Major shock brings high emotion to Student Senate members at Monday meeting

Interim Executive Director of Student Life Aaron Prestwich dissolved the Senate Finance Committee, saying its members were unfair with student club allocations and antagonistic toward student club members during budget hearings. Prestwich dissolved the committee Monday after a 45-minute budget allocation discussion among the full senate during its weekly meeting.

Prestwich confirmed Tuesday he was not happy with the direction Monday’s meeting was going. At the meeting Monday he interrupted and asked members who approves senate’s constitution. Members responded saying they approve the constitution. Prestwich argued saying the administration approves senate’s constitution.

“Any constitution you have has to be approved by the administration,” Prestwich said.

Once Prestwich had the attention of senate, he pulled out a letter and read it to members.

“I, along with other CSC administrators, have become very concerned regarding the decisions and actions of the current Senate Finance Committee. Several students and faculty advisors have also voiced strong distain [sic] with the work of the SFC. These concerns include, but are not limited to, a lack of parity and fairness regarding club allocations, an inappropriate extension of control and influence over club expenditures, an unnecessary sense of antagonism during budget hearings, and a general lack of concern regarding what is in the best interest of the student body,” Prestwich said. “It’s also become clear that certain members of the finance committee have displayed a lack of regard towards the voice and opinion of the Senate President, other Senate members, CSC administration, and the general student body.”

Student Senate and Senate Finance Committee have been sending club allocation proposals back and forth in an attempt to agree on final allocations following budget appeals. Senate received the initial budget proposal at its March 25 meeting. After approving the budget, senate president James Bahenksy vetoed the budget’s approval to allow further discussion in senate’s next meeting.

Budget appeals occurred April 4 and SFC proposed the new budget to senate April 8. At that meeting, members of senate moved to return the club allocation budget to SFC to make changes. Some members believed certain clubs should have been allocated more without conditions. SFC held an open meeting April 12 to make changes and listen to input from students. A revised budget was proposed to senate at its April 15 meeting.

Jacob Rissler, Andrews Hall senator, proposed a budget he prepared after attending the SFC meeting April 12. Rissler’s budget was the main discussion of senate’s Monday meeting. Some senators expressed concern that his budget gave more money then was asked to certain clubs. After a 45-minute discussion with different viewpoints, Prestwich interrupted the meeting to read his letter.

Senate Advisor, Jamie Wada let emotions settle before addressing senate members. He advised members to take time to calm down and let things settle. He also added that the senators should not do or say anything influenced by their emotions.

“I am proud that you guys are fighting for what you believe in,” Wada said.

In new business, senate discussed its end of the year meal to be held the Sunday or Monday of finals week. It was suggested to make it a potluck and more laid back. Senate allocated no more than $200 for the end-of-the-year BBQ.