SAS Holds Final Meeting of the Year

Since the last issue of the Reveille, the Student Affairs Senate has held two meetings and passed a slew of legislation. The last two meetings of the year were held on Tuesday, Apr. 20 and Tuesday, Apr. 27.

On Apr. 20, one item of legislation was discussed. SB-6, introduced by the Student Affairs Committee, asked that SAS formally recognize Colleges Against Cancer as a campus organization. The organization would plan Relay for Life instead of Order of Omega, the Greek Honorary.

On Apr. 27, SAS passed a number of resolutions and one bill. SR-17, introduced by the Buildings and Grounds Committee asked for SAS to formally voice its support for "increasing the accessibility of Lucas Hall for students with disabilities by the Spring semester of 2011." The recommendations include the construction of a ramp at the south end of the building, installing automatic door openers at the same entrance, widening the bath room doors on the first floor and installing an elevator that will provide access to all floors of the building. The resolution quickly passed.

SR-18 was introduced by the Student Affairs Committee. The resolution asked that SAS allocate up to $400 for the purchase of a new television in the Johnson Hall lounge. The resolution was approved.

Next, SR-19, introduced by the Academic Affairs Committee, asked for SAS to support professors increasing the use of communicative technologies so that students will have more access to grades. In supporting the resolution, SAS asked that professors either use Blackboard's grading tools or use some other form of online grade reporting.

SR-20 was introduced by the Student Affairs Committee and asked that $400 be allocated to the Student Life Office to fund the production and mailing of 325 brochures relating to renter rights and responsibilities. The brochures will be mailed to students living off campus. "I support this resolution, but I would also like to see this available to students who live off campus during the summer," said Kayla Houck. The resolution passed.

The last and perhaps most controversial resolution was SR-21. The resolution, introduced by the Student Affairs Committee, asked for SAS to offer its formal support to Sodexho Dining Hall's "trayless" policy which will begin in the Fall semester. Senator Miles Powers reminded senators that Sodexho would be making the changes with or without SAS support but was hoping to proceed knowing SAS was behind the new policy. "UNL does this, and…they have a bigger dining hall," said Louisa Ehrlich. "They don't seem to have a problem with getting up multiple times if they need to." After some debate, the resolution passed.

Lastly, the Budget Committee introduced a bill: SB-7. The Bill was simply a formalization of Budget process dates for the next year. The Bill passed.

Even though the 2009-2010 SAS has come to a close, SAS wants to remind students to vote in the campus elections. Elections will be held from noon Monday, May 3 to noon Friday, May 7. The elections are online.