Student Government of Seattle University

Representative Assembly Meeting

Meeting Minutes
February 11, 2015 Student Center 130 at 6:00 p.m.
I.

Call to Order
Raquel calls the meeting to order at 6:00 PM

II.

Roll Call (initial on the line)

Eric Sype, President _________
Raquel Davalos, Executive Vice President _________
Matthew Kelly, Vice President of Finance _________
Meggie Green, Vice President of University Affairs _________
Luke Larsen, Senior Representative _________
Manuel Siguenza, Junior Representative _________
Palmyra Jackson, Sophomore Representative_________
Owen Goetze, At-Large Representative _________
Sarah Coluccio, Athletic Representative
Monica Chan, Multicultural Representative _________
Lynn Doan, Commuter Representative _________
Jordan Murakami, Transfer Representative _________
Jaden Phan, International Representative __ ___
Braden Wild, Students with Disabilities Representative _________
Jarrod Gallagher, Nontraditional Representative _________
Isheeta Tewari, Freshman Representative _________
Tanish Bhojwani, Freshman Representative __
__

III.

Approval of the Minutes

Motion passes unanimously with abstention from Braden Wild and Manuel Siguenza.

IV.

Public Comment Josh, Allison, and Calvin

Josh: We would like to tell you about the involuntary medical leave policy that has been put in place.
Calvin: There has always been an involuntary medical leave policy in the Student Code of Conduct. SU
released a new version of this policy. Ive heard that theyve sent out new verbage to faculty.
Josh: *Reads new policy*
Calvin: The problem is that the new policy is too broad and we feel as though this is a small way that
students voices may be silenced.
Josh: Part of the policy requires a student to turn over their medical records to the university.
Calvin: This is something that came to our attention and we wanted to make you all aware of it.
Josh: What weve gathered is that a policy like this would usually go through Academic Assembly, but
this one didnt. VP, do you want to speak to this?
Michele: There are a number of things I could respond to in this.
Jordan: I appreciate your maturity and respectability in coming into the meeting.
Josh: One more thing, you dont have to break a code of conduct rule for this new policy to go into
effect.
Izzy: In this communication, it was not made clear regarding the students involvement of this policy
change.

V.
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Guest Speakers Michele Murray, Vice President of Student Development

Michele: Regarding the involuntary leave policy: this policy has been in existence for over ten years. In
my nine years here, its been used one time. Its in the context of the total safety net that we have in
place for all students. We have Starfish for faculty/staff to use if theyre concerned about the wellbeing of a student. Student of Concern committee is who receives that notification. This committee
includes a number of people from around campus and is headed by the Dean of Students. This group
plans whatever needs to be done and how to care for students. This policy works with the US
Department of Education to update the policy. This is not a policy that students would be involved in
updating because its a federal policy that weve been updating for about two years now. This is not a
matter that falls within the scope of Academic Assembly. This is a student behavioral policy. There are
two pieces of language that are new. One is that students have the ability to name their evaluator is,
but the university has the power to appoint an evaluator if they deem the students choice
inappropriate. The second part is that they have 10 days to appeal the decision made by the evaluator
concerning their well-being. This policy is for someone who is entirely detached from reality. This gives
the university the ability to care for the student. I think there might be misperception regarding what
you said about students voices being silenced.
Calvin: I acknowledge what youre saying, and I understand what the purpose of the policy is, but my
problem is with the broad language that could be used to silence voices.
Michele: Were working with the US Dept. of Education concerning this policy and they find that SU is
one of two or three universities around the country who comply correctly.
Calvin: I think that if students are concerned with something, then that should trump federal policy.
Josh: I do not trust the decision making processes by the people in power. There is a legal right that
everyone has, so the university does not need a policy. Darrell Goodwin is not a trustworthy person.
Michele: That is your opinion.
Braden: Could you expand regarding the use of medical records?
Michele: This policy is for folks who are contesting whether or not they need some time away. This is
very similar to the communications between medical providers regarding whether or not a student is
ready to be back on campus.
Braden: Is there a medical professional on the committee you mentioned?
Michele: This does not include the committee, its the Dean of Students. Someone from CAPS could fill
that position.
Sarah: If the medical information comes on campus, then it just goes to one or two people?
Michele: Yes. Its the same procedure that would be used if a student needed to leave campus for
some other reason. Its such a rare instance that this would happen. The primary concern is for a
student to be well. I wouldnt be surprised if this policy sits in place and is not used in the next decade.
Eric: This is all within Darrells office? If someone had further questions they could meet with Darrell,
yes?
Michele: Absolutely. Next, whats happening in student development is the next item Id like to talk
about. Theres a lot going on in the division regarding change and renewal. A number of things. The
retention at Seattle U, although better this year, is not what it could be? Our 6 year graduation rate is
77%, but it could be far better. We could be in the upper 80s. Im talking with the division about the
quality of program that you all, as students, deserve. The 6 year graduation rate is a more useful
marker for us. Our students just deserve better from us. The other piece is that we just are not
resourced in the same way that we used to be. Also, no one wants to be a part of a static organization.
Were always in the process of renewal. Its just a little bit different right now. Heres what weve done
so far. Ive been planning this for about a year. In the fall we had a collection of workshops. This winter
weve been engaged in a variety of things including a weekly work plan, mission and vision renewal,
and several other things. Learning communities are one thing universities can do to better the student
experience for all students. We have a task force designated to reimagine this program.

Eric: Could you explain the learning communities?

Michele: The LCs create small clusters of students who are interested in the same kind of things. They
facilitate student growth and development. Our program is not resourced the way it should be to get
the kind of results we would like. Were trying to figure out what it would mean to do LCs really well.
Braden: Is this more a matter of resources of structure?
Michele: Both. We dont deploy both of these as well as we could. Theres a taskforce getting up and
running regarding the first two years of a students experience at SU. Theres another one surrounding
the common text that everyone reads. The problem weve had is that the books weve been
recommending arent very engaging and we dont do anything with it. There are thinktanks that are
being launched as well. We also want some student-focused thinktanks for students who arent really
involved in anything on campus. We need to understand our students better. The world is changing
rapidly and we need yall to be prepared for this. We need to make better use of technology. We need
to operationalize students search for meaning and purpose. We need to create a high quality student
experience. Then theres the innovation hub which creates a culture and a structure of innovation.
iLead was an example of this disruption. Weve changed our structure a bit. People now have areas of
responsibility because were trying to move away from departmental silos. Were trying to think about
these things across groups. Several things need to change about our thinking.
Eric: Who are the Chaplain and the Admin Coordinator?
Michele: Admin Coordinator is Jane. Chaplain is Fr. Ohno. Bernie counted last year that we ran 38
different student orientation sessions across five different groups. We need to think about all of our
students. Its not just orientation, its transition along the way. Halfway there, is a transitional program
is an example. Student empowerment really speaks to building up our student leadership groups.
Theres no wrong door policy. We want people to get more invested in the success of all students.
Jordan: I understand the negative of the silos, but I questions the reasoning behind getting rid of them
entirely. Is this going to be accepting of all students?
Michele: Comprehensive, but also meeting the needs of our student populations. Its not ignoring the
different needs, its just making things more equitable.
Jordan: Does that mean commuter/transfer student life is going to be absorbed into another group?
Michele: We havent discussed that yet. We need to be better about analyzing our data. In Student
Development, we need to really understand the data. Making sure that were on-boarding of new staff.
Luke: Has anyone thought about bringing in economics students to look at the data? Is there any use of
student populations?
Michele: Usually, this comes from the department. I dont know about Economics students, but there
are some grad students that could be used. Student voice is important in this. Comprehensive
approach to health and wellness involves streamlining. Comprehensive approach to housing.
Innovation hub helps us live into a culture of innovation. Questions?
Eric: What is the number one thing that you will not let be compromised throughout the
reorganization process?
Michele: As in a program or initiative?
Eric: What foundation are you set upon?
Michele: At the heart of it all, we want to invest in those who invest in us. Bernie said that SU students
are ordinary students who go out into the world and do extraordinary things and I agree with that. Im
not attached to a structural thing, Im attached to an outcome.
Myra: How are you empowering students, concretely?
Michele: Dance Marathon would be an example. Is it possible that you have it within yourselves to step
up and lead differently, rather than having as close of advising as you have had? When DM was created
almost ten years ago, Renata ran the entire thing. Emily, the current leader of DM, could advise DM
next year. Everything at the University of Virginia was student run, less so now, but theres an extent to

VI.

which student leadership should be pushed. Weve been relying on advisors recently, but I think
students are capable of more than theyre doing now.
Myra: What do you envision SGSU doing now with this information?
Michele: Im telling yall because youre a part of Student Development. Were looking for feedback
because were in a building stage. Were not looking for an elimination of the golden 200, but were
looking to think of all our students when we think about the word students. So I guess Im asking for
feedback.
Luke: Where does this empowered thinking hope to go? Are you looking to increase student leadership
minutely or extensively?
Michele: There is a professional need surrounding this institution, but it wouldnt be smart for us to
bring in people in the middle of their college career. We could make better use of student skills, for
sure.
Braden: What do you mean by looking at housing?
Michele: Im talking about housing in the next decade. Were sensitive to the housing market in the
area and we dont currently have the housing stock to provide for the needs of all our students. Were
talking about more of a Xavier Global House type set up for learning communities. We also need to be
aware of the fact that Campion is old, but were not talking about just putting lipstick on the pig.
Braden: What about disability accommodations?
Michele: Were keeping all that in mind.
Owen: Do you plan to share these structures/information with the students?
Michele: Absolutely! Well be sharing a divisional newsletter, I think monthly. A more user-friendly
version will go out for our partners and students around the institution.
Izzy: How are you planning to work with people who want to cling to the old ways of doing things?
Michele: Resistance to change is a part of the process. I accept that. I also accept that resistance is the
number one reason people do not seek change, and thats why we need it. Were communicating
excessively so that people are aware of whats going on and where were going. Another piece is that
people support what theyve helped to build. People have been pretty engaged with this as well. The
other thing weve been doing is utilizing our time together to make sure that people are all on the
same page. Celebrating the wins is another key component.
Jordan: What other ways can we continue student engagement with regards to the student
experience?
Michele: Were in the building process. We have a basic framework. The Red Hawk experience is the
depth of what it means to be at Seattle University. It asks us to questions how we engage
nontraditional students as well. The easiest target is traditional age undergrads.
Jordan: In Student Development, do you outreach to graduate and law students?
Michele: Not so much. We need to be better about this.
Monica: I found leadership at SU to be very tied to titles. What does the new plan do with regard to
organic student leadership programs?
Michele: The Red Hawk Experience is all about communicating that to students. Leadership is a little bit
weird, I would agree with you. We dont have a plan to address this exactly, but we need to collect
thoughts and perspectives and approach that a little bit better. I think you comment is worth repeating
in large circles.
Raquel: Thank you so much, Michele!
Monica: I move to add an agenda item.
Manuel: I second.
Raquel: Added.
Old Business None

VII.
VIII.

New Business
REPA 20150211 Campus Climate Survey (Monica Chan)
Monica: Survey is done! 29.8%! It needed to be 30% in order to be statistically significant. 25% of these
results came from undergrads, so these things need to be taken into account. Thank you for your help!
Myra: Im confused.
Monica: The data will be analyzed. Everything will be used.
Raquel: Point of clarification, you cant use the phrase all students because its not a statistically
significant number.
Monica: There were subgroups that went way beyond the 30%.
Luke: The additional week was last week?
Manuel: Point of clarification, there was just one day.
Sarah: Why didnt we extend the survey even more?
Eric: Theres another survey out right now.
Monica: Another reason is that the data takes a long time to be analyzed.
Raquel: It will be better for the survey be over sooner, so we can have answers sooner.
Owen: Are there more meetings?
Monica: The climate study group will be meeting once a month.
Officer Reports:
A) Eric Sype-President:
a. Presentations for bookstore transitions from 1:30-3:30pm in Pigott tomorrow.
b. Ill be traveling with the bookstore committee to the Bay Area to look at a couple of other
campuses to look at those transitions. I wont be at R.A. next week.
c. I have a suggestion for an amendment to the by-laws, so this is a general announcement.
d. I have a 10am meeting on Friday with Chuck Porter, re: OIT miscommunications.
e. I sat on a panel for the Board of Trustees sub-committee meeting and we discussed
interesting things.
B) Raquel Davalos- Executive Vice President:
a. I have a list of by-laws changes that Ive been keeping.
b. Next week we have Josh Krawzick coming to speak at R.A. so please bring questions.
c. Please say you all instead of you guys because its more inclusive and professional.
C) Matthew Kelly- Vice President of Finance:
a. Emails.
b. Coordinating Budget Transparency Forum.
D) Meg Green- Vice President of University Affairs
a. No exec meeting this week.
b. I set up the DM team, and yall should join.
c. Email access.
E) Representatives
a. Luke Larsen, Senior Representative:
i. Meeting with Keisa Liu who is heading up the Senior Gift campaign. SU asks us to
give money to people like us, but for next year.
b. Manuel Siguenza, Junior Representative:
i. Finalized brochure things for 12th and Jeff event.
c. Palmyra Jackson, Sophomore Representative:
i. Nothing to report.
d. Owen Goetze, At-Large Representative:
i. 12th and Jeff Event.
e. Monica Chan, Multicultural Representative:

i. No DarkMatter.
f. Lynn Doan, Commuter Representative:
i. Lynn Collegium forum.
g. Jordan Murakami, Transfer Representative:
i. Working on responding to heartbreaking note from a constituent.
h. Jarrod Gallagher, Non-traditional Rep:
i. Nothing to report.
i. Jaden Phan, International Representative:
i. Nothing to report.
j. Braden Wild, Students with Disabilities Representative:
i. March 8th and 13th events!
k. Sarah Coluccio, Athletic Representative:
i. Spoke with SAC regarding Special Olympics event.
l. Isheeta Tewari, Freshman Representative:
i. 12th and Jeff event.
m. Tanish Bojwani, Freshman Representative:
i. Nothing to report.
n. Izzy Gardon, External Chief of Staff:
i. Nothing to report.
o. Margaret Quartararo, Internal Chief of Staff:
i. Nothing to report.
F) Advisors
a. Kayla Zobel:
i. Bernies email about printing!
ii. Weve moved into the new calendar.
b. Kelsey Nerland:
i. Nothing to report.
IX.

X.
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XI.

Committee Reports
A. PAB:
a. Tabling on Tuesday was successful.
b. February 24th forum will have Fr. Ely and Michele Murray as well. We will have food and
water. Were going to partner with other groups on campus.
B. Steering:
a. Retreat would be on the 25th until 9pm.
b. Printing budget will come from the Steering budget.
c. One-on-ones for next week.
C. Finance:
a. Rescheduling SQ15 appropriations.
D. University Affairs:
a. Working on the same stuff.
b. Picking on the glass board.
Announcements
Owen: Tomorrow is the 12th and Jeff event. If youre interested in volunteering, please talk to me after!
Eric: If youre interested in meeting with Chuck, let me know.
Izzy: Kenny came in a few weeks ago. Our prints will roll over quarter to quarter during the academic
year.
Adjournment at 7:49 PM