Pubdate: Thu, 25 Sep 2003 Source: Spectator, The (GA Edu) Copyright: 2003 The Spectator. Contact: http://www.valdosta.edu/vsu/stuorg/spec/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2858 Author: Patti Spradley SGA PASSES ALCOHOL/DRUG BILL SGA passed a resolution Monday night that requires the Office of Judicial Affairs to notify parents of students who have violated established alcohol/drug policies twice. This only applies to students under the age of 21. Richard Lee, assistant to the dean of students for judicial affairs, introduced to the senate the Actual Parental Notification Policy Resolution composed by the Substance Abuse Task Force. Lee explained that repeat offenses to the alcohol and drug policies may be indicative of a bigger problem and in actuality only affects about two students per school year. SGA Vice President Ryan Gandy added that adopting this policy will only further action started by the senate last year. The senate voted to pass the resolution. Gandy then offered the podium to Jason Lewis, SGA president. Lewis informed the senate that Dance Marathon had been cancelled due to lack of interest. Other business mentioned by Lewis was poor reporting on the part of the Spectator. Holding up the front page of the Sept. 15 issue of the Spectator, Lewis claimed that the front-page article contained "lies and crap," though he did not specifically state what the errors were. Rather, he made reference to the editorial printed inside the Spectator that criticized the SGA for not being organized. In other matters, Gandy recommended a graduate student senate seat be added to allow representation of graduate students and the appointment of a President Pro Temp to fill in for Lewis in his absence. It has been established that Lewis' work schedule conflicts with Tuesday night meetings, hence the change from Tuesday to Monday night senate meetings this school year. Gandy recognized Green Waggner with the student Karate Club. The Karate Club has expressed interested in becoming a recognized student organization and has asked SGA to draft a proposal to further their cause. Zach Nuse, member of the Rules and Regulations Committee, reviewed the bill proposal to reform the use of social security numbers on VSU IDs. The bill was reviewed as written and suggestions were made as to revisions. A motion was made and seconded to table the matter until the next meeting to allow for revisions. Minutes were approved from the last meeting after senators had the opportunity to review them. There was a question from a new senator about when "new senator orientation" would be held, but no decision was made. The Rules Committee decided to write a bill mandating a new attendance policy. It seemed generally agreed that senators be allowed no more than two consecutive absences or three total absences per semester. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens