In its second meeting, the 20th Undergraduate Senate discussed individual and committee goals for their upcoming term.
The group approved all quick grant requests for several student organizations, including Stanford Women in Design, Arab Students Association and Society of Black Scientists and Engineers.
The Senate first heard a report from ASSU Executive Shanta Katipamula ’19, who advertised openings on the Executive Cabinet, Elections Commission and Constitutional Council.
In addition, the six Senate committees presented reports from their first meetings.
Gabe Rosen ’19, the chair of the appropriations committee, asked senators to remind financial officers of voluntary student organizations that the deadline for fall quarter standard grants is next Friday, May 18. All “predictable” expenses, including those under $1,000, are funded through the standard grant system.
The Administration and Rules Committee, chaired by Faa Diallo ’21, proposed that each senator write a bill to fix discrepancies in the ASSU Constitution and bylaws. During the last ASSU election cycle, a contradiction between the Constitution and bylaws sparked controversy over who would be elected to the 15th and final Senate seat, which is currently occupied by Matt Wigler ’19.
Advocacy Committee Chair Tyra Nicolay ’21 reported that her committee was exploring a range of potential issues to tackle. Nicolay said that all potential topics of interest were originally raised during the election campaign, including divestment, workers’ rights, Bay Area communities, community centers, sexual assault reform and Stanford as a potential sanctuary campus for undocumented students.
Student Life Committee representatives said that they aimed to advance mental health initiatives, increase student access to birth control and streamline the process of applying for VSOs.
“It can be an intimidating process for everyone, so maybe a Carta for clubs,” suggested committee chair Martin Altenburg ’21.
After the committee reports, senators gave their bi-weekly individual reports. Per the ASSU bylaws, all Senators are required to complete a personal project over the course of their term in office.
Multiple senators proposed initiatives surrounding community centers, including a potential community center for first-generation low-income students, along with mental health services and service workers’ rights.
Josh Nkoy ’21 suggested coordinating with students and the administration on disability programs, while Michal Skreta ’21 advocated need-blind admissions for international students.
Contact Erin Woo at erinkwoo ‘at’ stanford.edu.