6:52 – Paperless Classroom Pilot Program resolution passes, 35 – 2 with 2 abstentions.
6:49- Sen. Johannsen says work is being done to provide textbooks online. This should save students money as well as paper.
6:47 - Sen. Watson discusses the process. It has been in the works since September, and the administration has been very receptive, as have several professors.
Personally, I love the idea. It’s time we helped move students into the 21st Century.
6:46 – Sen. Watson says hundreds of free laptops are available to checkout on campus, and ASG can promote those paperless alternatives.
Chair Lippert asks if any research has been done on the program. Sustainability Director Billy Fleming says the committee looked at similar programs conducted at other schools. It has been developed in conjunction with the Faculty and Staff Senates, and also with administrators on campus.
6:43 – It should not be passed, says Sen. Sam Hall, because the senate shouldn’t support the program until after the pilot run. He wants data.
6:42 – Sen. Veronica Johannsen says the resolution is just an endorsement of the program, and ASG should support it.
6:40 – The paperless resolution should pass, says Sen. Alex Lanis, speaking on behalf of the Code and Constitution Committee.
“For the most part, it’s pretty solid,” says Lanis.
6:38 - “Will this program happen even without this legislation?” – Sen. Adam Glasier
“I believe so, yes.” – Sen. McCollum
This is why we need constitutional reform, so the executive branch and legislative branch have defined roles.
6:37 – Sen. McCollum introduces the legislation about the Paperless Initiative Grading System (PIGS).
6:35 – The RSOs all leave as soon as the appropriations bill is done. How do you spell “apathy?” Some of these were political groups, for ****’s sake. At least pretend to care about the university that gives you money.
6:33 – The Appropriations Bill passes unanimously, 38 – 0.
6:26 – The senate votes to wait to vote on the letter until January.
6:26 – Sen. Mike Norton, speaking on behalf of the Press Relations Committee, suggests we postpone the letter until the racks are actually installed.
I take back my previous snarky remark about the PR Committee.
6:25 – Sen. Gavin McCollum introduces “A Resolution to Express Gratitude to Facilities Management.” If passed, it would send a thank you letter for its plan to purchase and install over 100 new bicycle racks.
6:24 – Holloway “expresses solidarity” with senators, says they “shouldn’t be afraid to cause a little trouble, to ask the tough questions.”
“If anyone does want to create any trouble, just come and let me know.”
Much friendlier and more vague than he usually is. Must be the holiday spirit.
6:22 – Holloway doesn’t disappoint!
6:21 – Sen. Michael Dodd of Press Relations Committee talks about the ASG Christmas party and ASG t-shirts.
I’m sure that’ll solve the senate’s PR issues…
6:17 – RSOs can pick up funding packets in the ASG office on Thursday and Friday.
6:16 – Student poll will be released the first week of classes, says President Bookhout.
6:13 – Senator Sam Hall unanimously elected new Elections Committee Chair. Senator Divesh Brahmbhatt unanimously elected new Appropriations Committee Chair.
6:10 – Just noticed Jacob Holloway sitting in the audience. He’s probably here for an RSO, but maybe he’ll speak during public comments time. Holloway is a perennial ASG presidential candidate and former senator. He’s known on campus for his passionate, outspoken (and often accurate) critiques of ASG.
6:09 - Sen. Rebecca Martin named the new Chair of the Judiciary Committee to replace Watson.
6:08 – Sen. Will Watson named Senator of Distinction. He has “served as an inspiration”, says Sen. Chair Lippert. He authored resolution and worked on multiple committees.
Sadly, this is his last meeting due to graduation.
6:00 pm – Tonight’s agenda features the paperless classroom pilot program and a thank you note to Facilities Management.