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EXECUTIVE CONMITTEE MIEETING

OCTOBER 4, 1993


Staff members in attendance were Tom Cochran, Adam Goldstein, and Miina Shukair.

SGA members present were Telvis Rich, Ron Jones, Jay Genies, Hope Alexander, Julie Mickle, Kimbley Puckett, and Clinton Austin.


There were no absences.

Telvis Rich opened the meeting by asking for discussion regarding the progress of SGA meetings thus far. Telvis expressed that he felt things were beginning to come together, but that people seem somewhat uncomfortable about the structure and Parlimentary procedure at the meetings. How can we remedy this and make our first year senators feel more relaxed about voicing their opinions at the meetings? Julie Mickle stated that it is the responsibility of the individual member to learn the Parlimentary procedure and to learn the Constitution. Mr. Cochran reminds us to keep in mind that this is a young group that is just starting out and that they will become more comfortable in time. Secondly, he feels that while Roberts Rules may seem somewhat stiff, they are protective and are the definition by which the group conducts business. Mr. Cochran also stressed that these are the rules that govern us, so that as educated people we are responsible to learn these rules and procedures ourselves. Adam Goldstein mentioned that it might be helpful for Telvis or Ron to make a few statements encouraging people to not be intimidated or afraid of speaking.


Ron Jones announced that the Senate Placements are being worked on and should be completed in time for the SGA meeting on Tuesday Oct. 5. He had yet to receive interest sheets from Jocelyn Walters, John Bradberry, and Matt Mayberry. Jay Genies brought up a matter of Constitutional interpretation. He stated that the way they had interpreted the Constitution in the past was that Senators were required to be on one of the three standing committees and that any Ad Hoc Committee attendance was based on ones own personal preference. Telvis stated that each senator would be a part of the three standing committees. The reason for this is the two Ad Hoc committees (Environmental Affairs and Cultural Affairs) that were created will not be as involved as Student Affairs and Academic affairs. We will try to get general members involved in the Ad Hoc committees so that these members as well as the senators will be working on them.


The issue of unexcused absences at SGA meetings was discussed because there were senators absent at the last meeting. Clinton Austin suggested that these senators be repremanded because they can serve as examples for other senators and their attitudes were not very positive. Some expressed that it would be better not to embarrass these members. It was decided that an announcement would be made at the next meeting that it is imperative that all senators attend the meetings and that no one consider themselves above the process. Also that it is a requirement of the Constitution that senators be at these meetings. Mr. Cochran stressed that since non-senator attendance has been fairly high this year, the statement "Lead, follow, or get out of the way" is especially appropriate. Julie Mickle reminds us that the absence forms are in the senator office and they should be filled out and placed in her box by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday prior to the meeting. Jay Genies suggests that an announcement be made to reemphasize when excuses are due for any absences.