| I. |
Call to Order The meeting was called to
order by Vice President Denton at 7:05 a.m. |
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| II. |
Pledge of Allegiance |
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| III. |
Roll Call Senator Amavizca, Castillo,
Crosley, Gomez, Guevara, Kenny, Klell, Magnusson, Romano,
Rutherford, Scott, Preston, Talimatasi, Urquijo were
present for the Senate. |
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| IV. |
Approval of Agenda Senator Urquijo moved
to accept the agenda. Senator Preston seconded. Motion
carried 14-0. |
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| V. |
Approval of the Minutes Senator Crosley
moved to accept the minutes of March 6, 2001. Senator
Talimatasi seconded. Motion carried 14-0. |
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| VI. |
Executive Council Reports |
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A. President Murguia informed
the Senate that the coarse for the great race has been
set. A dinner and dance is also being planned for that
week. Ideas for a menu are needed. Those with suggestions
or ideas are encouraged to see him. He also informed
everyone that a king and queen competition is also being
planned. The fees committee met on Wednesday March 19th.
Unanimous changes were made on the allocation of student
fees (see attached). Finally, an Election committee
has been formed. Elections will be held on the week
of April 16th. This concluded his report. |
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B. Vice President Denton Vice President
Denton asked the Senators to find out when their committees
were meeting. She asked that they fill out the proper
paper work so that they may present the information
to the Senate. This concluded her report. |
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C. Secretary Zuniga Secretary Zuniga informed
the Senate that the money that was allocated to her
would not be used. She stated that because of other
duties, she would not be able to make an ASWNMU newsletter
as planned. This concluded her report. |
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D. Treasurer Bocanegra Treasurer Bocanegra
informed the Senate that the current budget is $6,901.00.
This concluded his report |
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E. Attorney General Hazlett Attorney General
Hazlett reminded the Senators that the profile deadline
has been reached and that all profiles were received.
He informed the Senate that more standing rules were
in progress. This concluded his report. |
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F. Governmental Affairs Director Luna
Governmental Affairs Director Luna informed the Senate
of the events that took place at the lobbying session
in Santa Fe. They were able to speak to Representative
Taylor who is trying to get WNMU on a wish list. No
money has been received yet due to vetoes from the governor.
The New Mexico governor is aiming for a tax cut while
the legislators are not going for it. As of now things
are at a standstill. This concluded his report. |
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G. Senate Reports Senator Guevara informed
on the Great Race. She stated that people were needed
to help out during the Great Race. Sharon Zuniga informed
the Senate that the CDC was remodeling and a place was
needed to house the children next semester. Those with
ideas should contact Chris Casey. |
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| VII. |
Old Business |
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A. Summer Sessions Dr. Farren was present
to explain the changes to summer sessions. Dr. Farren
explained that the change from two summer session to
one would make things easier. He explained that instead
of two registrations there would now only be one with
multiple sessions. The changes also allowed some to
take classes Monday through Thursday with a three-day
weekend. Changes in financial aid regulations were also
taken into account when considering the change. In order
to get financial aid one must carry 6 hours per session,
which for some is difficult due to a time restraint.
This change to one summer session would allow for students
to extend their six hours throughout the summer school
schedule. If students sign up for 6 credit hours then
they are entitled to receive financial aid. However,
because of the change in fiscal years, the upcoming
summer session is counted as part of this year. Therefore,
if those who received financial aid in August have already
exhausted their Pell Grants or loans then they can not
apply for financial aid again until next fiscal year.
Those students who have exhausted their funds were notified
through mail. He concluded by saying that the reason
for the change was in respond to students' request of
a more flexible schedule. Discussion: Dennis Luna inquired
on why the students were not notified at an earlier
date in order to allow them to plan for the summer session.
He pointed out that the Financial Aid office hadn't
even been notified until February. He expressed his
concern that the students were not given an option on
how to divide their money to cover summer sessions therefore,
many will be left without any financial aid. He also
informed everyone that teachers had been reluctant to
turn in their schedules because they too were unhappy
with the changes. Finally, he stated that the students
had a right to know of these changes. Dr. Farren replied
that Financial Aid changes would not greatly affect
students and for the most part it would work out similar
to past years. He reminded everyone that Financial Aid
was not the only thing that changed but also federal
regulations are different. This, among other things,
lead to the change. Dr. Farren stated that the faculty
was given the choice on how to schedule their classes.
He also said that students were asked in previous years
on whether they would like to set money aside for summer
sessions and that most students turned this down. Student
Lupe Cano inquired about the long hours that classes
would have to run and the strain it would cause on both
teachers and students. Dr. Farren responded that in
his opinion teachers were pretty conscientious about
this and that strenuous classes would not be scheduled
for long hours. Lupe Cano asked about the interlibrary
loans and the fact that material usually takes about
four weeks to arrive. This affects grad students who
need this material for their class papers. This would
present a problem since some session would run shorter
than this. Dr. Farren informed everyone that other options
were available. For one, he suggested the use of the
Internet. He said that today most research journals
are available online and encouraged everyone to use
them. He also suggested the use of libraries around
Silver City, like that of Las Cruces or Albuquerque.
Lupe Cano inquired about what students were asked if
they wanted to divide their money in order to pay for
summer school. Dr. Farren replied that those students
who expressed their interest in attending summer school
on their financial aid application were notified. Mr.
Kelly also confirmed that those who planned to attend
summer school were given the option to split their money
to cover their schooling. He expressed the fact that
now students were given the option to take only 6 credit
hours with one summer session to qualify for financial
aid. He explained that this change does mean that there
will be no summer Pell Grants but work-study will still
be available. Zeke Hazlett commented that the federal
regulation changes were not final as of yet. He mentioned
that the interlibrary loans were of great concern to
many. Mr. Hazlett stated to everyone that here in Western
New Mexico University students were at the starving
end of the information food chain. He pointed out that
the Administration was aware of the upcoming changes
and inquired on why the students were not notified.
This problem could have been avoided if only the administration
would seek student input. Mr. Hazlett reminded everyone
that we the students are the source of money here at
WNMU, therefore the students should come first. Dennis
Luna stated that the change in financial aid would greatly
affect athletes that depend on summer sessions to keep
them eligible to play sports. He reminded everyone that
this change would mean a smaller budget to work from,
therefore the students will be affected. Mr. Kelly confirmed
that students would be affected by the change. Mr. Luna
also stated that tuition was going up. He informed everyone
that teachers were given the option on how to schedule
their classes, which may cause some classes to conflict.
Dr. Farren stated that the faculty chose their schedules
according to what would benefit and retract more students.
Second, he expressed that he felt the faculty would
not intentionally jeopardize a student's education with
unfair schedules. Next, he stated that all schedules
had to be approved by both the chairman and the Vice
President. Finally, Dr. Farren stated that the option
was given to the faculty in order to give the students
maximum flexibility in scheduling. Student Lupe Cano
stated that she, as a faculty member's daughter, knows
that not all the faculty was aware of the changes being
made. Dr. Farren responded that the date of the memo
sent to the faculty was dated in October. Senator Urquijo
stated that he did not understand how the students'
benefits would increase with the summer scheduling changes.
Dr. Farren responded that the new schedule would maximize
the time at which classes could be taken. Senator Crosley
inquired on whether the new schedules would have conflicting
classes and how this would affect graduate students.
Dr. Farren responded that he was unable to answer that
question at the time because the summer schedules would
not be completed until the beginning of April. He said
that if there are classes conflicting, then the old
schedule will be used. Senator Crosley inquired on why
the students were not told about the changes. Dr. Farren
stated that one of the reasons was the long time it
took to get the information requested back from the
faculty. Dennis Luna pointed out that the administration
had since October to inform the students about the changes.
This gave them five months. Mr. Luna stated that the
reason the faculty took so long in responding was because
they were unhappy with the changes. Dr. Farren responded
that the faculty was given the option on how to schedule
their classes. Mr. Luna stated that the students should
have been the first to be informed because they are
more important than both the administration and the
faculty. He felt that the new schedule would hurt the
students. He said that Dr. Counts said himself, "if
something doesn't work then don't use it." Finally,
Mr. Luna expressed that many students felt that this
system will not work. Dr. Farren responded that if the
new schedule does hurt the students, then it would not
be used. 8:00 a.m. - At this point Vice President Denton
called a five-minute recess. Back or order at 8:05 a.m.
Pro Tempore Preston moved to recess until this afternoon
at 4:30 p.m. due to lack of time. Senator Urquijo seconded.
Motion carried 14-0. President Murguia asked that we
discuss New Business B. in order to present it to the
Board of Regents this morning at 9:30 a.m. |
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| VIII. |
New Business |
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B. Fees - President Murguia President
Murguia informed the senators that the Fees committee
met the previous night to discuss changes in the allocation
of student fees. Student Fees have been cut by $15.25.
The athletic department received an increased from $22.00
to $23.50. Student Health Services received an increase
from $19.50 to $25.00. Student Government increased
from $13.50 to $15.50. Band received an increase from
$6.50 to $7.00. Drama received an increase from $3.00
to $3.25. This leaves student fees to a total of $325.25.
A new one-time fee was made of $5.00 to Special Needs
in order to help them buy new equipment. Senator Urquijo
moved to approve a one-time fee for Special Needs of
$5.00. Senator Guevara seconded. Motion carried 14-0.
Senator Rutherford inquired about how the increases
were decided. President Murguia replied that those who
asked for an increase were given top priority. Pro-Tempore
Preston moved to approve the changes done to student
fees. Senator Kenny seconded. Motion carried 14-0. |
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Recess called at 8:25 a.m. |
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Back to order by Vice President
Denton at 4:35 p.m. |
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Dr. Farren apologized for not involving
the student in the summer session changes. Dr. Farren
said that, although some student's financial aid would
be affected, he favored one registration with 6 credit
hours instead of two registrations with 6 hours each.
He assured everyone that work-study money would be available.
Those who are concerned about paying for summer school
are encouraged to speak with Mr. Kelly in order to work
their case out. Dr. Farren gave each of the senators
a banner copy of the summer schedules. He stated that
regular schedules would be available at the beginning
of April. Senator Scott inquired about how students
would be informed about the changes to the summer schedules
and the options that they have. Dr. Farren stated that
flyers would be posted. He is also asking the faculty
to announce the information to their classes. He also
asked ASWNMU to speak to students. Vice President Denton
informed the Senate that a committee would be formed
to look into the issue of summer schedules. The committee
will consist of President Murguia, Vice President Denton,
Floor Leader Gomez, and Senator Urquijo. Those with
questions or concerns are encouraged to speak with any
of these committee members. Dr. Counts and Dr. Farren
will hear their final recommendation. |
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New Business. |
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A. Club Recognitons |
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1. Art Club - Senator Talimatasi moved
to recognize the Art Club. Senator Castillo seconded.
Motion carried 14-0. |
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B. Election Committee President Murguia
expressed the importance of setting up the election
rules for the upcoming elections. An Election Committee
has been formed. Those on the committee are himself,
Senator Crosley, Antonio McGowan, and John Stanton.
Applications and flyers are being worked on. Senator
Urquijo moved to accept the four members of the committee.
Pro Tempore Preston seconded. Motion carried 14-0. |
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| IX. |
Announcements |
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Secretary Zuniga announced that volunteers
are need to help plan activities for the kids of Grant
County during the summer. This can be used towards student
community service hours. Pro-Tempore Preston announced
that there will be a Senate Caucus on Wednesday March
28th at 8:30 p.m. Judith Lawrence, Associate Vice President
of Academic affairs asked those who had questions on
the schedules given to the Senators to see her. Vice
President Denton informed the Senate that the next meeting
would be held April 3rd, 2001 at 7:00 a.m. |
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| X. |
Adjournment Senator Talimatasi moved to
adjourn at 4:50 a.m. Senator Guevara seconded. Motion
carried 13-0. Minutes |
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