S.G.A. SENATE MEETING
August 25, 2014
NOTE: THE MEETING AGENDA ITEMS TOOK PLACE OUT OF THE TRADITIONAL ORDER BUT
THE MINUTES WILL APPEAR IN TRADITIONAL ORDER FOR THE RECORD.
The meeting was called to order in the Leaders Suite of the Donald G.
Bollinger Student Union at 4:00 p.m.
Presiding officer was Vice President
Mary Sauce. The Recording Secretary was Dolly McGeever.
The pledge was led by Senator Lawrence Arceneaux, III and the prayer was
given by Senator Sarah Zeringue.
The Nicholls Student Government Association Mission Statement was read by
Senator Markos Picou and Senator Josie St. Pierre read the first value of the
Nicholls Creed.
The following Executive Board members were present:
President Adam Lefort,
Vice President Mary Sauce, Treasurer Bobby Dufrene, Director of Student
Rights and Grievances Carolanne Moore, Director of Public Relations Lillie
Bourgeois and Secretary Dolly McGeever.
The following Senators were present:
Lawrence Arceneaux, III, Yaye Ba,
Sarabeth Theriot, Brandon Polkey, Les Theriot, Josie St. Pierre, Chante’
Singleton, Grant Ordoyne, Sarah Zeringue, Lindsey Loupe, Markos Picou, Trey
Clark, Anne-Laure Janicot, Tiffany Lefort and Ernesto Finales.
The following Senators were absent:
Evan Villemez, Meah
Vizier, Jr., Meghan Hanley, Adam Doucet and Brendon Gros.
Johnson,
Dane
Web Tech was represented by Senator Sarabeth Theriot.
Student Supreme Court was not represented.
Election Commission was not represented.
The following guests were present: Eugene A. Dial, Jr., Vice President of
Student Affairs and Enrollment Services and SGA Advisor, Darrington Anderson,
Austin Wendt and Samantha Mire, Staff Writer for The Nicholls Worth.
Minutes of August 18, 2014 were approved as printed.
GUEST SPEAKERS:
None.
OFFICER REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – ADAM LEFORT
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I hope all of you enjoyed the first week of school last week.
Monday and Tuesday I was in interviews for the Vice President of
University Advancement for Nicholls. We narrowed it down from 10 to a
few and they have been given to Dr. Murphy. He will make the final
decision whether to bring them on campus or to go out to interview them
again.
Wednesday I was in Lafayette for the ULL groundbreaking for the new
athletic facilities. It really was interesting to see their
groundbreaking ceremony and how they go about their athletics. There
were guest speakers. One quote that resounded with me was “If you want
to go fast, go alone.” “If you want to go far, go with someone.” I
think it’s a good motto for us to go by for all students. So I think
if we work as a group, we can really reach out to other students and
make their time at Nicholls a good one, rather than one person trying
to do everything themselves trying to get things done. So for this
entire year, try to go work together for everything. If you have a
motion, go out to another Senator or E-Board member if you’re not sure
of talking to someone like the Dean. Go in groups. It helps to get
our face out there. It’s just one thing.
OFFICER REPORTS CONTINUED:
PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONTINUED:
 Thursday was Welcome Back Day. I was unable to attend because I was in
Baton Rouge for the Board of Supervisors meeting for the UL System.
One thing that did get approved was the partnership with Nicholls and
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center for the athletic facility, that’s
like a training program. The medical center is going to pay for either
2 or 4 athletic trainers on campus for all athletic events so we can
abide by the rules. It’s a partnership for Workforce building so all
people will be able to work there.
 One thing you will see changing is that Freshens in the Rec Center will
be closing and the Medical Center will make it a Center for
Rehabilitation. If you get hurt, there will be someone there to assist
you in athletic training. If you’re on campus, you won’t have to leave
to get medical assistance. It’s now going to the Board of Regents to
get final approval.
 This Friday, is the deadline for scholarships so if you haven’t applied
for any yet, make sure you apply for them. Advise the Freshmen of the
Freshman Scholarships we offer.
 September 13th is our first tailgate. Make sure you tell the Freshmen
and other students to come out to support the team. There will be
refreshments and a Team Captain theme with a tunnel so inform the
Freshmen about that.
 This Thursday, August 28th, the Chamber of Commerce is hosting a
political forum from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. It’s going to be a debate for
candidates running for political office.
 September 24th at 6:30 p.m. will be our SGA/SPA President’s Dinner with
Dr. Murphy and Mrs. Jeanne Murphy. Mrs. Murphy asked if anyone can
play piano and sing, they’re welcome to do so while waiting for dinner.
Let me know if you’re interested.
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT RIGHTS & GRIEVANCES’ REPORT – CAROLANNE MOORE
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I have a full list of motion ideas so come to me if you want to write
one!
Please add student/faculty emails when you do your WID/WIH. I only
received two this past week. I need these emails to reassure these
people that SGA is taking care of their concerns.
You have two weeks until the next WID/WIH is due so there should be no
excuse for you not to have at least one complaint.
TREASURER’S REPORT – BOBBY DUFRENE
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We had the budget up for vote today. If you have any questions, please
feel free to come by my office.
For book loans that we give out, we still have $4,000 left to collect
from the Spring and we’ve given out $21,000 for this semester so far.
It doesn’t actually come out of our general account, it’s a different
account.
Next week I’ll have the last Expense Statement for the Summer.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS’ REPORT – LILLIE BOURGEOIS
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I heard Welcome Back Day was a success. I couldn’t make it because of
class but thanks to all of you who came out to help. Just a reminder,
this was a mandatory event for all Senators so if you couldn’t make it,
please send your excuse to Senator Adam D. with the supporting
documents. Also remember that when you sign up to work an event that
is mandatory, it accounts you to fulfill your duty so if you can’t go,
please let us know or find someone to take your place.
Saturday, September 13th is the first Nicholls home game against
Henderson State. We’ll have a tailgate for this game. We’ll have hot
dogs and our new red spirit shirts since it’s a red out game. I’ll
distribute a volunteer sheet next week for that.
Reminder that Tuesday and Wednesday, September 16th & 17th are the dates
for the Scantron Giveaways. It’s also Constitution Week so we’ll have
coffee cake, lemonade and we’re ordering the Gavel Stress Balls.
Hopefully, we’ll have it in time to give out to those answering
questions correctly about the Constitution.
OFFICER REPORTS CONTINUED:
VICE PRESIDENT'S REPORT – MARY SAUCE
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I helped out at Move In Day and Welcome Back Day in various locations.
I don’t know if you checked the Moodle page. Most of you post on the
form but I’ve added a lot of good references on the Moodle page, kind
of a Welcome Back thing. I’m about to upload the Constitution, the
Bylaws and Corollary. I’m going to add our roster and also the names
and phone numbers of students and administrators that you would
possibly need to get in touch with. If you have any other suggestions
of what I could add that would be a good reference for the Senators,
let me know and I’ll add that to the Moodle page. If anyone is not on
the Moodle page, let me know.
“What I’ve Done/Heard”. – I’ve been organizing and reviewing everything
and created a spreadsheet so the ones submitted today count towards the
two that you are allowed to miss.
So be aware that if you miss more
than two of “What I’ve Done/Heard”, your motion for removal will be
brought up in the Spring semester at the first meeting. That’s part of
the Corollary. Please post it on form, don’t turn it in on the paper
form unless you have a valid excuse or reason. Let me know ahead of
time. Place them only in my box because I’ll make copies and
distribute them as necessary to the proper people.
I’m also looking into plans for our workshop and revising Parliamentary
Procedure.
October 1st is the deadline for Homecoming Court nominations so please
talk to your organizations to let them know so we can get those in as
soon as possible.
ACTIONS TAKEN ON OLD BILLS
Two motions were passed and
meeting of August 18, 2014.
signed
by
SGA
President
Adam
Lefort
at
the
STUDENT SUPREME COURT REPORT
No report.
ELECTION COMMISSION REPORT
No report.
WEB TECH REPORT – Sarabeth Theriot



I updated the parking lot closures.
So far there
November.
I added the SGA minutes and the Actions Taken.
If you see any mistakes on the website, contact me.
are
none
until
SGA SENATE COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance Committee – Tiffany Lefort, Chair
Present:
Senators Tiffany Lefort, Trey Clark, Sarah Zeringue, Lindsey
Loupe, Sarabeth Theriot, Les Theriot, Brandon Polkey and Bobby
Dufrene.
Today we discussed a motion to accept the Fall 2014 SGA budget and went over
changes to a few items. The motion was found highly favorable.
Judiciary Committee – Adam Doucet, Chair
Present:
Senators Adam Doucet, Trey Clerk, Josie St. Pierre, Grant
Ordoyne, Brendon Gros, Evan Villemez, Markos Picou, Lawrence
Arceneaux, III, Brandon Polkey, Meghan Hanley, Meah Johnson,
Chante’ Singleton, Sarabeth Theriot and Ernesto Finales.
SGA SENATE COMMITTEE REPORTS CONTINUED:
Judiciary Committee Continued:
Senator Trey C. reported on behalf of Senator Adam D. in his absence:
We discussed the following:
 Reviewed one absence and excused it.
 Reviewed the Lefort Corollary, voted
favorable.
 Procedural change of SGA meetings.
on
it,
and
found
it
highly
Meet the SGA/Social Events: Homecoming/Christmas (Mr/Ms Nicholls/Banquet) –
Sarah Zeringue, Chair
Present:
Senators Sarah Zeringue, Lindsey Loupe, Les Theriot, Chante’
Singleton, Sarabeth Theriot, Anne-Laure Janicot and Trey Clark.
We discussed the following:
 Thanked Treasurer Bobby Dufrene, Senators Lindsey Loupe and Lawrence
Arceneaux, III for working the Welcome Back Day table.
 Talked about the first home game on September 13 and the Scantron
Giveaways on September 16 & 17. Volunteers will be needed later.
 Bulletin Board assignments were given out.
Campus Improvements Committee – Josie St. Pierre, Chair/Markos Picou, CoChair
Present:
Senators Josie St. Pierre, Markos Picou, Anne-Laura Janicot, Trey
Clark, Sarabeth Theriot, Lawrence Arceneaux, III, Yaye Ba, Adam
Doucet and Ernesto Finales.
We discussed the following:
 Senator Lawrence A., III reported that students in Calecas Hall are
complaining about having to share refrigerators because they are only
allowed to have one.
 Senator Sarah Z. reported confusion among Freshmen about where they can
park. She suggested to Campus police that they post signs that would
designate where they can park. Senator Lindsey L. reported that paint
in the parking zone is chipping/fading which could lead to the
confusion.
 Senator Sarah Z. reported Freshman girls complaining about the “Rush”
schedule. They felt that “Rush being held during the 1st week of school
didn’t allow them to fully adjust.
 Senator Les T. reported bookstore workers telling students to buy books
with an access code even though the student doesn’t need the access
code.
 Senator Anne-Laure J. reported Calecas Hall not having a printing
machine.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
F1415-003
I move that the Senate accept the Fall 2014 Budget.
1.
2.
Discussion:
meeting.
Trey Clark
Josie St. Pierre
Senator Trey C. said we talked about the budget at the last
Question: Move into vote
Passed For-15
Against-0
Abstained-0
F1415-004
I move that the Senate accept the Corollary of SGA President Adam Lefort.
1.
2.
Lawrence Arceneaux, III
Les Theriot
NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED:
Discussion:
Senator Lawrence A. said we discussed the Corollary in the
Judiciary meeting and upon voting, found it favorable. There was discussion
about a few changes but most of it is staying the same.
Question: Move into vote
Passed For-13
Against-1
Abstained-1
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE REPORTS
General Education Assessment Committee (GEAC) – Les Theriot
I attended the GEAC meeting today and it lasted 25 minutes. A representative
from Faculty Senate attended to reiterate the goals of GEAC. Our next meeting
will be Friday, September 5 at 1:30 p.m.
COMMENT:
President Adam L. advised the officers that if they’re on a
University Committee, to remember to bring a committee
report form to take notes and report back on it in the
meeting. This is so we can be aware of what’s happening.
DISCUSSION PERIOD:
SGA Committee List:
Vice President Mary S. said she will distribute the SGA Committee List again
because the meeting times have been changed. President Adam L. said if you
have a scheduling conflict, change it now. Vice President Mary S. said to
check emails regularly for meeting notices. It’s your responsibility to read
the emails, respond to them if necessary and to attend these meetings and
take proper notes.
Parliamentary Procedure
Vice President Mary S. said Judiciary Committee and I went over Parliamentary
Procedures.
 I’d like to remind you that meeting dress code should not be meeting
casual. No dress jeans, no colored pants that look like jeans, no tshirts.
For girls, if you have sandals, no flip flips and for guys,
try not to wear tennis shoes.
Please wear socks and dress shoes.
President Adam L. said for girls, the skirts shouldn’t be too short.
Vice President Mary S. said to be modest and be business appropriate.
We do have professionals and administrators that come to the meetings
and people who come from our community. We want to conduct ourselves
as well as possible.
 If for some reason during the meeting, I don’t introduce you, you need
to make sure you introduce yourself. Just say, “Hi, my name is Senator
Zeringue and I’ve like to say…”.
Whether you’re making a motion,
asking a question or anything like that, if you’re not introduced, you
should introduce yourself because it’s taped on the recorder and goes
into the entire minutes.
 Officer Reports – We haven’t done it for this meeting but in future
meetings we may or may not switch them around.
Technically, they’re
old business, so in order for you to understand what we’re saying and
feel we’ve done this in the past, so we can talk about any motions that
might be brought up and why we feel a certain way about them.
Our
reports should be before Unfinished Business rather than at the end of
the meeting. That’s something we might change too.
 What’s really important right now is the order of motions.
If you
notice on your agenda, you have a section for Appointments and Removals
and you have a section for motions.
You get your motions in your
mailbox. You should know which motions are being brought up. If there
is an Appointment or Removal, you should make sure that motion is said
first because that will affect the voting for general motions that are
brought up.
If it’s a close vote, that person, whether they were
appointed or removed, their vote counts.
So we need to make sure we
hear Appointments or Removals before any other motions are heard.
 What would make the Senate meeting run smoother? Whenever you present
a motion, if you title your motion, we can say for example, “I move
that the Senate accept the motion titled Peltier Garden Restoration”,
rather than having to read everything out. Then when I get the motion,
I can read the title and read out the entire motion rather than all of
you reading it twice and hearing it twice which is taking up so much
time. President Adam L. said such as in Unfinished Business, for
example you’d say “I move to take the Smoking Signs off the table.”
It’s the same concept instead of reading the motion.
DISCUSSION PERIOD CONTINUED:
Parliamentary Procedure Continued:
 Vice President Mary S. said to make sure you put a distinct title on
your motion. Like we did the Motion and Corollary, we titled it “The
Corollary” and attached the Corollary.
You can write up a paragraph
about it rather than making it an attachment but title it so that you
can be brief, then I read it and we move on faster.
 I’m not going to go into debate and questions would go because that’s
kind of confusing and that’s something we’ll discuss at our workshop.
Just be prepared to learn a little more about Parliamentary Procedure
and about how you should properly vote on debate so that everyone’s
voice can be heard.
 Finally, I want you to realize that if I make a decision that you don’t
like, for example, like we just did a voice vote, I wanted to do that
today to make a point. If you didn’t think that it was the majority to
approve the minutes, you could question my decision that it passed, my
approval.
You can question my approval and you can go back and call
for a vote by hand so that everyone would have to raise their hand and
we would vote.
If we go in debate and you don’t think debate should
have ended because you have more things to talk about before we move to
vote on the motion, you can call question to move to end debate. You’d
say “I move that we continue with debate and basically, you veto my
motion. You have power as Senators to run the meetings as well. It is
my job to officiate it but you need to make sure your voice is heard.
We’ll go over this more thoroughly in our workshop.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Adam L.
I asked you to help on Saturday for the COSBP meeting we’re
hosting here but the day before, September 5th, it’ll be at
Fletcher. If you want to be a guest for that, please let
me know.
This will be an ice breaker with other SGA
Presidents.
I think we’ll tour Fletcher and another
building near the BP location.
There’s a bus leaving at
Hampton Inn at 4:00 or you can meet here to carpool there.
Dr. Dial
I know that you focus on solving problems and solutions but
it’s O.K. that if you like something that’s changed, that’s
new, it’s O.K. to say that.
If you have friends or fellow students that have needs for
fees or books, be sure to get them to us.
We can’t help
everybody but I guarantee that if I get a chance, they’ll
get some help. Don’t put it off.
Ernesto F.
Regarding the hospital contract, they
contract to mental health service also.
just
approved
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
a