Kenard Booker

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and roll call. The primary hearing involved continued discussions regarding the Lindgren Child Care Center, focusing on regulatory compliance, financial history, impacts on users, and potential funding continuation, ultimately resulting in tabling the business until the following week. An internal election for Academic Senator was held, but the candidate was not approved. Officer reports covered constitutional training coordination, committee scheduling, judicial committee interest, and office logistics such as badge availability and card swipe access issues. Committee reports noted progress on the Tech Fee, including releasing time tracking software, and extensive work by the Student Constitution committee on mandatory training, communication expectations, and conducting a Student Dining Survey concerning Garvey Commons. The meeting concluded after a brief open statement and adjournment.

Key discussions during the hearing session included the announcement of TerraDotta, a new software system to improve student accessibility and transition from paper-based processes, and details regarding the upcoming 'Journey Across the World' collaborative event. The Athletics Director provided updates on competition season, Division I status, facility changes, and challenges with ticketing and attendance, seeking SGA assistance for engagement. The Provost presented findings from the Drivers of Student Satisfaction and Success survey, highlighting factors like feeling valued, connection to the university, and positive online learning experiences. The Provost also discussed initiatives to improve the six-year graduation rate and address faculty restructuring concerns. Funding was approved for the India Heritage Club's 'Anant Utsav' event. Internal elections resulted in the approval of one At-Large Senator Candidate and the denial of another. Officer reports covered advocacy efforts, including a motion passed by the board of directors to freeze/cap tuition fees for the next two fiscal years. Committee reports focused on policy review for Academic AI, Workday ERP system transition, and gathering student feedback via surveys and complaint boxes.

The meeting commenced, but quorum was not met, preventing progress on unfinished or new business. The Senate Finance committee heard funding requests from the SCSU Rowing Club for essential equipment, the Cloud Computing Club for drones, and the International Relations Club for conference attendance. The Senate Finance committee subsequently approved funding for the SCSU Rowing Club and the International Relations Club. Committee reports covered revisions to the Husky Dining survey, strategies to promote athletics, and updates regarding the Advocacy Conference, which SCSU has the highest number of attendees for. Senatorial reports included discussions about student and athlete surveys, an AI Conference visit, and SGA-specific merchandise exploration. During the final session, updates were provided on the Tech Fee bylaws regarding stipend eligibility for voting members.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Alliance and roll call. A key hearing involved the Chancellor of the Minnesota State System discussing the search for a new University President, where feedback was solicited from several members. Guest Speaker President Dietz also shared opinions on the presidential search. Internal elections were scheduled for the following week. Officer reports included updates on Constitution Committee training from the President and Vice President. The committee reports section was curtailed to only include the Constitution Committee, which detailed mandatory senator training sessions scheduled for September 8-17, 2025. Business updates included a discussion regarding monitoring timesheets and a motion to recognize the Student United Vice Chair, listing upcoming events such as a campus visit, an advocacy conference, and a visit from a Minnesota Supreme Court Justice. The meeting adjourned after new business and open statements.

Key discussions focused on legislative and procedural matters. The Senate approved revisions to the Tech Fee Committee's bylaws concerning voting members. Significant attention was given to the proposed three-year tuition freeze resolution, involving coordination with other MinnState universities and planning for unified statewide advocacy, including discussions on funded versus unfunded freezes. The Senate extensively reviewed and debated revisions for the Senatorial Recruitment Questionnaire, focusing on condensing questions, clarifying required information (like leadership experience), and determining the best distribution method (Microsoft Forms vs. HuskiesConnect vs. physical copies). Updates were provided on senator position changes, including transfers and required resignations/re-elections. Officer and Committee reports covered updates on the Advocacy Conference (ADCON), expansion of social media presence, progress on the Garvey Dining Survey and Athletics Survey Form, and collaboration on the Tuition Freeze Resolution. During the second plenary session, concerns were raised about the process for future tuition or fee increases exceeding 2%, emphasizing the need for earlier student consultation via referendum or survey, and strengthening student bargaining power with the incoming university president.