6:27pm - It’s almost go time in the Atchafalaya Room of the LSU Student Union, as SG gets prepared for the last meeting before Mardi Gras. The room is remarkably abuzz as the race is on for a new Speaker Pro Temp. The action will begin within the minute.
Call to order
6:34pm - I can’t help but notice that only half of the Senators are here. Maybe I have a bad angle, maybe they are busy.
6:36pm - A video is being shown of students’ input on issues at LSU. The first topic is the “Green Initiative,” followed by the 459 Commons and campus safety at night, to which a student replies that the campus could be lit a little better. Parking spots in front of the Union are spoken of well. SG will be at Free Speech Alley every Monday from 12:30pm to 1:30pm to listen to the students.
LSU UREC6:39pm - Representatives from University Recreation (UREC) give a presentation, detailing the recommended fee increase. A bar graph is shown detailing the number of members. According to the report, over 26,000 students are members of the REC, but no mention of whether or not this was voluntary membership. Various fee increases are detailed, starting from $5 in 1983 to commence construction, growing somewhat proportionally to the number of complaints from the students about equipment and services. The tennis courts were resurfaced and painted purple and gold in 2004. Our tennis courts are visible from space. UREC’s message isn’t merely sports and intramurals, but more focused on healthy living for a healthy lifestyle. In terms of ground of square feet per student at the REC, LSU is dead last among our peers. The Flagship school (namely, us) is also second to last in space among schools in Louisiana, and will change after Nicholls State University builds a new REC Center. Utilities have increased, only because everyone else’s energy bills have gone up, but the argument is made that fees should be increased to match this change.
6:52pm - Sen. Matt McEntire updates his Facebook.com status, wondering if I’m paying attention to his Facebook while I’m live-blogging. The little window popped up on the side, and yes, I do pay attention when senators aren’t paying attention to the meeting.
More UREC
6:54pm - Another argument surfaces that UREC reserves, meaning money in the back burner, shouldn’t be used in lieu of fee increases. The reasoning being, say the roof busts or the boiler room needs repair, the reserve money would be used for that. The UREC is also running while having its fees below the national average. As LSU students, we pay less than the national average to enjoy REC services. In order to have advanced, state-of-the-art facilities, fees should go up, but the center of the debate is, or should be, whether or not the students want it. In the name of the Flagship Agenda, I believe student fees should go up, but in the name of becoming a top-tier University, I believe there are better things to which student money should be allocated. Apologies to the REC, but the REC isn’t the first thing about which prospective students want information. 14% of LSU students don’t use the REC, and the point is made that there’s no reason not to. It sounds like a fancier way of saying, “You’re paying for it anyway.”
Even more UREC7:04pm - Open forums will be held the week after Mardi Gras seeking student input about the proposed increases. Beginning next fall, if SG approves, fees would go up by $25 per semester. There really isn’t any reason to not find time to go to the REC, unless you’re studying. In which case, by all means, study. The University provides an excellent opportunity to maintain, or acquire, a healthy lifestyle. However, academics should always come first.
7:08pm - A brilliant question from Sen. Blanco about energy efficiency in the new REC, and the answer provided is that some lights in the racquetball courts are now shut off all at once, providing an “all-or-nothing” scenario with the lights.
7:09pm - Sen. McEntire asks the pivotal question: have you thought about putting this up to the students for a vote? The answer, “These proposed changes are for operational fees.” Sen. McEntire points out the phrasing of “nickel-and-diming the students,” when it comes to proposed fee increases. According to himself, Sen. McEntire has been nickel-and-dimed out of $200 for things like aerobics and a climbing wall he hasn’t the slightest inclination on using. The answer, after a haphazard impression of a former college student that “used to eat Ramen, just like you,” is that we are all students. “Part of being in student life is being a community, and inputing the things that would make the community better…based on what you put in, LSU will be more valuable because of the degree you obtain. When you sacrifice now, you will get more based on what your degree will mean…and you will get more out of what you sacrifice.” Sen. McEntire reiterates his stand, wishing the students could have had more input, and he is joined in this opinion by myself and Sen. Brett Jackson, who nods his head after Sen. McEntire’s input.
7:16pm - Talk keeps coming back to LSU’s facilities as compared to other flagship schools, and it becomes more and more like a competition.
7:18pm - A question about making the fee for the REC optional, similar to parking. “You have to grow the relationship with sponsors, and we’re really going for that.”
7:21pm - Our first coffee analogy of the night: “All of the people in our department drink the coffee except for maybe two. But there’s only two people buying it.”
7:22pm - Is there a backup plan if this increase doesn’t go through? “We’ll go back to the students and say, ‘Now what?’”
GEAUX TIGERS!7:25pm - Josh McManus comes in to formally accept the resolution passed last week to officially commend the team for the national championship. “We kinda did alright this year,” replies a delighted McManus. By delighted, I mean wondering why he had to come to the Atchafalaya Room.
Tigers on the Trail
7:27pm - Reports from LSU students’ coverage, better known as “Tigers on the Trail,” of the 2008 Iowa Caucuses. A fun slide show is shown displaying the best of Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Barack Obama and, of course, Chuck Norris. Essentially, “Tigers on the Trail” made a presentation showing that they went to Iowa, covered the caucuses and were covered in the press. This trip was about spreading the word of LSU.
"I don't want to waste any more time"
7:33pm - Sen. Ryan Chenevert announces his resignation from Student Senate.
New senators
7:35pm - For the third meeting in a row, new senators are sworn into the Senate. They’re dropping like flies!
President Cassie Alsfeld
7:40pm - On Monday, President Alsfeld gives a report on a meeting concerning campus safety, with members of Greek Life, LSUPD, Auxiliary Services, Residential Life, SG and others. President Alsfeld attempts to differentiate between the perception of the campus being safe and the actual safety on campus. Alsfeld was told there were cameras on every building on campus, and with the recent incidents, people wondered why the cameras weren’t working. Allegedly, the cameras were outdated by about ten years, and we were in the process of getting new cameras, but the question wasn’t answered as to why the outdated cameras still functioned.
7:45pm - Alsfeld insinuates that it is the students’ fault for the high number of people on campus, saying, “When people scan their cards and let people in, they’re kinda doing this to themselves. That’s why we put these security measures in place, to keep the students safe.”
7:47pm - Male faculty members have complained that some of them work late at night, and President Alsfeld correctly states some of these members will intentionally rig doors to let their friends or classmates in at night. Many examples of how we’re hurting ourselves, but not many solutions.
7:50pm - The text message system is meant for immediate emergencies, and says the system should be used as infrequently as possible.
7:51pm - Tough talk from the president to SG: “I’m up here preaching this stuff every week, but it’s up to you to get the message out there to your constituents. We need to be aware of our surroundings.” As she says this, I can’t help but notice the lack of attention the senators are giving to President Alsfeld. She’s not giving a speech in front of the Senate because she can; she’s doing it because she’s legitimately talking about things that need to be done. Most of the senators look bored, some actively nodding their heads to the ground, while a few others fiddle with cell phones. What will it take for senators to give their — nay, our — president their undivided attention? I know being a senator is difficult, but it starts with paying attention.
7:55pm - Sen. McEntire updates the Facebook status again, expressing his delight over me catching him updating his status. You’re welcome, my good man, but you still shouldn’t be on Facebook right now.
7:57pm - A walk was held to review the lighting situation on campus, and two people joined President Alsfeld. Two. Our lighting, according to President Alsfeld, is above the standard required to replace. Instead of listening to a speech about unapproved fee increases that may or may not apply to the REC, why don’t we light up the campus at night?
???
8:02pm - A good minute. Laughing erupts around people walking through the trees outside the Pentagon. Sen. Blanco mentions that she walks through there sometimes, and it’s a good place for crime to happen at night. Speaker Colorado Robertson replies, “So don’t walk through there.” Sen. Blanco reiterates that she isn’t the only one to walk through there, and the Speaker says he will write it in his notes. Meanwhile, Sen. Ricci, without standing to be recognized, sort of blurts out, “What about the ‘Rape Lot’ behind ECA?” Half the room giggles, the other half makes small talk, and I wonder if anyone will help our campus become safer.
Vice President Josh King8:07pm - The vice president announces that every student has five dollars to be used towards free prints. More information will be given to the students at a later date. This money comes from the Tech Fee, but the money will be used only for prints and not copies. King, and the rest of the cabinet, had to fight the administration to get us this allowance, and they won. Kudos to Vice President Josh King, because everyone likes free prints.
Parker Wishik8:11pm - Parker’s feeling better. He told me to write this. Good to know.
He attended the safety meeting along with President Alsfeld last Monday. Also, LSU students can make their choice for the nation online on PAWS starting tomorrow. He’s now going to keep working on the blog, which will inform LSU students about the goings-on of SG. If any senators want anything promoted, they can talk to Wishik for input in the blog, and it will be available to students at sg.lsu.edu.
8:16pm - Input is needed from SG to help announce election dates to recruit potential new members of SG.
In other news, LSU won a $10,000 debate tournament and placed first out of 40 teams. Impressive.
SG Finance Report8:21pm - Juicy news of the night: a former LSU administrator, who had been long gone according to Speaker Robertson, was allegedly caught financing members of LSU Student Government, and an area of the Student Government Finance Report may be in debt by over $50,000. More will be obtained from the Daily Reveille about this story, as I don’t quite understand what exactly just happened. I am merely a blogger.
New Speaker Pro Temp
8:31pm - Sens. Ben Clark and Brett Jackson give their speeches for election of the new Speaker Pro Temp, as former Sen. Jacqueline Delery resigned her post last week. While Sen. Clark will work hard to serve the best interests of the students, Sen. Jackson would implement reforms, including a learning session for new senators to eliminate a potential learning curve.
8:34pm - Questions are asked to the candidates about what they’ve done to increase SG visibility. Sen. Jackson speaks first, citing his numerous appearances at Free Speech Alley to talk directly with the students. Sen. Clark plans to make sure the students are familiar with the office hours of SG.
8:36pm - The senators are now voting to see if they can suspend the rules so as to limit the senators to two minutes of debate time. The voice vote was unclear, and the vote requires a 3/4ths vote. We move to a standing vote, and the motion is passed, with 76% of the vote of SG in favor of limiting the senators’ time to two minutes. This is why I blog. This is why I blog. This is why, this is why, this is why I blog.
On behalf...8:41pm - With the candidates out of the room, this is the time for senators to speak out for their candidate. So far, two have spoken for Sen. Jackson, while one spoke on behalf of Sen. Clark. One nameless senator, angry that I didn’t wave at her in the Quad, requested politely that her name not be included in the blog. It’s cool, Sen. ********.
8:43pm - Sen. Lopreore gives an eloquent speech on behalf of Sen. Jackson and his previous accomplishments.
8:45pm - Sen. Jackson works two jobs, is a full-time student in Basic Sciences, and still works here in SG.
8:46pm - Sen. Drew Prestridge counters with passionate support for Sen. Clark. Sen. Prestridge mentions Sen. Clark’s commitment, emphasizing the lack of political motivation but great organizational skills. Sen. Clark is the epitome of what it means to be a senator.
8:47pm - Sen. Andy Palermo joins Sen. Prestridge in supporting Sen. Clark, citing his lack of joining a campaign to get elected, but instead saying that Sen. Clark “just wants to do this.” We’ve had even representation tonight for both candidates.
8:48pm - Sen. Prestridge, from the back, motions that Sen. Palermo’s time be extended. We have an objection, and a following voice vote, which needs 3/4ths majority and remains indecisive. Going to a standing vote, and the verdict is 72% in favor, which doesn’t reach the 3/4ths majority. Sen. Palermo meekly sits.
8:51pm - Another senator in favor of Sen. Jackson.
8:52pm - Sen. Palermo introduces smear tactics into an election. He had three more points to make, and instead focuses on the negatives Sen. Jackson brings to the chamber.
8:53pm - Sen. Robert Ricci stands to make his case for Sen. Jackson, saying he’s known Sen. Jackson since they were 12, and he’d make a good speaker. As he walks by the press table, Sen. Ricci mutters, “God, I love pissing off SG.”
8:55pm - Sen. Matt McEntire has organized his thoughts, and says that both candidates are well qualified. The essence of this election is to elect the person that would best represent the students. He speaks very eloquently and gets the only applause of anyone shtumping for a candidate.
8:57pm - Sen. Andrew Remson fiercely endorses Sen. Clark, citing his dedication, determination and work ethic. “His actions speak louder than his presence. He is ready and willing to help anyone out of any situation.”
8:58pm - Sen. J.P. Abon, one of the senators sworn in tonight, speaks on behalf of Sen. Jackson.
8:59pm - Sen. Lopreore restates his case for Sen. Jackson, and….
9:00pm - Sen. Prestridge reiterates his support for Sen. Clark, bringing up Sen. Clark’s one semester head start in the senator.
More on behalf...9:04pm - Sen. O’Malley asks the chamber to vote for who they see shows the best judgment in the Senate.
9:05pm - Sen. Remson comes back to ask the Senate to vote for who would do the best job. He also differentiates between a leader and a follower, and he describes Sen. Clark as a leader, not a follower. Sen. Remson is going really far, because it’s on his face and tone that he cares about this campus and this body. I hope he remembers me when he’s president.
9:07pm - Sen. McEntire is currently dipping. Now I really need a cigarette.
Two men enter...9:10pm - As the duties of Speaker Pro Temp are being read, Sens. Jackson and Clark come back in the room and resume their positions.
9:11pm - And now we vote……
The vote is in...9:11pm - The numbers are being counted, and the new Speaker Pro Temp of the Senate is:
::drum roll::
The New Speaker Pro Temp is...9.13pm - Sen. Ben Clark is the new Speaker Pro Temp of the Senate.
Sen. Remson gives good news9:17pm - With a point of information, LSU basketball finally ended their losing streak. He proceeds to gives his report from the Committee on Academics, Athletics and Administration by talking about reforming the W policy, the priority point system, and student input in the Board of Supervisiors, with specific interest in getting a new chancellor.
9:19pm - Sen. Lopreore throws his binder in sarcastic disgust, as the time to vote for resolutions has not yet come. Jumping the gun just a little bit.
Bye Bye Sen. Edwards
9:24pm - Sen. Prestridge announces that John Edwards dropped out of the presidential race, which makes the whole room applaud to the dismay of the senator. “Why are you clapping? This is a sad day.”
This thing
9:27pm - As Sen. Palermo gives his report on Housing, Infrastructure and Technology, senators are passing around laptops just to get a glimpse of these blog posts. They’re winking and giving me the thumbs up. Why are you, the Student Government, reading this in meeting? I’m seven feet away from you: pretend you care about serving your constituents. Are these words more important than paying attention to the decisions that affect the student body? Are these words really more important than making sure your constituents — i.e. the student body — knows about the decisions that are made every Wednesday night at 6:30pm?
Is this blog really more important than the positions to which the student body elected you and the work you do? Read the blog on your own time.
Final9:32pm - It’s clear, considering the reaction I just got, that the senators think their job is done, even though they are still in session. If this is boring, pretend it’s not, because the student body deserves better. Happy Mardi Gras!
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