SAS Re-evaluates, Goes Paperless

Going paperless. It’s the first issue that Student Affairs Senate is adopting this year and it’s telling of what’s to come.

Apart from typical activities like allocating the budget, this year’s Senate will focus on a couple of things in particular: re-evaluation and sustainability.

Re-evaluation will be a key component of Senate this year in that it will take the time and initiative to form ad hoc committees and analyze the way that Senate normally does things and how it’s effective or defective for itself and the student body.

Certain programs and the budget allocation process itself will be under review to ensure that students elect and by default support the most efficient and fair means of allocation.

Sustainability ties into the budget by making sure we’re funding events, programs and groups that sustain and cultivate student life. Apart from economic sustainability, Senate’s focus on sustainability also pertains to the environment.

Part of this initiative is reflected in our first issue at hand, SAS going paperless. It is also evident in Senate’s new focus on the promotion of its website and an evaluation of paper, plastic and Styrofoam usage on campus.

This year’s Senate, like all Senates, is comprised of members both elected and appointed from every academic sector and interest group on campus. Working hard alongside our faculty, staff and advisor, Rich Patrick, First-years, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors select and act together on committees focused on Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Buildings and Grounds, the Budget, Multicultural Awareness and Minority Viewpoints, as well as Public Relations and Elections. These committees meet on a weekly basis and focus on their particular issue.

For example, last year the Buildings and Grounds committee under the leadership of Nick Ware installed the majority of the bike racks on campus. Proactive and reactive, short-term and long-term, Senate will focus on important issues for all students on campus, including exchange students.

SAS meets Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in the Callen Conference Center. All are welcome to attend; in fact, I encourage you to visit and see what Senate does and what it’s really like. If you have questions, please contact your academic department representative, ckoozer or jdanson.

To find out more about what Senate’s been up to on a weekly basis, read current legislation or find your SAS representative.

Remember you can always check out our website: sas.nebrwesleyan.edu