Friday, May 23, 2008

Join 2008-2009 Student Senate!


Applications are now available outside the Student Senate office, Baker 305, for appointed commissioner and executive staff positions for next school year. Act soon because completed applications are due back in Baker 305 by Monday June 2nd. Student Senate is a great way to give back to our university and get involved on campus. Check out the position descriptions below for more details.

Appointed Senator Positions
Academic Affairs Commissioner
The Commissioner shall be responsible for advising the Executive Officers of Senate regarding the issues and concerns under the Commission’s jurisdiction. The Academic Affairs Commission shall serve as a representative of student opinion on academic matters to the faculty and administration; promote an educational environment that is conducive to the interests of students; address academic grievances; and review as well as recommend academic policies and procedures. The Commission shall send a representative to all Faculty Senate and Graduate Student Senate meetings. The Commission shall maintain relationships with the Admissions Office, Advising Council College Committees, Deans’ Council, Deans’ Offices, Curriculum Council, Office of the Provost, and all other offices or organizations dealing with academic matters.

Black Student Affairs Commissioner
The Commissioner shall be responsible for advising the Executive Officers of Senate regarding the issues and concerns under the Commission’s jurisdiction. The Commission shall assist African American students who have grievances with the university; serve as a liaison with offices, departments, committees and organizations involved with the concerns of African American students; gather and publicize information of importance to African American students and African American organizations; work in collaboration with the City and County and State and Federal Affairs Commissions to inform students of relevant legislation pending or passed on the local, state and federal levels; and promote cultural awareness and increase multicultural awareness and increase multicultural programs available to the student population.

City and County Affairs Commissioner
The Commissioner shall be responsible for advising the Executive Officers of Senate regarding the issues and concerns under the Commission’s jurisdiction. The Commission shall serve as a liaison between Senate and the City of Athens and Athens County, including all agencies and subdivisions thereof. The Commissioner, or designee, shall attend all Athens City Council meetings, maintain relationships with city and county elected officials, convey the opinion of Senate, and ensure the rights of students are protected and interests advanced.

International Student Affairs Commissioner
The Commissioner shall be responsible for advising the Executive Officers of Senate regarding the issues and concerns under the Commission’s jurisdiction. The commission shall assist international students who have grievances with the university; serve as a liaison with offices, departments, committees and organizations involved with the concerns of international students; gather and publicize information of importance to international students and international organizations; work in collaboration with the City and County and State and Federal Affairs Commissions to inform international students of relevant legislation pending or passed on the local, state and federal levels; and promote cultural awareness and increase multicultural programs available to the student population.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Student Affairs Commissioner
The Commissioner shall be responsible for advising the Executive Officers of Senate regarding the issues and concerns under the Commission’s jurisdiction. The Commission shall create an awareness of LGBT issues on campus; gather and publicize information of importance to the students who fall under the commission’s jurisdiction; sponsor Pride Week; work in collaboration with the City and County and State and Federal Affairs Commissions to inform students of relevant legislation pending or passed at the local, state, and federal levels; and assist LGBT students who have grievances against the university.

Minority Student Affairs Commissioner
The Commissioner shall be responsible for advising the Executive Officers of Senate regarding the issues and concerns under the Commission’s jurisdiction. The Commission shall represent students traditionally underserved by the university community, including but not limited to, student’s of various ethnicities and nationalities, non-traditional students, students with learning disabilities and students with physical disabilities. The Commission shall assist minority students who have grievances with the university; serve as a liaison with offices, departments, committees and organizations involved with the concerns of minority students and minority student organizations; inform students of relevant legislation ending or passed on the local, state and federal levels; and promote cultural awareness and increase multicultural programs available to the student population.

Off Campus Life Commissioner
The Commissioner shall be responsible for advising the Executive Officers of Senate regarding the issues and concerns under the Commission’s jurisdiction. The purpose of the Off-Campus Life Commission shall include, but is not limited to, helping students with landlord-tenant problems, working with the Center for Student Legal Services, and other issues that affect primarily students who live off campus. The Commission is also responsible for sponsoring Athens Beautification Day.

Residence Life Commissioner
The Commissioner shall be responsible for advising the Executive Officers of Senate regarding the issues and concerns under the Commission’s jurisdiction. The Commission shall address the concerns and needs of students living in the residence halls, monitor policies and decisions that affect students living in residence halls, advocate policies that will improve the quality of life on each of the residential greens, and maintain relationships with student organizations and university offices that affect the life of students living in the residence halls.

State and Federal Affairs Commissioner
The Commissioner shall be responsible for advising the Executive Officers of Senate regarding the issues and concerns under the Commission’s jurisdiction. State and Federal Affairs Commission shall coordinate and collaborate with student and community organizations voter registration and voter mobilization campaigns, work with various state and federal officials on legislation of interest to students, inform students or relevant legislation pending or passed on the state and federal levels, and work with organizations that are relevant to the goals and purpose of the commission. The Commission shall organize and conduct the “Voter Registration Week” in accordance with the Ohio Secretary of State’s registration deadline.

Student Activities Commissioner
The Commissioner shall be responsible for advising the Executive Officers of Senate regarding the issues and concerns under the Commission’s jurisdiction. SAC shall be the subdivision of Senate responsible for accepting funding requests, evaluating funding requests, and allocating funds for programs and events from the Student General Fund to registered student organizations at Ohio University.

University Life Commissioner
The Commissioner shall be responsible for advising the Executive Officers of Senate regarding the issues and concerns under the Commission’s jurisdiction. The Commission shall address issues that do not fall under the jurisdiction of other commissions, including, but not limited to, health services, Inter Collegiate Athletic issues, environmental concerns, alcohol-related issues, Greek community issues, technology issues, and other issues affecting the general university community. The Commission shall work with various university offices and community agencies and governments as necessary.

Women’s Affairs Commissioner
The Commissioner shall be responsible for advising the Executive Officers of Senate regarding the issues and concerns under the Commission’s jurisdiction. The Commission shall educate both men and women in the community on all the issues which the commission considers to be relevant; provide information on violence against women; sponsor Take Back the Night; work in collaboration with Academic Affairs to address all curriculum related issues pertaining to women; assist individual women with specific university and community issues and concerns; work in collaboration with the State and Federal Affairs Commission to inform students of relevant legislation pending or passed on the state and federal levels; serve as a liaison with offices, departments, committees and organizations necessary in order to further the goals and purpose of the Commission.

Greek Life Senator
The Senator shall be an active member of a Greek chapter that is recognized by the Office of Student Activities. The Senator for Greek Life shall serve as a member of the University Life Commission and shall represent the Greek community by working with individual fraternities and sororities, Inter-Fraternity Council, Women’s Pan-Hellenic Association, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and other organizations as necessary.

Executive Staff Positions
Chief of Staff
The Chief of Staff shall function as an advisor to the Executive Officers, recommend students for the Executive Staff, serve as a liaison between the Executive Officers and the Executive Staff, serve as a liaison between the Senate and the Executive Staff when necessary, and carry out any duty delegated by the Executive Officers. All information discussed by the Executive Officers is confidential and shall not be discussed with anyone else without the authorization of the Executive Officers. The Chief of Staff may be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Director of Media Relations
The Director of Media Relations shall be responsible for publicizing Senate activities, decisions, actions, events and meetings to members of the media, including but not limited to, newspaper, radio, and television; and other duties as delegated by the Executive Officers.

Director of Public Relations
The Director of Public Relations shall be responsible for publicizing Senate activities, decisions, actions, events, and meetings to the general public and student body; and other duties as delegated by the Executive Officers.

Director of University Relations
The Director of University Relations shall issue a Report monthly on all university committees with student representatives for inclusion on the Proceedings of Senate; shall solicit applications and recommend students to the University Committee on Committees for membership; and other duties as delegated by the Executive Officers.

Director of Athletic Affairs
The Director of Athletic Affairs shall be a Student Athlete. The Director of Athletic Affairs shall advise the Executive Officers and Senators regarding issues and events occurring within the Student Athlete community and shall serve as a liaison between Student Senate and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

Parliamentarian
The Parliamentarian shall advise the President or President pro tempore on matters pertaining to the Constitution, the Rules & Procedures of Senate, and Robert’s Rules of Order; and other duties as delegated by the Executive Officers.

Director of the Internship Program
The Director of the Internship Program shall be a former intern. The Director shall be responsible for the internship program and the actions of the interns; and other duties as delegated by the Executive Officers.

Director of Information Technology
The Director of Information Technology shall be responsible for maintaining and updating the Student Senate website, maintaining the Student Senate office computers; and other duties as delegated by the Executive Officers.

Community Activity and Social Chair
The Community Activity and Social Chair shall organize Student Senate projects in the community and other duties as delegated by the Executive Officers; shall coordinate social functions through the Social Committee which will be open to all members of Senate.

Organizational Liaison
The Organizational Liaison shall facilitate relationships between student organizations and the Ohio University Student Senate.

Director of Research
The Director of Research shall be responsible for conducting research with measures including, but not limited to questionnaires, online polls, or student focus groups. The Director of Research or designee shall conduct all steps of the research project including, but not limited to, creating questionnaires, distributing questionnaires, leading focus groups, and evaluating research results. The topics of research shall be Senate initiatives or issues pertinent to the university community.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Senator of the Week: Chris Diehl


Name: Chris Diehl

Hometown: Gustavus, OH

Major: Accounting

Year: Senior

Position: Academic Affairs Commissioner

Favorite Food: Chicken Cacciatore

If you had in a foreign country, which one would you want to live in? Germany

If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be? Jessica Alba

Favorite thing you've done on senate? General Fee Resolution

Plans for next year? Law School somewhere

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Help Keep Athens Beautiful!

Ohio University Student Senate will sponsor the third annual Athens Beautification Day this Saturday, for the first time since the event's short but successful history.

Kick-off for the day will be 10 a.m. at West Portico on College Green, which will feature speeches from OU President Roderick McDavis and Athens Mayor Paul Weihl.

"In the past two years, Athens Beautification Day has been a highlighted achievement of our student body that emphasizes the ideal of civic duty," President McDavis said in a press release. "The students have mobilized and organized the volunteer labor, and researched and developed meaningful projects to be performed throughout the city."

OU students and Athens residents alike are invited to participate in the cleansing event, which will provide a positive opportunity for all parties involved to work together toward a common goal: a beautiful place to live.

Project sites include Court Street, Mill Street, the HDL Center, the Athens Bike path, Stimson Avenue, and many more.

Visit the Beautification Day website for more information!

Spring Cleaning Supply Drive

Student Senate will begin a Spring Cleaning Supply Drive tonight, which will benefit local charities like My Sister's Place and Timothy's House.

Senators and Commissioners will be asked to donate cleaning supplies to these local charities, and Senate hopes to distribute these donations by next week.

Anyone who would like to contribute is invited to bring cash donations or cleaning supplies to Baker 305.

Please contact Treasurer Will Wemer at ww303604@ohio.edu for more information.

Student Senate Elections

It is time again for Ohio University students to vote for their next Student Senate representatives. Students might have noticed some campaign materials floating around campus in the last few days, as campaigning began April 15, at midnight.

Here are some important dates to keep in mind during the upcoming months:

Tuesday, April 29: Presidential Debate at 6 p.m. in Bentley 236

Tuesday, May 6: Executive Debate at 6 p.m. in Bentley 236

Thursday, May 15: Election Day

Tuesday, May 20: Finance Reports Due at 5 p.m. in Baker 305

Download the election rules here.

Good luck and happy campaigning to all who have decided to run!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Take Back the Night!

OU's 29th annual Take Back the Night event, a Student Senate initiative, will kick off Monday, April 14. Women across campus and throughout the Athens community are invited to participate in the week-long event, themed "Empowered: Inside and Out."

Take Back the Night is a women’s movement that started in the 1960s to protest the fear and violence they experienced at nighttime. The first march was organized in Athens in 1979 as a community initiative, and eventually became a student initiative over time.


Take a look at what the week's events will be!

Monday, April 14 ~ Basics Day

Sexual Assault 101
Learn about the different types of sexual assault, how to reduce your risk of being assaulted, and the resources available to survivors.
Baker 233
4 p.m.

Self-Defense Workshop with Cheryl Cesta.
Funded through the Sexual Assault Prevention Program of Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling.
Baker 231
2:30-4 p.m.

How to Help a Friend
This program helps individuals understand what a friend may be feeling or experiencing after a sexual assault.
Women’s Center, 4th floor Baker
2-4 p.m.

Consensual Sex or Rape? You decide.
Mock Trial put on by the Sexual Assault Prevention Program of Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling.
Baker 231
6 p.m.

Kick-Off Event
This event will include vegan food and a sign-making workshop in preparation for the March and Rally later in the week. A brief introduction to Take Back the Night and guidance on sign-making will be given by Damon Krane of PeopleMight.
Women’s Center, 4th floor Baker
8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 15 ~ Women in the World

Assertive Communication for Women
Communication skills are vital to success as a female leader. In this presentation from well-known speaker, M.J. Clark, you will learn to engage in listening, communicate more effectively, become more assertive and handle difficult people. Sponsored by Association for Women in Communication.
Baker Theatre
5 p.m.

Strengthening our Sisters Part III
Use this space to dispel stereotypes, promote understanding and build cultural awareness. Sponsored by the OU chapter of NAACP.
Women’s Center, 4th floor Baker
7 p.m.

Wednesday, April 16 ~ Feminism

What is feminism to me?
Panel Discussion Journalism student Lee Robbins will lead a panel of men and women from around campus in a discussion about personal feminism.
Women’s Center, 4th floor Baker
2 p.m.
The Second Rape: how rape myth ideology perpetuates campus violence and harms survivors
OU doctoral student Lindsay Orchowski will lead a discussion on strategies for creating a safer and more supportive campus community.
Baker 237
6 p.m.

Survivor Name Burning
A chance for survivors and supporters to burn the names of sexual assault offenders. The name burning gives individuals a chance to speak or release emotions about past experiences or feelings on sexual assault. A counselor will be present.
West Portico
8 p.m.

Poetry Slam
Enjoy an open space for sharing your poetry and listen to others. Sponsored by Empowered Women of Ohio.
Women’s Center
9:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 17 ~ F*** the patriarchy

Brown Bag Lunch: The Patriarchy
Women’s Center, 4th floor Baker
12 p.m.

Advanced Self-Defense Workshop with Cheryl Cesta
Sponsored by Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling Services.
Baker 341
2:30-4 p.m.

Take Back the Night 2008 Rally and March
The highlight of the week, this year’s rally will include several moving speakers and musical performances. The annual Take Back the Night march will follow.
West Portico
7 p.m.

Sing to Stop Sexual Violence
Join women and the men who support them while rockin out to karaoke tunes provided by karaoke Diva Lindsey Daniels of The Sexual Assault Prevention Program. $3 at the door to benefit My Sister’s Place.
Casa Cantina
10 p.m.

Friday, April 18 ~ Women rock.

Closing Concert with Megan Cameron
Megan Cameron is a local artist dedicated to sexual assault prevention. Her unique sound and inspirational lyrics are truly empowering.
Front Room
6 p.m.

Saturday, April 19 ~ Giving back

Athens Beautification Day
As part of this initiative, the Women’s Affairs Commission of Student Senate will make Athens more beautiful by making it safer.

Simple Auto Mechanics for Women
Cost: $8-15 sliding scale. Bring your lunch! To register and get directions, e-mail SusanBAnthony@frognet.net or call 740.448.6424.
Susan B. Anthony Womyn’s Land Trust
11p.m.-3p.m.

Sponsors for Take Back the Night Week 2008: Ohio University Student Senate Women’s Affairs Commission, Ohio University Women’s Center, Sexual Assault Prevention Program of Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling, PeopleMight, Association for Women in Communication, Ohio University chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Health Promotions, Empowered Women of Ohio and University Campus Ministries. Countless others have contributed to the success of this week, and to those people who are not listed here, we thank you!

Monday, April 7, 2008

Student Senate in the News

Ohio University Student Senate went back into action for their first meeting of Spring Quarter on Wednesday, April 2. After a presentation concerning pedestrian safety, Senate passed a resolution endorsing the General Fee Advisory Committee's budget recommendations for the fiscal year 2009.


Read about the resolution here.

For more information about the General Fee Advisory Committee and what some Senate members had to say about it, read this!

Also during the meeting, Student Senate passed a resolution which filled a vacant Off-Campus Living Senator position. Justin Henthorn was chosen unanimously to fill the position. Welcome, Justin!

Students with an opinion to voice are encouraged to do so in Walter Hall Rotunda every Wednesday night at 7:15 during Student Speakout!

Looking forward to a fun and warm Spring Quarter!