The 54th student senate held their 11th meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 27 in Student Union (SU) 418.
Executive Vice President Manuel Tejada opened the meeting with his E-board report including updates on SUNY New Paltz police tactics.
Tejada said he spoke to Chief of Police David Dugatkin about police officers sneaking up on students from secluded areas to question them. He said this causes fear among innocent students. He said Dugatkin explained that these tactics are being used because of an increase in students smoking marijuana on campus. However, a solution is being discussed.
Tejada reminded senators about the Stop and Frisk Symposium that will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 4:30 p.m. in the Coykendall Science Building (CSB) auditorium.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Jonathan Espinosa announced that senate elections would be held from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 11 until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12.
Espinosa said he has been working with Library Dean W. Mark Colvson on extending late night library hours. During finals week, late night terrace hours will be from 3 a.m. until 8 a.m.
Council of Organizations Chair Rose Faber announced that at the next council meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in SU 62/63 there will be a Meet the Candidates presentation where students running for senate will have the opportunity to explain why they are interested in the position.
Senate reports included updates on having majors printed on diplomas, problems with the student scheduling process and changes in Student Evaluation of Instruction (SEI).
Sen. Andre Smith said there were 508 responses to the survey that was sent out regarding extension of Student Health Service hours. Sen. Richard Jean-Louis announced a CPR demonstration on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. in SU 100. At the demonstration, students can sign up for a $20 CPR certification class.
SAP elections were held and previous SAP member Shantel Mayris was elected to fill the final spot on the
committee.
New York Public Interest Research Group Project Coordinator Eric Wood reminded senate about the Higher Education Panel on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the CSB auditorium. The panel will shed light on issues students face.
Next, Environmental Task Force representative Jo Hee Park-Cunningham encouraged senators to attend the “Dear Governor Cuomo…” film screening on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. in Lecture Center 100.
A letter to the Board of Elections addressing the issues regarding lack of poll officials sent to SUNY New Paltz during the elections, was unanimously approved. A letter about Park Point was tabled until the next senate meeting, giving senators a chance to review the letter before making a decision.
The student senate unanimously voted to sponsor the Local Food Resolution. The Campus Safety Resolution No. 3 sponsored by Sen. Cody Hill, was cosponsored by eight senators. Discussion on the Student Activities and Union Services (SAUS) Flyer Resolution was tabled until next week.
The next student senate meeting will be held Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 9 p.m. in
SU 418.