With what some deemed a feather in commuters’ cap, the Student Government Association Senate discussed several issues during their meeting last night but passed no legislation.
During the open forum, Dr. James Kimmey, University Executive Vice President, requested advice. “I’m here to talk of shared governance,” he began as he explained the problem caused for the Saint Louis Community’s network by Napster, a MP3 digital music search engine and server that allows individuals to share music files.
“The use of Napster has gone up geometrically,” Kimmey said. Four weeks ago, Napster only utilized 40 percent of the university bandwidth. However, last Friday, the use had grown to 100 percent of the bandwidth. Information Technology Services was forced to block Napster from the network.
Marguerite Senator Nick Fagan suggested the university update its systems and warned that shutting down the site to the SLU network would limit free speech.
Undergraduate Commuter Senator Jonathon Bifro expected students to understand the idea of voluntary compliance.
“We’ll put out some kind of announcements, but when it hits 80 percent, we’ll have to shut it down temporarily,” Kimmey said. “We have to keep enough bandwidth for academic and administrative purposes.”
Following Kimmey’s discussion, Arts & Sciences Senator Lauren Gretz requested a discussion about an enhanced or modified honor code.
“Strong honor codes tend to attract students,” Gretz said. “Each department and school seems to have different codes.”
Meghan Clune, SGA academic vice president, suggested that Gretz clarify the focus of the goals of an honor code.
She questioned whether it should depend on honesty or set up safeguards for students.
Other senators raised the issue of signing the honor code before every test or when syllabi are passed out.
“Maybe we can prevent these things by making students more aware of the policy,” Gretz added.
Graduate Commuter Senator Angela Haas requested the honor code include universal consequences for dishonesty.
During new business, a bill was presented to amend the constitution to include the attendance policy for senators.
“It’s time to make the attendance policy clear and to stop the confusion,” said the bill’s author First-Year Senator Chad Kreikemeier.
After minor discussion, the bill was tabled. Since it is an amendment, it must be voted on one week after it is presented.
While pass the gavel usually holds little excitment, last night’s session included what Clune deemed “personal attacks” against other senators.
Griesedieck Senator Kendall Jones began by expressing his concern that another senator had taken the initiative to question his attendance at SGA meetings.
“We should be focusing our energies on students, not on one another’s personal issues.”
“Passing bills is not what being a senator is about,” Jones said. “Our purpose is to make progress towards the future.”
On another note, Residential Affairs Committee Chairman Michael Fullenkamp explained the success of the SGA proposal to the Residence Life Apartment Committee.
He also said there will be a meeting Sunday at 2 p.m. in the SGA office to start the process of going after the housing problems. All are encouraged to attend.
Next week’s meeting is cancelled due to mid-term examinations.
