Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
Student Groups Update:
Student Group Representatives Nick Gaw, Laura Wong, and Patina Tam presented their groups’ ideas and updates to Student Council. Nick Gaw ’09 of STAND and Laura Wong ’10 and Bettina Tam ’09 of the Darfur Radio Project are going to present and meet with the Board of Managers. STAND wants to talk about the relationship between the Swarthmore community and the nationwide STAND community. For the Darfur Radio Project, Wong and Tam described their group as a monthly radio broadcast on not only the conflict in Darfur but also Sudanese history, politics, and culture. DRP wants to inform the Board of Managers about their group’s goals and objectives for the future.
Constitutional Amendment on Budgeting Decision Appeals:
Nate Erskine ’09 proposed a constitutional amendment on the budgeting decision appeals process. Currently, all student budget council appeals require a meeting of council. Erskine discussed the time inefficiency of the current process and suggested an amendment to approve emergency appeals via electronic and written devices (telephone, email, letter, etc). “This amendment gives us the flexibility for situations in which we can’t get everyone together.”
In Erskine’s typed amendment handout, the student groups advisor would have the discretion to do an emergency appeal. There are special provisions in the amendment to save this emergency appeals process for last resort. By an electronic or written medium, the chartered group presents its appeal request to StuCo and SBC treasurur submits a report explaining SBC’s decision. After deliberation, the overturning of an SBC decision requires a 2/3rds majority of StuCo. Student Council will discuss this amendment with SBC and decide whether to approve it or not at a later date.
Other notes:
– Newly elected members of Student Council introduced themselves at the meeting.
– Student Council talked about possible improvements in Dining Services. Appointments Chair, Nate Erskine ‘09, proposed a “Design your own Bar” contest for the student body. Other possible ideas included having rollover flexibility in meal plan points and extending the hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
– StuCo President, Yongjun Heo ’09 proposed setting up a book exchange website where Swatties can sell and buy other Swatties’ used books. However, StuCo has not found a student group to be responsible for setting up and updating the website. Ideas include the Daily Gazette, ITS, SCCS, or an independent company.
– Applications for Student Committees are due at midnight on November 25, 2008.
it should be Bettina, not Patina (it was right the second time). Thanks for writing — Student council reaally appreciates it when the press covers our meetings!