Student Government Minutes- Oct. 8

Present: 12 senators, Vice President of Student Government Jack Dowling, Parliamentarian Salvatore Aquila, Assistant Dean of Students Amanda Villanueva, Director of Residence Life Ana Alicia Lopez, Chief of UST Police H. E. Jenkins

Absent: Senator Alvarez

Quorum met? Yes

Committee Updates:

• Senator Gutierrez said the Academic Affairs Committee worked on three resolution bills to present at the next SG meeting. 
• The bills include creating a student survey on courses they would like to see offered at the University; making changes to enhance the University Wi-Fi; and creating more places for commuters to “relax” and “hang out” while on campus.
• Senator Boukari said the Student Life Committee has created two bills requesting more healthful food options at SG events and more water fountains in the library.

Guest speaker: UST Chief of Police H. E. Jenkins

• Jenkins spoke to the Senate about the University’s weather emergency procedures.
• Jenkins said he watches the weather predictions days in advance of a major storm to “gauge the situation,” and pays attention to the Houston Police Department and other Houston schools to make informed decisions about school closures. 
• Jenkins said he works with Vice President of Marketing Jeff Olsen and UST President Richard Ludwick to decide on closures the morning of weather emergencies. 

Senator Retraining:

Dowling said he’s “heard people say” SG “isn’t doing anything” for the University and aren’t consistent with senator office hours.

• Dowling reminded senators of the rules and regulations of their job, including how to conduct themselves at senator office hours, how the SG free printing station works, updates to Senate policies and how to create a bill.

Closing Comments:

• Dowling said public forums or “town halls” are being planned for students to voice their opinions about the University. More information will be given at the next SG meeting.
• Dowling also told senators to attend more campus events.
• Lopez is the new SG co-advisor.
• Villanueva told senators to go to the Italian festival and to relax during fall break.

The next Student Government meeting will be held on Oct. 22.