Student Senate Meeting of April 25: Student Governance Resolution Passed
By Brigitta Burks, Staff Writer
April 27, 2007 | 10:30 a.m.
Several important events transpired at the April 25 Student Senate meeting, the most important being the passing of a resolution that could give students a vote on the Board of Trustees.
This resolution gives students more of a voice in the decisions being made on campus—something that is certainly necessary given the current campus atmosphere. The official plan to gain a student vote will be presented to the Board in June. However, it will not be adopted until the 2008-2009 school year.
This resolution did not pass without debate. It was discussed the prior week, and many senators expressed serious dissatisfaction at the previous lack of decision. Actual members of the Board were meeting last week, and an ideal opportunity to present a plan for student governance was missed.
Patrick Heery, the Academic Affairs Senator and a sponsor of the resolution, was most adamant in his support of the resolution and in his disappointment over the senate’s lack of action. Heery declared, “No, we will not settle for a suggestion box government.” Wanting the senate to make a final decision, he said, “I do not call for rash action, but simply action.”
Chris Diehl, the Residence Life Senator and another sponsor of the resolution, brought up the point that a student vote was not part of the rendering of a new alcohol policy and the cutting of several sports teams at Ohio University. Diehl shrewdly pointed out the difference between input and an actual vote.
Heery also expressed the desire for OU to be a leader in the student governance movement. “There are at least some grass roots movements in other state schools," he stated. However, OU is a frontrunner and could define student involvement in government.
The bill was passed unanimously. No opponents spoke out against it despite the delay in its passage.
The possibility of a safety fee at Halloween was discussed but not voted on. A $10 fee for students living in dorms and a $25 fee for guests were proposed.
After speaking with their constituents, none of the senators found anyone who supported a student fee. However, some have expressed support for a guest fee. Diehl said, “It’s the guests who are coming here and creating most of the problem.”
Tim Vonville, the Off Campus Life Senator, expressed his concern about the possible absorption of the Off Campus Living office by Residence Life. The fate of the office is unclear as the Director of Off Campus Living, Jim Hintz, is stepping down.
Vonville stated that Ohio University President Roderick McDavis expressed a “firm commitment” to the office at the beginning of the year. However, Vonville fears “substantial cuts” to an office that “all of you have an investment in.” He is in the process of forming a resolution for the security of the office and of the director’s position.
Despite the tension in the air, the meeting was called to a close on an ironically cheery note. President Morgan Allen said, “We are a family,” and expressed the wish that senators treat each other with respect. Song was even part of the festivities as the meeting closed with the singing of “Happy Birthday” to two lucky members.