Thelomathesian Society Meeting

November 8, 2006 7 PM Location: Hannon Room Thelomathesian Society Senatorial Representation Fall 2006

Issu District First Name Last Name Present? Issue 1 Issue2 Issue3 Issue4 e5 Sykes Letlabika Senaoana Y Y Y Y Hristo Petrov Y Y Y Y Alicia Johnson Y Y Y Y Kristen Bednar Y Y Y Y Julian Blakney-Carlson Y Y Y Y Brendan Eckner Y Y Y Y Michael Nichol Y Y Y Y Geoff Walano Y Y Y Y

KDS Rachel Hall Caitlyn Carlson Y Y Y Y Katherine Alexander Y Y Y Y

Dean Eaton Zoe Bludevich Y Y Y Y Jessica McLeod Justin Green Y Y Y Y Julia Jones Erica Reiner Y Y Y Y Ryan Brandt Y Y Y Y Mackenzie Hollis Y Y Y Y Molly Williams Y Y Y Y Jessica McPherson Y Y Y Y Alexandra Jenson Y Y Y Y Misha Sarova

Lee Haley Bowman Ola McAndrews

Commons Julia Warn Y Y Y Y (78 Park)

ATO Jon Solomon Y Y Y Y Jon MacMillan Y Y Y Y Tyler Andrascik Y Y Y Y

Rebert Tim Louer Issue1 Issue2 Issue3 Issue4 Issue5 25 College Michael Crankshaw-Bierce Y Y Y Y Justin Newcom Y Y Y Y

204 Lincoln Alex Humphries Y Y Y Y (Phi Kap)

Hulett Brent Davis Y Y Y Y

Priest Brandy Pestka Y Y Y Y

District First Name Last Name Whitman Taylor Fargo Y Y Y Y Sarah Callaway Y Y Y Y Lindsay Muetterties Y Y Y Y

Gaines Justin Hunt Y Y Y Y Tegh Kapur Y Y Y Y

Reiff Harry Neely Y Y Y Y

?? Moira Dietsch Y Y Y Y Caroline Bishop Y Y Y Y Andrew Cochran Y Y Y Y

President Jon Cardinal:

This meeting of the Thelomathesian Society will come to order at 7:10 PM on Wednesday November 9, 2006.

Welcome to our second Winston room discussion. This is a good time to meet all of the candidates.

I need a motion to approve the minutes from November 1? Second? Any objections or abstentions?

The Minutes are moved.

Now we will move to Sexual Violence Education Liaison Mandy Kenton

Sexual Violence Education Liaison Mandy Kenton

I want to talk about the American Greetings stalking card online, how it’s made a joke about stalking. If you are interested in learning more, go to americangreetings.com and type in “stalking.” When I did this, a second card came up. I am concerned about that. This is something that the student body needs to bring to attention. The first card was retracted from the site but I want to read to you some of it. The first card was very eerie, a portrayal of what it would be like to be stalked, the card kept going on and on and on and I’m going to read to you what the card says. They ask you for nickname, hair color, eye color, address. The card goes on about making people uncomfortable.

The card was retracted from the website, and is no longer in there. I’m also going to pass along info and statistics about stalking, so please take time to read the letter and to sign it, and please find me afterwards if you would like to talk to me about it.

Thanks.

President Jon Cardinal

I first want to mention that Andy Long, our SLUSAF Central Treasurer couldn’t be here.

Also there will be no reports tonight.

We will now move into Old Business.

Old Business

SLU REPUBLICANS

We’re having a speaker next Monday in Eben Holden. Nothing else has changed with the contingency.

Any discussion? Questions? Points to raise?

Are you sending emails advertising this event soon?

SLU REPUBLICANS

Yes, we have been.

We can’t send out open invitation emails to everyone.

President Jon Cardinal Please try to use the mic. Are there any other questions or points to raise?

None, so we’re going for second approval, any abstentions or objections?

Motion passes unanimously.

We will now move into New Business.

New Business

French Club Contingency Request

French Club Zelda Martinez, co-Pres

Zelda Martinez

We’re interested in revamping the French club, we want to restart ourselves for the acknowledgement from thelmo.

We want to provide activities and events

We have a movie night and music night; 16 attended the first meeting, and 24 attended the second. Also, for students going abroad to France, this is a great way for people to come for homework help or to talk about the French program. Also, we’re going to have a cuisine night, a slideshow, and there is protesting shown that is educational. We also have pictures and slideshows to show the events that we did.

Marissa Covert

The French club provides a forum for French-speaking people, learning or fluent.

Zelda Martinez

This is a way to connect academic life and social life of people no matter what level they are at. Also, be aware that the American world is not the only one out there, we want to show how important diversity is. This is open for anyone, there were 25 people showing the second meeting. The club is growing and more and more people are interested in it. We want Thelmo to support us for our contingency request. Any questions?

Any questions or comments? If you have one, don’t be afraid to use the mic in the back.

Roll Call Secretary Boyd.

Motion passes unanimously, 35 for, 0 against, 0 Abstentions.

Next is the Oxfam Club status request.

OXFAM CLUB STATUS REQUEST

Tom Simonovic

Hi my name is Tom Simunovic and I’m here to speak on behalf of the chapter for Oxfam. Oxfam is focused on economic and social justice movements. This is based on question of fair trade as well as social justice movements and grassroots organization. We’re focused on social justice and activism, and we want to raise awareness on these issues.

Any Questions?

Dr. Erica Barthelmess

Is there a typo in article three?

Tom Simunovic

Yes, there is a typo.

I wanted to say that I joined Oxfam this year and there are some cool events coming up.

Tom Simunovic

We are currently running a couple of campaigns and initiatives, “No dirty gold” for gold mined unethically and environmentally unsound; there is also the homeless and hungry awareness week. We’re putting on a Hunger banquet, and we’re also working on the Save Darfur campaign.

Senator Green

What does Oxfam mean? Tom Simunovic

Oxford Famine relief developed after WWII in Europe, England.

Motion passes unanimously, 35 for 0 against 0 abstentions.

Thanks Tom, have a good night.

Next we will move into the Fencing Club Organizational Status Proposal

FENCING CLUB ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS PROPOSAL

Fraser McKay

Sorry I didn’t get the memo, I’m dressed up tonight.

My name is Fraser McKay and I’m President of the Fencing Club; it’s been around for awhile and it’s in a midst of rebirth.

I’m coming to you in the midst of creating an organization.

The reason it’s important for us to have a budget is so we have things to fence properly.

Equipment is good to have for accurate score keeping; to be competitive and to practice swordplay.

Questions or comments?

Senator Muetterties

Since you’ve been in club status, how consistent is interest and participation?

Fraser McKay

First semester, Marissa Covert started it up.

We had 3-5 members in the beginning, and on the sign up sheets we had more than 20 people coming in this semester.

We used Dow rods and PVC pipes at first. People really like fencing.

A lot of us can agree that fencing is just cool, and a lot of counterpart schools have teams, the interest is healthy, it’s a good option to offer people.

Senator Petrov

Are there tournaments or competitions? Can you explain how many people fence?

Fraser McKay

We want to have a tournament where a bunch of people come and fence in several organizations, tournaments held here are in Ottawa, Syracuse, Montreal, and we aim to get there in the next year. It takes a while to gain acceptance in tournaments as a team. Once we get going it’ll be easier to invite schools. It’ll be good once we have our own equipment. We’ll be able to host tournaments once we get up and running in the next few semesters.

Currently, about 15 people show up consistently, 20-25 come when something new or interesting. We have practice at 11 o’ clock in the morning on Saturdays.

Any other questions?

Senator Johnson

Where are the practices?

Fraser McKay

Regular practices are Saturdays at 11, in the past we’ve aimed for 2-3 in the week. The second is at 8 o’ clock on Wednesdays. Saturdays we do a bit of bouting as well. It depends on who can instruct and when, we have a few within the club right now that instruct as students.

Senator Senaoana

My main question is, are you foreseeing hiring someone to teach and coach, are you planning on paying?

Fraser McKay The most honest is I am not really sure yet. We are a bunch of people who really want to fence. Many of us had instruction prior and a professor who was an epee champion who left after last year. I’m not really sure, it’s up to the students to pursue it and gather vigor. We’re trying to attract previous fencers and community members. We have a few people from SUNY Canton that come and fence, some have really great experience.

Any other?

Senator Hunt

How much does it cost to run?

Fraser McKay

The money hopefully to have is for common wealth and instruction. We have a few tools but not for personal use. You wouldn’t use club gear to compete in a tournament. Apart from actual weapons you have the cost for running a string, with reels that you hook up to fencer and weapon. You have the score machine, sometimes you have another strip of aluminum. We’re trying to get some equipment. The cost of the strip is 1500-2000 dollars, it’s expensive, and we’ve raised 230 dollars from suggested club dues. Although, you’ll probably see me again soon.

Any questions?

Motion passes unanimously, 35 for 0 against 0 abstentions. See you next week for second approval.

So we got through all of that in record time. We’ll move into discussion on diversity on campus and the multi-cultural center on campus that has been proposed. We’ll go from there. Try to use the mics as much as possible. Either come up to two front mics or we’ll have Adobea move up. Throw your hand up. I want to introduce the group here to lead the presentation

DISCUSSION

Dr. Popovic

I’m a visiting governmentt professor. I’m here to talk to you about issues of diversity and sexual orientation. I want to start off by saying that 8 states yesterday motions to ban gay marriage or civil unions. 7 of them passed with overwhelming majority. Arizona did not pass, 51 to 49. That’s the first one not to pass, 27 so far have passed.

This is just one of the issues of sexual orientation. In yesterday’s elections we had a record number of openly gay candidates that got elected. The victory fund openly endorses candidates. There were 88 candidates running as openly gay, and 67 got elected. I’m bringing up these individuals because they are breaking barriers and opening up opportunities in the political sphere. In entertainment, literature, sports, people have come out and been visible to the community and to make all of us aware of the issues. These individuals and constituencies are beacons of hope and encouragement to me. I have a feeling the undergrads would have the opportunity to be a beacon of hope but I think right now you’re falling short.

Up here is pretty homophobic; you have a chance to make a difference so the community here is much more inviting and open. Imagine you were gay and you would have to come out. Or you thought you should but then you’re facing your situation on campus. A lot of feeling people have on sexuality came from Ted Haggart. I don’t think belonging to a sexual minority is repulsive or dark. But I had to come out in an environment that was dominated by such feelings. I remember feelng alone, like there was no one I could confide in. The struggle I felt in myself to accept that. You start to think about the feelings you’ll receive from your peers for being different, you start to worry about the response from family and loved ones. If you come out, you’ll be teased, ridiculed, harassed. There is a fear of discrimination, when you’re trying to join a club or sports team, showering with them, etc. It won’t go over well. In an environment like this where it’s that difficult, it’s unfortunately not surprising that this generation has an enormous personal struggle. This results in attempted or successful suicide. Another way to put this is that all suicide attempts, 30 percent come from teens or young adults that belong to GLBTQ community. 5/6 gay men attempting suicide will do so by 21. If you have a student community that is prejudiced, that makes this problem so much worse. The question is that is there this here?

I have to hear things that people say “oh my god that’s so gay” or “faggot”. These are terms that keep people from coming out. People have been harassed or disadvantaged. I had a conversation with a student who said her friend on campus was gay who decided not to come out. She said she would not come out on this campus.

Students won’t attend events here on campus if there’s a “gay” element to it. The power of that rumor on campus has been strong. Students left this University because of issues of sexual orientation. You’re foregoing the opportunity to actually value things that we can learn from each other to experience different experiences and identities that we can embrace. By not speaking out against that language and attitudes, you give those negative attitudes a voice by not being quiet. We want to make the first step as a faculty and staff task force to increase issues of visibility and acceptance among faculty, staff, administrators, and the undergraduate population. The level of acceptance of faculty and staff is higher than the undergrad population.

National Coming out day got an overwhelmingly positive response from the faculty, but we still think we don’t have enough visibility. We want to encourage you to get involved. There is no functioning undergrad institution on these issues. We want to increase support and acceptance on this campus. We want to help you facilitate positive acceptance and reduce homophobia on campus. We wan tot help you out. A number of us who want to help you to do this have come here so you have people you can address, people willing to help you and guide you and to encourage action. I want people to introduce themselves.

Dr. Erika Barthelmess

I’m an Associate professor in Biology, and I study porcupines.

Dr. Liz McDougall

I am also in the Biology department, and a lab technician.

Dr. Valerie Lehr

I am teaching course on gay and lesbian politics. I am also in the Sociology department.

Dr. Catherine Jahncke

I’m in the Physics Department. I’ve been in a relationship for 9 years.

Matha Thornton

I’m in Residential Life, in an office upstairs.

Reverend Kathleen Buckley

I’m in the Chapel, and I’m happy to talk about religious issues.

Dr. James Wildman

I’ve been in a 5 or 6 year relationship. I am in the Music Department.

Chris Hosmer

I’m single. Randy Hill

I’ve been with Kirk for 23 years. We are not just gay or lesbian, we have a range of people. It’s not all we are.

Dr. Popovic

Thank you very much. We came here because you are the leader of the undergrad community. If you don’t start leading, nobody will follow. We want to talk about things that you can do where we actually have responsible citizens that can value diversity

Welcome to all of you thank you for coming tonight. We’ll start a conversation tonight. What can we do now to help with this?

That goes to anyone.

Student Delegate to the Board of Trustees Mike Wieneke

One thing, I’m a member of the crew team, I know many of you knew of the death of Patrick-Calvin Breslin, looking at the situation it was difficult as a team. People would come up and say we ridiculed him, I kept asking if we were truly as accepting as we gave ourselves credit for. He trained just as hard as I did, just because he had a different sexual preference, that shouldn’t make a difference. Two weeks ago towards the end of our season and someone said we don’t have any gay guys on our team anymore. Our coach said that you don’t know that, just because they haven’t come out. Another guy in the room saying there’s no one gay on our team, you can’t judge someone, you don’t know that. Just because someone might not be “out”, that doesn’t mean they aren’t thinking about it or questioning. Just because someone isn’t out there, doesn’t mean they aren’t. If you ridicule or make a comment or say something, you’re forcing them farther away from you and not encouraging them to accept themselves.

I was with a group of students and someone tossed out a joke. Everyone got all serious. Someone was with us and said “you have to admit it was still funny”. No, it’s not funny. Everyone in this room has been made fun of at some pt in lives and doesn’t make you feel good, I try to come back with a jab at them, but sometimes I just g off and say whatever, that’s what they think. You never know, keep that in the back of your mind. It’s a great subject and the LGBTQ is representing the faculty but I don’t feel that many students are comfortable

Senator Bishop I want to start by discussing how this campus is separated by sexuality and race. I think if people become more comfortable to interact with more different races and sexuality I think the more open they will be. We have the Ray Ross and the WRC; someone who wasn’t African American may not be as familiar with intermixing with different groups.

Senator Bednar

I want to echo what Mike said; this organization can start to try to help students understand the language they’re using and a lot of that comes from leading by example. Also, in the larger society outside of SLU. It is a big thing if people in this organization start to change things. Also, on a mass organizational level and a personal level, in the greater country and world as a whole.

A point that strikes me is that the faculty/staff is more open to inclusiveness and awareness. The student body isn’t. Any ideas?

Senator Walano

I think the main reason is that society as a whole is uncomfortable about talking about it; people think its about sex, but that’s not the case, it’s a factor but other things are involved. LGBTQ people aren’t just that, they’re people. People think of something different they think of them in their sexual role.

So we don’t value the commonality of difference.

I want to read you guys something. This was a report done by the NCAA in the athletics Department. It applies to all of campus. So you get a sense, directly from feedback from the VP of inclusion. He met with students of color.

The students feel that they are being supported, however, students feel that fellow team members and students are not supportive. Those students don’t come from places with minorities. One student said that white women approached him about sexual prowess stereotype. The student athlete had to laugh along with teammates in order to not show anger. Female students were almost fearful and quiet.

This goes to show where you think you’re just being funny, but someone you’re picking on is closed out, and can’t express feelings because they are a minority. Just because you’re a part of the majority doesn’t mean you can pick on someone who isn’t represented. Dean Tolliver

Why does it appear that culture for faculty and staff is more open? At the risk of offending people, it is that college students aren’t fully developed in competency. There has been little exposure for the majority. As a community, we should try to implement programs to deal with exposure to race, sexuality and difference. As an educational community, what are we doing so there are more opportunities to understand racial or sexual orient constructs. What I’m talking about is what kind of events are we putting on? What we’re doing here is a good idea, I would add to ask the fact that the faculty/staff coming out, what was it like at 18 and how comfortable would it be with them?

Also a state of mind and a new state of mind, we are still dealing with society in which they haven’t encountered the kinds of events and opportunities that we’re talking about. A lot of kids didn’t come from places to talk about race or sexual orientation. Why aren’t we talking about your competencies?

I’m standing because the answer to the student culture being less tolerant; it is way more complex to talk about it. We should ask people who are coming out and talk about race, what are your competencies?

Would anybody like to answer that question?

Chris Hosmer

The comment, what was it like for us, we all had unique experiences, every experience is unique. I remember high school, and I went to one for the arts in NYC. You would think that such a place would be more tolerant and open, I was fortunate enough to have an English teacher that I was able to talk to about being gay. I got relief from that experience. When we talk about differences in race and gender, those are all things that one can see. Being gay, bi, transgender, lesbian, those can transcend those things. It’s not very apparent, and again the whole idea for me was the sense of relief, being able to talk with someone and provide some sort of outlet.

One more thing mentioned is that is interesting in what we see in the media; in the MTV culture it’s okay to be gay, then there are these images on TV where it’s okay to make fun of these same things. There are two different messages; it’s okay to be who you are and okay to make fun of someone who is different from you.

Senator Bishop There is a common thread seeing here is not just the recognition of diversity but acceptance of diversity. Everyone wants to be accepted on some level, there’s a level everyone needs to feel in society you are placed in. If we can all make a conscious effort, take these small steps towards recognizing and acceptance of diversity to make changes.

Jessi Burg

Hi Im Jessi, and I write for the Hill. As far as student acceptance goes, we are trying to start a student group together. Anyone interested can email me or watch your email. I guess I have a question. To Dr. Popovic, you talked about how we see incidents of homophobia but I just talked to Rance yesterday, and that there is no incident that has happened. We need to work on reporting things that do happen. As a bisexual person on campus, I am not out, but now I am I guess, I don’t wear a sign. We don’t have that visible culture, but people who run into problems don’t report them. We need to make sure that these are reported.

Also, don’t be afraid to report things as a bystander.

Academic Affairs Chair Chance Johnson

Thanks for cutting me off.

I just want to take a few minutes to say that what we experience as adults comes from what we know as youths. We can’t generalize all experiences. When I was growing up in a sex education class, they said that 1/3 males are gay or could be gay. I remember 8 12-year olds looking around and saying that it’s not me. My father used to say that if I got my ear pierced or came out he’d kick me out. I was scared that someone would point at me and say I think “it is chance”. Why is it that term gay or homophobic people exist? I’ve never been afraid of gay people. Why do those terms exist? Being gay is almost a bad thing.

40 years ago being black was a bad thing; look at the experiences to understand why is it we think it’s a bad thing. I’m from Vermont, we’re one of the first states to pass through civil unions. Why is it bad? You have to draw your own conclusions.

Senator Muetterties

I am just wondering I think there’s a common trend about our personal lives. Things that our friends say, I feel like there’s a common, like “are you straight” like are you good. Even that term we should be careful of. There are segregated groups. Does anyone have any ideas as to how to do that? Things on this campus that could happen, is it a personal thing? Student Life Chair Adobea Akuffo

In the Unity Council which brings the organizations and conversations together on campus, these are conversations had with first years with alcohol and diversity; the more you talk about it and make it seem a part of everyday life when its not a huge issue. Reporting, it’s hard because you’re not sure how to report incidents that happen. There’s sending it to the RC, but for the everyday student it is hard to do so. I had an incident in the weekend, we locked our key in the car and asked a police officer. Someone called the police and said that we were trying to break into the car, and the same cop that was there. We had to prove that it was our car. And they were trying to arrest us for breaking into our own car. Was I supposed to go to the police? Who was I supposed to report this to?

Senator Walano

One of the first steps we need to take is to eliminate these stereotypes and prejudices. One is that gay men is super effeminate, one is do you watch MTV or looking pretty, just because one person acts a certain way doesn’t mean they’re gay. We can’t go about alienating people, as far as events go. One thing about Go Beyond is that it addresses sexual violence in a homosexual community. It says we’re concerned about you and we want you to be involved, too. It’s a diverse community in the LGBTQ.

Rance Davis

My name is Rance and I’m the associate dean of student life. I have two main roles, multicultural and judicial. I’ve been here longer than any other colored person ever. I’ve watched SLU evolve. There is one thing young people don’t understand. Our culture we work from fear, these prejudices about people who are different. It should not be about tolerating it should be about celebrating those that are different because that will enhance your life. Look at how the country was formed. We talk about seek first to understand then seek to be understood. You’re working on your base of fear. Who you are works from your past, not what your future will be. We’re working on this base of fear, in reality we’re working on differences. Tolerance takes us nowhere. We need to work beyond that. Not the faculty and staff, it is the student peers, and you’re dealing out of the base of fear. To get information, you have to ask questions, make yourself vulnerable to ask a stupid question. Someone’s gay or black but don’t assume they all have the same experiences. Why do we assume when we get out of our family and different that we have to eliminate them? Some of the best relationships come out of conflict. I came from an all black community, when I came from SLU I had this image of white folk. All were white and clean. Two weeks into Sykes I changed my mind about it. The bathroom was all torn up. I asked Jonny why he did shit like that? He didn’t know why. He did things under the influence. Many times our conflicts are brought up through the use of alcohol. Under the pressure of being in college and trying to figure out who they are, sometimes they make mistakes. So, on a college campus, here is the best opportunity to engage with those that are different. And not be afraid if he’s male and you’re male and he’s gay. He may teach something to you about himself because he’s had to deal with himself at a deeper level. It is 6 percent of the population.

Some of the same things you do on Friday or Saturday, if you weren’t at college, you’d be in custody. You need to think a little deeper about what you do and why you do it. The world you’re going into is a global economy. The diversity stuff comes from Corporate America. Those with different backgrounds come up with something different. It has no problem putting a woman into position of power. Merrill Lynch, O’Neill is chairman and CEO because he brings different things to table the other folks cant. Time Warner Cable, Dick Parsons, black man. Education doesn’t help you study those that are different from you. In the classroom and co-curricular education, they will put you in that place. Take risks to develop emotionally. I believe our campus is right for that. I believe we have the ability with an effort to be inclusive of all students about diversity and multiculturalism regardless of socioeconomic background, but we have to have the courage to do it. We’ll just keep spinning the wheels if we don’t act proactively.

Dr. Popovic

I made the choice to be in a frat and be gay. I decided to live there and to see what happens. Two brothers closest to me, and if it didn’t go well I wanted to leave. It took them awhile to be comfortable but that’s okay. Don’t expect them to know these things ahead of time. I want to go ahead and put myself out there, took them a little while, and then one of my frat bros asked if I was gay. So where’s the bus of people interested in that? Meaning he didn’t really care, that he was no going to feel differently of that.

One of my friends said I’ve never been to a gay bar and that he wanted to go. We went; we had a blast and it was great. My friends had the courage to do something completely outside of comfort zone, worth experiencing something differently. This is something we can do on this campus. Ex: Pink Triangle showing gay movies or lesbian movies. Maybe you have to put yourself out there and get over the discomfort of going to that house. Just go to those events, put yourself out there. The more you do that, the easier it is for you to go and do that.

I want to wrap up. When they saw the human genome, humans are 99.9 percent identical. We focus on the .01 percent differences. Because of that focus on the difference, we lose everything that some of us picked up, what it feels like to be someone who has had to reach deeper inside of them at the age o 18. That character that derives from that particular struggle; being able to learn from that is big.

One experience is the leadership conference last year. We had circular conversations for about an hour in which you’d engage from across from you. You broke down a lot of barriers in an hour. Anyone in this room at that leadership conference walked out with optimism about human nature because you were confident in yourself and ability to deal with differences.

The word outcast is also important to mention. Rance touched on this. We were a country of outcasts. Ancestors came here because they were excluded from communities. They were American, and outcasts. We don’t want to be associated with outcasts, how can that be true if you were an outcast yourself.

Gay marriage is an issue of equality and human dignity. Others, it is not the case. I want to understand how others think about it and how others talk about it. The staff and administration absolutely love it when we engage discussion, but other students don’t want to associate with it. There is no strong, united voice to a very small minority very vocal about antigay marriage campaigns. The best place to start is on a college campus. All of you have the capacity to start a movement, if we don’t go big and make this a national issue, we won’t accomplish as much as we possible can. The Problem derives from societal issues as Geoff said. I thank everyone for your contribution and discussion tonight. We will continue this. Dr. Hill’s class did a survey on people’s awareness. They will come to present that. We would like to have as many of you coming back to join in with discussion. Make a movement one person at a time.

Vice President of Senate Affairs Matt Brender

Freshman year, my best friend came out, and I think I freaked out like most would, like oh shit are they going to hit on me. I came to a conclusion. Your best friend is gay. The stereotype flag goes off, but so what if he is gay? If you’re okay with your sexuality, then treat them like they’re another person, it will make a difference. Why do you question because are you going to be interested in them? If not then don’t worry about it.

We will move into, our first round of applause to visitors. Move into candidates’ opening. It’s not a debate, because we only have one person for each position. We’re going to ask them all questions and have them all offer their answers and hopefully get their answers.

Debate

Chase and Dan, Assistant chair and Chair of Elections Four Questions

We’ll set up the chairs. 1 minute for each answer.

Assistant Elections Chair Chase Bentley

Why would you be a good representative for the student body?

President Cardinal

First we will start with a quick introduction of all people up here.

Mike Tudoreanu running for VP Senate Affairs

Mike Crankshaw Bierce running for President

Sarah Callaway running for Secretary

Zoe Bludevich running for VP University Relations

Mike Tudoreanu

Running for VP because it seems like a natural progression for me. Joining Thelmo, I didn’t really know what committee to be in, I picked senate affairs, I’m familiar with the climate and we need continuity because the old exec won’t be here next semester.

Michael Crankshaw-Bierce

I’m experienced on the Senate affairs committee, and I’ve been the Secretary of SLU Dems for a year, which involves representation, and communication. Also, because I am open to new ideas, I have lot of respect for the work of the current exec board, and hope to continue a lot of the work that they’re doing, start new initiatives of our own for next year.

Sarah Callaway

I think I would be a good representative, I find myself on all different areas on campus, I feel I can cross different boundaries and get to know different groups of people and I would really hope to try to make the society more involved and recognized on campus, preventing the apathy we see recently., getting more kids being involved on campus. Zoe Bludevich

I’m going with what Sarah said, I’m involved, my main focus is to get involved in as much as possible. I think I have a good consensus about what’s going on, I think I’m in a good position to work with a lot of clubs. I would want to see student body more involved, more aware, make Thelmo more well-known.

Assistant Elections Chair Chase Bentley

Question 2 what is your vision for thelmo?

Mike Tudoreanu

With the current exec board, there is apathy on this campus as this election shows. I want to propose a new system of selecting senators that require senators to be more involved in community. Require senators to get opinions from constituents. In the Thelmo Constitution, it is making sure it’s consistent which is not the case right now. Also, besides Unity Council we should also maintain communication.

Michael Crankshaw-Bierce

I think the primary vision is to combat apathy and I think we’ve seen this semester this year. The Save our Constitution, turn out was really great. Interest on campus, needs to be harnessed and PR needs to be done well. I want thelmo to represent the students again. The current administration has been doing a good job, on some occasions a little collaborative, and shortchanged students to placate the administration.

Sarah Callaway

My visions sound redundant. I guess I want to make Thelmo more welcoming and I think exec is good to have these Winston Room meetings. I want to focus on just making meetings more welcoming and comfortable for students. That was all I have.

Zoe Bludevich

I’m going to reiterate. I want Thelmo to become more well-known on campus, I would really like to see more interest from the student body in Thelmo and more communication with the administration. I think Thelmo’s done a great job and I want to continue our environmental movement.

Elections Chair Dan Tukey

What is your vision of the University as a whole? Mike Tudoreanu

I want to focus on Financial aid, making sure tuition costs don’t skyrocket, and also focus on promoting diversity in race and socioeconomic status, more involvement, and that’s about it.

Mike Crankshaw-Bierce

My vision is simple and it’s what we’ve been saying. I hope everyone graduates from SLU being passionate about something. You can be black, white, Republican, Democrat, etc…The system by which the world is set up is not a natural one and the people in this world is what the world is built for. Hoping we can all have a place in the world and make us more socially responsible.

Sarah Callaway

Two more things, two different topics, one is raising more environmental awareness I’ve been on the ECC working full throttle to raise more awareness and making light on all the little changes and conserving energy, preventing the larger world from spiraling down in global warming.

Also I’m interested in reducing ignorance, the youth of America is really insecure, takes a lot of strength to be that kid to say that you aren’t okay with that.

Zoe Bludevich

My big thing is that you come for education, and become a better person. I think SLU is not only responsible for creating a good education, but also to make us become the person we are meant to be. For instance, recycling, last year my roommate never did it, I’d hope to see our college combat ignorance and make us more informed citizens.

Elections Chair Dan Tukey

What issues have you worked on in Thelmo to keep on working on or change?

Mike Tudoreanu

Winston room meetings, I would like to see that written into the Constitution.

Thelmo this past year has also tried to bridge the gap between administrators and the student body, trying to review the .25 grading scale, hope to continue the review.

Mike Crankshaw-Bierce Thank you. Since I have joined thelmo, some of the issues considering, we mentioned financial aid, long-protacted discussions of the semester. Recently, the four campus bus possibility system, alcohol policy, fairness of meal plans, direct election of senators, ACE relationship with thelmo, salaries for ACE positions, hill news, PR for thelmo, policy for visiting professors and tenure track.

Sarah Callaway

One is the lack of respect of the administration, students think the administration is out to get them when in reality they’re doing a lot more for us than they need to. Ex: Snowbowl, administrators are not evil people, there are a lot of things we think they don’t like.

Zoe Bludevich

Winston room nights are great, financial aid, I want to cut down on energy, townhouses move into the overall campus, also see us bridge the gap between administrators, thelmo, and the student body.

Last year, when I debated, Adam Casler took the approach to the Presidents question. ODY posed this question to one of the SLU presidents. It is, take this as you may, have you enlarged your knowledge of obligations in your capacity to perform them? And how?

Mike Tudoreanu

I’ve become more aware of the issues in my time in thelmo. I watched you debate, Jon, and my reaction was “oh, that’s an issue?” Thelmo opened my eyes in many ways, now I know what people are concerned about. I also helped create solutions for problems. In the past year and a half, I have enlarged my knowledge of the issues of this campus, and my knowledge of my understanding of general issues of people my age.

I believe since coming to SLU I’ve grown in my knowledge of responsibility. Less than 1 percent of worlds pop will ever get an opportunity of something like this. 1/3 people in the world live in less than 2 dollars a day. The odds of them contemplating their existence. This is an amazing gift, accident of birth, and a responsibility to give back and advance the human race. Within thelmo, I realized a lot more obligations than I thought there were. Not like the high school Senate. We have the power to make real changes here, but along with that goes the responsibility along with decisions we make. Sarah Callaway

First on this campus, I was more naïve, but after being on thelmo and witnessing heated debates and seeing issues, getting an inside on the inner workings of the University gave me perspective on things and how we should be appreciating what we have everyday. I agree with it and I feel that I have done it somewhat.

Zoe Bludevich

Just by gong to college I have furthered my knowledge and coming to SLU made me step out of my comfort zone. I have taken steps to get involved and fix and give back to the campus. I think by trying to give back I am accomplishing my furthering my knowledge.

Not supposed to answer that until you graduate. I ask you to reflect back on that quote. We’re going to open this up to questions for ten minutes.

I heard most of you said that there is an apathy problem. I want to challenge that point. It’s not accurate to say that. Many people are apathetic towards thelmo but everyone does something they’re passionate about. Whether that’s a job on campus or getting a 4.0, what do you think thelmo can do to be a forum to get together different organizations, and change this notion of apathy?

Sarah Callaway

There is a lot of passion on this campus and seen in so many ways. I think that the way thelmo can increase or decrease apathy may be struck on PR. Even with publicity of running for positions for exec, I was in the dark about it. Maybe more would apply if it were more publicized. Things like incentives would help also.

Mike Tudoreanu

I think u have a great point, people stick to groups and don’t go beyond comfort zones, prove that thelmo can actually do something. We are not just a cash cow, try to prove that thelmo does things and to PR that.

I also think you have a good point. You can see it when we decide to move Java or Snowbowl, it’s sad but might have to tie thelmo to things people care about on a daily basis. Save our Constitution had a good turnout. Thanks. Zoe Bludevich

I agree with the idea that we need to start tying things in to what people are interested in. For instance, sporting events, creating the sixth man. I don’t know if Laura started the unity council but it’s started a great idea.

Senator Solomon

I had a question about the election process, I’ve been in thelmo since freshman year. I’ve never seen a debate with only 4 candidates. Did grades come into play?

Senator Solomon

Is there any way to extend the application another week? I can’t see the student body voting.

We had them run the first time, and then extend it, if that’s the case then we’ll do that.

Senator Solomon

I realize time is against us.

Only the President that needs the 550 votes, we cant redo the whole election process and its unconstitutional.

Senator Solomon

I can’t make a motion to extend the deadline?

Mike Tudoreanu You could introduce the Constitutional amendment, but that would only work for next year.

Talk to me after.

Senator Johnson

I already heard you say you’re in several clubs, I was wondering how much time you could spend on thelmo outside of the meeting?

Mike Tudoreanu

The solution is simple, spend more time on thelmo or quit the other clubs.

Ditto for me. President is the most important job a student can hold on campus.

Sarah Callaway

Definitely it is something I thought about, especially being secretary. It’s a huge time commitment, and I’m willing to drop things like tutoring two days a week for four hours to have time to focus on making the minutes.

Zoe Bludevich

I’m pretty good with time management, anything that comes in the way I’ll have to cut back on.

Senator Bishop

Personally, running, what is one goal you have to make a difference that you want to achieve?

Mike Tudoreanu

I want to figure out a way to make senators more accountable to their constituents. We could start by introducing direct elections, now thinking of other applications to make senators get in touch.

I want to fight apathy, I think the Presidency is responsible for articulating the broad ideas on campus. Sarah Callaway

I guess increasing PR and through writing the minutes, publicize that more, learning how to take notes better.

Zoe Bludevich

I’m really interested in revising the recycling plan. To better promote thelmo and to create more unity amongst groups here.

Take two more questions and conclude.

Senator Walano

I’m hearing a lot about Public Relations and there’s a lot of work getting articles in the paper and emails out to inform the student body. We’ve also had numerous poster campaigns. What do you feel what else we could do? What do you encourage? We really want to know because we’re doing a lot of hard work?

Zoe Bludevich

There is no simple answer. Going back to what Sarah said about these elections, maybe there were 4 emails out to the general student body. I think that’s a good estimate, posters, rely on other things. We need to get thelmo more involved in other activities, sponsoring more events, getting more involved in sports, arts, other programs.

Sarah Callaway

I remember being on the PR committee last spring, people don’t read the hill news or check their emails. It’s frustrating to figure out what to do. Word of mouth goes long way or sometimes things could go about as rumors.

I feel the same way. Easiest way is through a senator in contact with students in their halls or around. Problem is we can’t enforce that. Office hours are a logistical nightmare, comes down to personal responsibility.

Mike Tudoreanu

As VP of Senate Affairs, I agree that word of mouth is the best way. I was thinking about using Unity Council as a way to do this as well. Academic Affairs Chair Chance Johnson

What do you think the University’s focus is for the next semester? I mean everyone involved, faculty, staff, etc. What should the focus be as a whole?

Mike Tudoreanu

Obviously it’s the education, in terms of specific, push through with financial aid and socioeconomic diversity extension.

Strive to maintain diversity.

A lot of people site student life, should be on improving student life and community on campus especially when winter sets in.

Sarah Callaway

We should start by raising awareness, the teach-in, Oxfam, new programs starting up about global actions. Campus itself, with Jon and the current exec board getting people in here to talk about big issues on campus. Keep inviting people, two women who came in to talk about financial aid.

Zoe Bludevich

I think the University, first is education. I want us to continue to work with advisers, also I think informing the student body is a great way to get involved, I think having the teach in that Sarah mentioned, bringing in guest speakers, educational things on campus.

Can we all give the candidates a round of applause? With that I want to make a couple of comments. We did advertise this, I spent the last part of the semester trying to get people to run, most juniors are going abroad, and sophomores are tied up. We need to get 550 or so votes to get mike to get recognized by the Trustees. He can still be president but wont have legit. As a student Delegate, I don’t think its democratic to have a representative that didn’t receive 31.6 percent representing the general student body, that’s not because of mike’s abilities it’s because there is only one candidate per spot. We want to be consistent, no first time around, Election committee’s decision to release the applications once again, it’s their decision. I’m sure they’d like to get your feedback on that. I don’t know how much of a difference it’s going to make. We’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. After thanksgiving, it’s the crunch period between that and finals. If you put forth the effort now, we can get it done and move on. If you don’t, then it’s your responsibility to do that later to get the student voice out there. Any questions? I know it’s a concern by saying you vote you’re endorsing a candidate. Only something that exec will work on and you don’t need to worry about it. Just tell people to vote. We have an election committee of 10 and we’ll have pub hours and Dana hours. Any suggestions?

Are all of you willing to work your stuff to get this done? Candidates, I know you’re not running against anyone, but Mike you have a vested interest in the campaign. You just all got done saying that PR was a priority. You only have two days and a weekend. Anyone else?

MEMBERS TIME

Senator Walano

I made a Facebook club, for voting on election day. I want you all to start by Inviting people and everybody else. We’ve done that for ACE events with turnout. We had guests …

Can we endorse these candidates?

Any other members time.

Senator Solomon

This Thursday the ATO brothers are holding a poker tournament, people can come over and play Texas Hold ‘Em at 8 PM.

Diwali is Sat 6 PM in Gunnison, it is an Indian celebration of the festival of lights. Wikipedia it. There’s going to be free food, music, lights, etc.

Ties into our diversity discussion.

Student Delegate to the Board of Trustees

Co-curricular education and Intramurals are putting on a dodgeball tournament after the hockey game. Jump on the intramural website, registration ends at 5PM. Email them tonight, also a late night breakfast in the old field house. Stop by, music, dodgeball action. I will not be playing but I already heard challenges, 6 guys on crew team that are going to win.

I have horrible memories from the first grade. I’ll go and reminisce. Anyone else?

Senator Bishop

FY Council is talking about the advising committee and what role we want them to take, I was wondering how you want me to convey information?

To all upper classmen in this room, reach out to first years to help students, first years, we’re all picking classes for next semester. We haven’t been able to figure out what classes to take. I spent 15 minutes this morning with a first-year working through the APR system.

There is an advising ad hoc committee, meeting with Regosin and Horowitz, will convey that back to the Senate, picked exec members interested in it.

So sounds like something you’ll be interested in doing.

Senator Bishop

I will have feedback for you.

Anyone else? Thanks for going 45 min over, great conversation, meeting adjourned.

Respectfully and Dutifully Submitted by Secretary Elizabeth Boyd