S.G.A. Senate Meeting

S.G.A. SENATE MEETING

April 8, 2013

NOTE: THE MEETING AGENDA ITEMS TOOK PLACE OUT OF THE TRADITIONAL ORDER BUT THE MINUTES WILL APPEAR IN TRADITIONAL ORDER FOR THE RECORD.

The meeting was called to order in the Plantation Suites of the Donald G. Bollinger Student Union at 4:00 p.m. Presiding officer was Vice President Gavin Johnson. The Recording Secretary was Dolly McGeever.

The pledge was led by Senator Nicholas Martin and the prayer was given by Senator Adam Lefort.

The Nicholls Student Government Association Mission Statement was read by Senator Erin Fontenot and Senator Nathalie Jeudy read the first value of the Nicholls Creed.

The following Executive Board members were present: President Matthew Jewell, Vice President Gavin Johnson, Treasurer Lohan Kotzé, Director of Student Rights and Grievances Brittany Chiasson, Director of Public Relations Melissa Cloutet and Secretary Dolly McGeever.

The following Senators were present: Sarabeth Theriot, Jessica St. Pierre, Erin Fontenot, Victoria Verdun, Lillie Bourgeois, Carolanne Moore, Shiena Normand, Francis Roy, Nathalie Jeudy, Jason Ray, Mary Sauce, Adam Lefort, Richard Grabert, Lawrence Arceneaux, III, Kellen Hart, Nicholas Martin, Ashley Halloway, Fallon Authement, Adam Doucet, Lindsey McGinity, Yaye Ba, Brandon Bergeron and Evan Villemez.

The following Senators were absent: Gabby Marcello, Trace Juneau, Cody Hood, Rondreka Pitts and Katelyn Smith.

Web Tech was represented by Senator Sarabeth Theriot.

Student Supreme Court was represented by Justice Olabisi Akingbola.

Election Commission was represented by Commissioner Cera Boatwright and Commission Member Anthony Naquin.

No guests were present.

No minutes were presented.

GUEST SPEAKER:

OFFICER REPORTS

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – MATTHEW JEWELL

Welcome back from what I hope was a good Spring Break for all of you. Time to get on top of school again with five weeks left. Drop date is April 17th.

I’ll be at COSBP meetings this weekend in Lake Charles with President-Elect Melissa C. to introduce her to everybody and for her to see how COSBP works. There will be other SGA Presidents around next year because they’re running again.

I met with Dr. Dial today to discuss several things:  The campaign for small businesses in the community. We’re getting prices together to try to build awareness. We’re trying to get the wheels turning on something that the University should be doing but may not have the personnel or the money to do it. This will be a good way to get it started. It might be a good way to keep the University to keep it going. It’ll mainly focus on Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes which are our two major parishes that build the Nicholls community;  possibly purchasing a 30’ x 30’ tent. We have to make sure there’s really a need for one because it’ll be about $5,000. They aren’t cheap but they do benefit the students because organizations are allowed to request the tent just like the one we have now; OFFICER REPORTS CONTINUED: PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONTINUED:  some technicalities for Senator Nicholas M.’s future motion. We’ll get together after the meeting to catch up on what’s been done so far; and  talked about SPA/SGA sponsoring all students attending Swamp Stomp Festival next year. I’m going to write a Resolution and present it to you that it would be our opinion that SPA should at least put up half and SGA should put up half for students to attend the festival. It’s a great event that focuses on Louisiana culture and it’s right here on campus. I think it’s something we should help sponsor.

Tomorrow I have a Rec Center Advisory Committee meeting.

I’ll meet with Dr. Hulbert once he gets back.

I still have to interview one applicant for Senator. I didn’t really get enough information just from reading his letter and co-curricular so I want to interview him before I submit my appointment to you.

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT RIGHTS & GRIEVANCES' REPORT – BRITTANY CHIASSON

 Yesterday I met with someone about a grievance and will have a meeting this week. I’ll also have a meeting for another grievance.  Next week Director Melissa C. and I will attend a Social and Community Concerns Committee meeting. If you see any severe problems around campus, please let us know so we can get in touch with people to get it resolved.  I also finished the SGA Suggestion Box. We’re still thinking about putting the term “What’s the frustration?” on the box.

TREASURER’S REPORT – LOHAN KOTZE

No report.

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS’ REPORT – MELISSA CLOUTET

 Next week is our Scantron Giveaway in the Quad. We’ll have our tent out there with lemonade and watermelon. It’ll be a Spring gathering from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and mandatory for Senators to attend. If you cannot attend because of class, submit an excuse with a copy of your class schedule.  Registration begins April 18th. It’s a privilege to have early registration so make sure you have all your classes ready. You have to make time for SGA committees and our 4:00 p.m. meeting so don’t schedule classes from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Our Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament is next week on the 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the Rec Center. That’ll be a fun event.  Invitations for our banquet and the Allen Reed Memorial Bench dedication were made.  I made ads this week for housing, KNSU and one for SGA.  If you haven’t taken a headshot yet, call Misty McElroy this week to get it done. It only takes 5 minutes of your time. We’re doing a composite again this year so make sure you get your picture done. Wear nice clothes, business casual, and no fraternity or sorority items.

VICE PRESIDENT'S REPORT – GAVIN JOHNSON

 I’m still working on the Tech Fee Bylaws and will hopefully have some kind of report next week on those.  I want to tell Senator Nicholas M. that he did a really great job with the “What I’ve Done/Heard” form. What he did was noted how he’s setting up a meeting with people to get things done. It shows that something is getting done and not just looking for Director Brittany C. or one of us to fix it for him. I really appreciate that.  Food Advisory meeting is tomorrow. I’ll take a list of food related problems if you have any: 1. Senator Nathalie J. asked if they can change the menu in the Cafeteria. Sometimes it’s always the same sides. OFFICER REPORTS CONTINUED: VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONTINUED: 2. Senator Carolanne M. asked if they could put the soft serve machine back in the Cafeteria. President Matthew J. said the process that companies like Sodexho buy things, is that they put things out on bids. 3. Senator Victoria V. said she had berries in the Union and they were delicious. 4. Senator Erin F. said the blocks of cheese are too large for the cheese and fruit cups. They should put more grapes, etc. 5. Vice President Gavin J. said the oven in the Sub-Connection now works and is glad that there aren’t many complaints.

ACTIONS TAKEN ON OLD BILLS

Four motions passed at the meeting of March 25 and were signed by President Matthew Jewell. One motion was tabled.

STUDENT SUPREME COURT REPORT – Olabisi Akingbola, Justice

No report.

ELECTION COMMISSION REPORT – Cera Boatwright, Commissioner

No report.

WEB TECH REPORT – Sarabeth Theriot

No report.

SGA SENATE COMMITTEE REPORTS

Finance Committee – Shiena Normand, Chair; Gabby Marcello, Co-Chair

Present: Senators Shiena Normand, Chair, Mary Sauce, Ashley Halloway, Brandon Bergeron, Kellen Hart, Carolanne Moore, Sarabeth Theriot, Nathalie Jeudy, Jessica St. Pierre, Erin Fontenot, Adam Lefort and Lawrence Arceneaux, III.

Absent: Senator Gabby Marcello, Co-Chair.

Today we reviewed a motion for prizes for the Rock, Paper Scissors Tournament. The committee found it highly favorable.

We also decided that for the refrigerator motion, we chose the 4.4 cubic foot refrigerator for $206.99 as compared to the 4.5 cubic foot refrigerator for $279.99.

Judiciary Committee – Senator Jessica St. Pierre, Chair; Gabby Marcello, Co- Chair

Present: Senators Jessica St. Pierre, Chair, Lawrence Arcenaux, III, Lillie Bourgeois, Erin Fontenot, Richard Grabert, Nathalie Jeudy, Adam Lefort, Carolanne Moore, Shiena Normand, Mary Sauce, Sarabeth Theriot, Ashley Halloway, Kellen Hart, Brandon Bergeron, Evan Villemez and Yaye Ba.

Absent: Senators Gabby Marcello, Co-Chair, Cody Hood, Trace Juneau, Rondreka Pitts and Francis Roy.

We went over five excuses and excused them all. SGA SENATE COMMITTEE REPORTS CONTINUED

Meet the SGA/Social Events: Mr/Ms Nicholls/Banquet (Homecoming/Christmas) – Mary Sauce, Chair

Present: Senators Mary Sauce, Chair, Richard Grabert, Lillie Bourgeois, Ashley Halloway, Jason Ray, Fallon Authement, Adam Doucet, Adam Lefort, and Nicholas Martin.

Guest: Director of Public Relations Melissa Cloutet.

We discussed the following:  The banquet menu was presented and an estimated number of guests will be obtained during this meeting.  the SGA “Tent Day” is scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday, April 16th and 17th from 8 to 12 in the Quad. Lemonade and watermelon has been ordered from Sodexho. A motion for that and mandatory attendance will be presented next week;  the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament prizes have been finalized and an ad is being put in The Nicholls Worth. The event is to be held next Thursday, April 18th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Recreation Center;  Senator Jason R. is working with E.D. White to obtain the snowball machine for Crawfish Day and discussion was held on having other games at the SGA tent; and  because our Co-Chair resigned, Senator Lillie B. was appointed as our new Co-Chair. Congratulations Lillie!

Campus Improvements Committee – Senator Adam Lefort, Chair, Carolanne Moore, Co-Chair

Present: Senators Adam Lefort, Chair, Carolanne Moore, Co-Chair, Richard Grabert, Jason Ray, Mary Sauce, Sarabeth Theriot, Nicholas Martin, Ashley Halloway and Fallon Authement.

Absent: Senators Trace Juneau and Katelyn Smith.

We discussed the following:  Table/Bench Project we’re working on;  Allen Reed Memorial Bench dedication; and  computer issues in the Student Union, Ellender and Zeringue Halls.

UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE REPORTS

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

S1213-077a I move to take the motion for the retractable banner from the table

1. Adam Lefort 2. Lawrence Arceneaux, III Move into vote: Passed For-23 Against-0 Abstained-0

S1213-077 I move that the Senate allocate up to $350 from the Senator Projects Line item of the budget to purchase a Retractable Banner for SGA to display at events. The proof of the sign is attached. 1. Lillie Bourgeois 2. Mary Sauce

Discussion: Senator Lillie B. said this will be a banner with the SGA Logo and say “Student Government Association”. We’ll display it at Scantron Giveaway days and “Tent Day” events.

Question: Move into vote: Passed For-23 Against-0 Abstained-0 NEW BUSINESS

S1213-081 I move that the SGA allocate up to $300 to be taken from the Professional Services line item of the budget for the purchase of a Kindle E-reader, various Nicholls bookstore novelty items and a “Nicholls” Champion hooded sweatshirt to be awarded as prizes for the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament to be held on April 18th, 2013. *The prices are as follows: - Kindle E-reader at $89 (to be purchased from Amazon.com) - “Nicholls” rolled tee (large) at $14.99 – Nicholls “N” Tervis tumbler at $15.98 - USB at $19.99 - Red “Nicholls” sweatshirt blanket at $36.98 - Red “Nicholls” Champion hooded sweatshirt at $54.98 Totaling $231.92 1. Mary Sauce 2. Adam Lefort

Vice President Gavin J. said the motion will be tabled because the dollar amount is over $200.

DISCUSSION PERIOD:

SGA Banquet: Director Melissa C. said the banquet is Tuesday, April 30th at 6:00 p.m. in the ballroom. You’ll all receive a formal invitation. Right now we need a head count of yourself and your parents because they are invited also. (A sign-up sheet was distributed). SGA will pay for your meal but your parents will have to pay for theirs. It will probably be around $15. The banquet is an end-of-the-year celebration of everything we’ve done. It’s for all of SGA, Mr. & Ms. Nicholls and Scholarship recipients. It’ll be a fun evening.

The menu should be approved by you. The menu will include: a cash bar which is beer and wine only. SGA can’t pay for this but we’re offering it to the parents. The food menu is Strawberry Fields salad with mixed greens, purple onions, feta cheese, walnuts, sliced strawberries and Strawberry Vinaigrette, grilled chicken breast with creole cream sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, buttered baby carrots with parsley, fresh baked dinner rolls, French styled cheesecake with chocolate drizzle, ice tea, coffee and water. (The menu was approved by the Senate).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Melissa C. E-Board and Chair applications are due April 22nd. If you feel you’re ready to take the next step in SGA, apply. You can ask any of us if you have any questions about any of these positions.

Mary S. Sigma is having a fundraiser in the Union on Wednesday.

Nicholas M. Phi Mu is having a “Give Back Night” for cancer patients at Santa Fe Restaurant. Victoria Verdun said her aunt started this fundraiser called “Mary’s Gowns for Smiles”. She makes gowns for children in the hospital with cancer. She makes different gowns so that they’re not just pink or blue, she’s using LSU fabrics, etc. so teenagers don’t feel like children.

Carolanne M. This Saturday, Delta Zeta is having their annual Turtle Tug. If you’d like to make a team or be on my team, let me know. It’s $25 per team.

Olabisi A. This is just a reminder of the new Housing Portal we’re going to. So if you get an email, hopefully you will register and create your own profile to start the process.

Sarabeth T. Krewe of Ambrosia is have their first meeting on Thursday at the Foundry.

Richard G. When doing the Housing profile, if you don’t want to stay in the same room, make sure you skip over the review because you can’t go back without calling Housing. ANNOUNCEMENTS CONTINUED

Gavin J. Mosaic is hosting a Jubilee event this Friday, from 12:00 to 1:00 in 133 Peltier. There’ll be readings from the current edition and past editions. It’s the student literary magazine of Nicholls which is put out once a year and features student works put together by students. They’re a different size this year with a white cover.

Matthew J. Spirit Award dates: Tuesday, April 16th is Men’s Baseball vs. ULL at 6:30 Friday, April 19th is Men’s Baseball vs. McNeese and Friday, May 10th is Men’s Baseball vs. Northwestern

Advising starts tomorrow. See your advisor so you can graduate on time.

Melissa C. Congratulations to Kappa Alpha who won the Spirit Award for a total of $300. They won $100 at the Men’s Baseball game and $200 at another Men’s Baseball game. People are winning so go out there and show your Colonel spirit.

Brittany C. There’s a Green Club meeting on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. in Ayo Hall.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.