Amendment looks to alter size of Student Senate

by Ashley McClelland, senior writer

Tuesday’s Student Senate meeting included possible solutions to the problems of senate membership and clothing requirements. 

The first amendment, brought forth by senators Ricardo Piñeres, Geary Cox and Thomas Bluestein, describes the need to limit the number of students who would make up the senate. Issues regarding attendance have been prevalent, making it difficult to meet quorum. The amendment also would make it more competitive in the senate by limiting the number of Student Senate seats to 50. The amendment designates that two senators should represent each undergraduate college and class, rather than four.  The number of Residence Life senators would remain the same.

“This allows for the best representational process possible, thus allowing the JMU community to be served with expedience and quality,” Piñeres said.

The amendment was tabled until Nov. 1 so senators may research the topic.

A change to the house rules was also brought forth. Senator Daniel Dunlap asked that the house rules change to establish more decorum within the senate. He asked for all senators to dress business casual, which would exclude jeans, sandals, T-shirts and sweatshirts, and to address each other in the senate by their titles.

“The SGA should be fun but professional and respectful,” Dunlap said. “We should dress appropriately for Senate meetings.” A dress code is in place, but is not very specific.

This motion was not passed, due to a number of senators not wanting to alienate visitors.

“This is a way of making people not feel welcome,” Piñeres said. Piñeres also said it was wrong to make senators feel uncomfortable in their clothing, especially when many come directly from class to meetings.

Senator Beth Pope said, “We serve students through action, not what we wear.”

According to Lucy Hutchinson, head of the finance committee, finance decided to table the Double Reed Club bill as they want more information about the organizations planned fund raisers.

In his report at the beginning of the meeting, student body president Wesli Spencer announced that JMU was second in the state in an absentee ballot and registration drive, lead by Virginia 21. Beth Rudolph has been running this drive and received the award of best director of governmental relations in the state from Virginia 21.

Spencer also announced that JMU has raised more money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina than any other Virginia school. Katrina All Together One has raised over $14,000, as compared to the closest school, Virginia Tech, which has raised $3,000.

Members of the SGA also attended the 2010 conference on higher education hosted by Virginia 21. Gov. Mark Warner discussed what he wanted to see happen in higher education over the next five years. According to Spencer, this includes the ability for universities to work with more diverse small businesses, increasing access to universities for minority populations, students reaching out to their local communities, better research facilities and a better tie to under performing high schools.