6 Minutes_Council_November_23_09

BCIT Student Association Council Meeting Minutes Monday, November 23, 2009 Executives:

Christina Ramage, President Joseph Prophet, VP Finance & Administration Peter Smith, VP Campus Life Amanda Eyolfson, VP Public Relations & Marketing Robby Basi, Transportation, Construction & the Environment Chair Billy Moore, Business Chair Kristina Gao, Health Sciences Chair Mathew Brownell, Manufacturing, Electronics and Industrial Processes Chair Upkar, Rai, Chair of School of Computing & Academic Studies Tim DeVolder, ATC Chair

Councillors:

Scott Larson-Zutter Marc Edgett Michal Harrison Jeff Chen Jill Hidalgo Shayne Laye Aaron Kool

Staff:

Caroline Gagnon, Director

Absentees

Aman Khangura Jamie Bentien Serina Khangura Loveleen Grewal

Guest:

Geoff Littler, Outreach Coordinator

Sean Owen Josh Nelson Christopher Peacock Clayton Sayer Patrick Switzer Gurnoor Grewal Jim Moore

Sharry Cu Karly Hepditch Kathryn Cleven Manny Sangha Mo Lei

6.1.

Meeting Called to Order The Chairperson, Christine Ramage, called the meeting to order at 6:25pm. (25 voting members).

5 6.2.

Acceptance of the Agenda It was moved that the following agenda be accepted with the following additions.

6.9.2 Referendum Presentation 6.9.3 Computer Upgrading Moved by: Robby Basi Seconded by: Kristina Gao 25/0/0 Carried 6.3.

Acceptance of the Minutes from November 9, 2009 Be it resolved that the minutes from November 9, 2009 be accepted as distributed.

Moved by: Tim De Volder Seconded by: Kathryn Cleven 25/0/0 Carried

6.4 Guest Speaker: No guest speaker 6.5.

Executive Progress Report

Update: Bill: • Following a recommendation from a Councillor, SE 12 was open on Sunday for the first time. The store will be open for the next little while to see if the demand is there. It looks promising.

Mat: • He is holding an event on Friday, open for everyone. Tickets are $5, which include two drinks and appetizers. Tickets can be purchased from Mat, Bev or at the door.

Peter: • The clubs are organizing a gift drive. The winning club will choose a president from another club to dress as a chicken.

Robby • Robby is in the process of planning a mingler event for his school.

Upkar • Has been working on the issue of the computers in the U-connect, and organizing a gaming event for all students to attend.

6.6.

Councillors’ Open Forum • Scott – The men’s washrooms around campus are very dirty. It is proposed that we look at spring-loaded seats.

• Renee – A boulder-climbing wall was designed and approved by Engineers, however BCIT has eliminated the funding. How can SA support this initiative? Peter Smith will bring this issue to the Recreation Council.

• Shayne – There is no hole-punch and staplers in print labs. Bill will be in contact with BCIT. 6.7.

Question Period • Upkar – The cabinet in NE 1 is easy to open and he seen students take paper from it.

• Students talk about the closing hours of SE12, and different possibilities of keeping the store open. Caroline will look into it.

• Clayton asked about the status of the microwaves. Billy informs that it was proposed to purchase two microwaves instead of the initial offer of four, given that BCIT is conducting an analysis of their current lounge space, and space might be relocated. Given that two microwaves may not require any additional electrical power, this proposal is a temporary proposal. The committee is still waiting for BCIT’s response.

• Joseph has received comments about the quality of chairs in classrooms. Councillors describe that plastic chairs in classroom and lecture hall are not in good shape. BCIT VP Student Services was made aware of this issue, and is looking for specific locations.

The issue is not only the repairs of these chairs, but also what are BCIT’s preventative measures addressing these concerns.

6.8.

Unfinished Business No unfinished Business 6.9.

New Business

6.9.1 Dissolve CIPS Peter explained that the students have no interest in reviving the student club CIPS, thus the proposing of dissolving the club.

Motion: Be it resolved that Council removes sanctioned status of CIPS and dissolves the financial balance into the SA account.

Moved by: Peter Smith Seconded by: Upkar Rai 21/0/1 Carried Question: • What is the balance of their bank account? About $2,000.00 Motion: Call the question Moved by: Bill Moore 10/10/2 Defeated •

Seconded by: Amanda Eyolfson

Patrick – How long has the club being dormant? As the outgoing president, Joseph explains that CIPS Vancouver is no longer and students are no longer receiving support from CIPS BC.

Motion: Call the question Moved by: Marc Edgett 21/0/1 Carried

Seconded by: Joseph Prophet

6.9.2 Lounges Mat explained the status of student lounges on campus, and introduced the idea of creating a capital levy to address this issue.

Motion: Be it resolved that the BCITSA collects a new capital levy directed towards the improvement of student informal spaces, including but not limited to lounges and gathering spaces.

Moved by: Mathew Brownell Seconded by: Clayton Sayer Question: • Clayton – What is the percentage for a referendum? 50% + 1 • Marc – What has been done to lobby BCIT on this issue? Mat and Christine explains past actions.

• Jill – How much has BCIT pulled out of this project? Around $100,000 • Kathryn – Would the money go towards the creation of new space? The money would be for new and old spaces.

•

• • • • • • • • • • •

Marc – What are the chances that BCIT brings the money back? BCIT can still invest money at anytime, but under the financial climate, it might not happen for a while. Mat states that this issue has been an ongoing issue. This money would guarantee that lounges would be renovated.

Chris – If the referendum does not pass what would happen? It would be difficult to use existing funds as it would limit the longevity of this project. Health and dental funds are not for that purpose.

Scott – Who funded the SAC building? BCIT. Scott does not think it would benefit business students.

Renee – Who would decide how the money would be spent? Mat proposes a standing committee.

Shayne – What about the other campuses? Renovations would also be done on other campuses.

Upkar – If the referendum fails, where does the money come from for the first year?

From investment Michal – Do we have stats about if students want this? Information came from Set and Tech Rep meetings, and previous Council meetings. Existing surveys are hard to get.

Joshua – Are we collecting too much money?

Marc would like to see more evidences. Is this BCIT’s role to fund student lounges?

Christine – This is a good tangible way to support our students.

Peter - We might never know if students want this if we don’t allow students to tell Council through this referendum. Students deserve a vote.

Josh – These funds could motivate BCIT to match our funds if they want access to them.

Motion: That the motion be postponed until next meeting.

Moved by: Scott Larson Zutter Seconded by: Marc Edgett 12/9/0 Carried 6.9.3 Computer Upgrading Upkar explained the situation surrounding the computers at the U-connect.

Motion: Be it resolved that the BCITSA upgrade 2 computers in the U-connect Centre.

Moved by: Mathew Brownell Seconded by: Upkar Rai 21/0/0 Carried Motion: Call the question Moved by: Joseph Prophet 20/1/0 Carried

Seconded by: Peter Smith

6.10. Next Meeting Next meeting is scheduled for Monday December 7, 2009 at 5:45pm in the Council Chamber.

6.11. Meeting adjourned It was moved by Marc Edgett and seconded by Amanda Eyolfson that the meeting be adjourned at 7:32pm.

21/0/0 Carried

Council Meeting Agenda Monday November 23rd, 2009 5:30-7:30pm 6.1 Meeting called to order 6.2 Acceptance of the Agenda 6.3 Acceptance of the Minutes from November 9th, 2009 6.4 Guest Speakers 6.5 Progress Reports: Executives 6.6 Councilor Forum 6.7 Question Period 6.8 Unfinished Business 6.9 New Business 6.9.1 Dissolve CIPS 6.10 Next Meeting December 7th, 2009 6.11 Meeting Adjourned

PROGRESS REPORT FOR – Aman Khangura Last updated: Nov. 22nd, 2009 Date of Introduction

Action or Outstanding Issue

September

Increase Awareness of SA

September

Toon-In

October

Policy and Advocacy Promotion

November

Lounge Space Improvement

Status - The Link – Financial Management Column: The latest issue features the first article titled “Money – to have it or not?” writers for the remaining issues have chosen topics and dates.

- The objective of this column is to expand circulation, provide students with financial advice, and enhance the resumes of FinMan writers - Currently working with Amanda Eyolfson, and Peter Smith – in pre-planning stage.

- Assisting in the revision of Policy 5104 (Academic Integrity and Appeals). This policy was last reviewed 8 years ago; consequently, the current policy is no longer appropriate in supporting students.

- A focus group will be created to ensure student feedback and requests are considered and integrated during revision - In order to establish funding for necessary student lounge space, I am working with the Student Lounge Committee on the proposal of a referendum to SA Council

PROGRESS REPORT FOR – Amanda Eyolfson Last updated: Nov. 22nd, 2009 Date of Introduction

Action or Outstanding Issue

Status

September

The Link / Evolution Radio

Interviewed Ian Morton & Geoff Littler on Evolution Radio’s ‘For the Record’ to discuss upcoming BCIT events as well as promote services available to students.

October

Alumni Relations

Arranging meet with Alumni Relations’ Jennifer Leaman regarding Student Relations Committee.

October

Event Planning

Met with Peter Smith and Aman Khangura to discuss & plan January’s annual Toon-In Campaign.

November

Toon-In Campaign

Met with VP Campus Life on Friday November 6th regarding the implementation of this year’s Toon-In Campaign in January.

PROGRESS REPORT FOR – Bill Moore Last updated: Nov. 22nd, 2009 Date of Introduction

Action or Outstanding Issue

Status

November

U-Pass

Continuing to speak with Val Karpinsky, VP of Student Services on the matter. Christine Ramage, President of the BCITSA and I will be meeting with Post Secondary School Administrators across BC to discuss a unified approach in reaching an agreement with ministry.

November

Parking

No Update

Microwaves

Microwaves

November

Set Reps

Completed. Two industrial grade microwaves will be given to the DT Campus immediately. Two more will be donated in replacement of the non-commercial grade units during the new year.

Completed my second Set Rep meeting. As a valuable resource to students, Stephanie Williams of Student Financial Aid made a presentation regarding funding opportunities around campus. Next month, both the BTECH and BBA Program Heads will present a back to back in regards to post diploma BCIT educational opportunities.

PROGRESS REPORT FOR – Christine Ramage Last updated: Nov. 4th, 2009 Date of Introduction

Action or Outstanding Issue

Status

September

Support of fellow Executives Objectives

No Update

September

SW1 Renovations

No update

October/November

Transition Documents

PROGRESS REPORT FOR – Joseph Prophet

No Update

Last updated: Nov. 4th, 2009 Date of Introduction

Action or Outstanding Issue

September

Downtown Microwaves

November

Executive Support

September

Monthly Finance Report

Status Issue has been temporarily resolved, see Bill Moore’s progress report: Microwavs Been attending Executive Set Rep meetings to support chairs and listen to the issues of the Set Reps.

No Update

PROGRESS REPORT FOR – Kristina Gao Last updated: Nov. 4th, 2009 Date of Introduction

Action or Outstanding Issue

Status

September

Build a sense of ‘community’ among the SOHS programs

No Update

Oct. 2009

SOHS November Set Rep Meeting

Oct. 30, 2009

SOHS 2nd Annual Food Drive

Had a successful Set Rep meeting, with two associate deans and Val Karpinsky sitting in to speak and listen to Set Reps Created a Committee of Set Reps to help undertake the Food Drive

PROGRESS REPORT FOR – Mat Brownell Last updated: Nov. 4th, 2009 Date of Introduction

Action or Outstanding Issue

Status

September

Lounge Space Improvement

No Update

September

Security in SW-9

No Update

September

Inter-school Relations

Holding MEIP Mayhem in the Pub on Friday November 27th, 2009.

PROGRESS REPORT FOR – Peter Smith Last updated: Nov. 4th, 2009

Date of Introduction

Action or Outstanding Issue

Status

September

Toon-In Campaign

No Update

November

Inactive student clubs

De-sanction the CIPS and dissolve bank balance back into SA account

November

Clubs Committee Meeting

No Update

November

HRA display case

No Update

PROGRESS REPORT FOR – Robby Basi Last updated: Nov. 4th, 2009 Date of Introduction

Action or Outstanding Issue

Status

September

Set Rep Involvement

My second Set Rep meeting of the year was held today. It was a success!

PROGRESS REPORT FOR – Tim De Volder Last updated: Oct. 21st, 2009 Date of Introduction

Action or Outstanding Issue

Status

November

Million Air Olympic Employment

Arranged with Marcus to begin accepting resumes from students

November

Parking for Motorcycle at ATC

No new updates

October

Transit during January February

Meeting with Associate Dean on Tuesday the 24th to discuss best course of action.

PROGRESS REPORT FOR - Upkar Rai Last updated: Oct. 22nd, 2009 Date of Introduction

Action or Outstanding Issue

Status

November

Networking Event for School of Computing

Organizing a fun Networking (Gaming) event for the School of Computing to help students from different semesters and courses find a common ground.

November

U-Connect Computers

October

Mentorship

Working with Mathew and Caroline to find a way to replace the old U-Connect Computers.

Training session for Mentors and students on Wed 25th In process of finalizing training content with Caroline and Amanda Spear.