order to encourage participation should be allowed.
Before the senate adjourned, Rothschild and Senator Mira Serrill-Robins '06 received $1,015 to fund senior commencement t-shirts. Bookman also resigned from the Bradley Shuttle Committee.