Senate Meeting of January 12

I thought I would update everyone on the events that occurred at the Senate Meeting on Monday January 12th.

The Senate was able to convene, but it was adjourned after the adoption of the order paper, when several students began videotaping the meeting. The President explained the unwritten policy, forbidding videotaping Senate proceedigns, and some heckling ensued from the protesting students.

Mr. Rock asked the Senate whether the meeting should continue under the circumstances, and indicated a vote would be held. I was the first Senate member to speak on this matter, and stated that there was important business that needed to be taken care of, and the Senate should continue sitting. I also mentioned that a clear, written policy concerning videotaping meetings should be presented at the next meeting. One other student senator agreed with my position.

A professor spoke and gave a strict legal approach, saying that the Senate cannot legally convene in the presence of an infringement of established (though unwritten) precedent.

Without calling a vote (as had been promised) President Rock adjourned the meeting, which he was entitled to do, falling within the prerogative of the Chair of the Senate.

Some summary observations need to be made:

1. A clear, written policy as to videotaping policy must be passed by the Senate at the next meeting in February. After the arrest of Mark Kelly at the December Senate meeting, I remember Robert Major (V.P. Academic, who was the acting Chair) saying that there would be a policy on videotaping drafted for the next meeting. The minutes from December (which were adopted today) indicated that Major said the policy would be brought forward at "a next meeting". Perhaps I misheard in December. Either way, I take full responsibility as a Senator for not immediately pointing out this inconsistency today when the Senate discussed the minutes for the December meeting.

2. All students need to take a more collaborative approach to dealing with the University administration. Obstructionist, antagonistic, and strong-arm tactics should only be used as a last resort after trying to resolve issues through cooperation. For example, for those concerned that the University is not being transparent, why not be proactive, write a resolution and present it before the Senate? Get in touch with a student Senator and I am certain that he/she would endorse it. As for as I know, in my four months on the Senate, such cooperative tactics regarding the specific issue of videotaping have not been attempted.

The reality is that students form the minority on the Senate. Moreover, in all relations with the University, we are at a significiant power disadvantage. Acknowledging this fact, my goal as a Senator, representing the Faculty of Law and the student body as a whole, is to work within the established system (imperfect as it may be) to deliver real change for students. I fundamentally believe that members of the University administration are not inherently evil. Therefore, a simple one-on-one discussions about student concerns are an appropriate first step, in my opinion.

Also I would like to see the President of the Student Federation at Senate meetings, as he is the legitimate voice for students. He should seek the opportunity to speak to the Senate, present resolutions (through student Senators), and encourage dialogue.

In closing, I, Joe The Senator, just want to get back to work; working on behalf of students for the betterment of our university lives. Important academic business was post-poned today: the creation of Minors in Latin American Studies and United States studies, the election of a member to the Council on Undergraduate Studies, and a Report on 2008 admissions at the graduate level. It's ultimately students who suffer from these delays.

Allan Rock did promise a vote on the adjournment of the meeting, which did not occur. I am disappointed that the will of the Senate, as obvious as it might be, was not freely expressed in a democratic fashion. Hopefully at the February meeting, nevertheless, order will be restored, academic business can be dealt with, and at the end, everyone can sing Kumbaya ! Until then, I await your comments/concerns/questions. I am here for YOU.

JWR2

The People Have Spoken...

Though the referendum did not go as I had hoped, it was a valiant effort on both sides, and a very close result (52% - Yes, 48% - No). What's more, there was an acceptable voter turnout (20%).

I hope that the campus can unite at this time and keep its independent voice going forward. There are many things that we need to accomplish, and division will only frustrate our objectives.