February 19, 2008

Tom Pyle called the meeting to order at 9:32 p.m., and he opened in prayer. Ashley Luciano was absent. 

1) Minutes: Conlan Walsh moved to pass the minutes of Tuesday, February 5, 2008. John Bennett seconded the motion. Motion passed 11-0-1. 

2) Dorm Updates:

a. Pearce — John Bennett: He is having weekly one-on-one meetings with Taylor Sprague. There is a $5.00 sale Wednesday, February 20. Items have been collected across campus to sell and collect money to sponsor an African boy. Taylor Sprague recently bought a stand to secure the TV, and the TV should be set-up permanently in the lounge soon. 

b. Memorial — Garrett Marvich: Explained the hazards around the dorm because of the recent snow storms. 

c. Clarke — Megan Diemer: She is in discussion with Physical Plant, Residence Life, and her RD about painting the lounge; she is going to pick out paint colors soon. There is a Building Team Meeting Wednesday, February 20. The building event has been postponed because of an event conflict. The painting event will either be next Thursday or one of the days in between Spring Break and Easter break. 

d. McKee — Ashley Luciano: Absent

e. Young North — Josh Gmys: There are different teams working to improve areas of the dorm. He is working on lounge improvements. Residence Life recently put a TV in the lounge.  He is currently looking and shopping for furniture for the lounge. 

f. Young East — Bonnie Rapp: She is planning an after-party for “Film Fest” for the dorm. The building team has been working to plan the event at recent meetings. 

g. Arms Men — Conlan Walsh: Last week there was a building team meeting and they played games. He is looking into getting an “Arms Clothing Line” out soon. Also, reflecting on “Gladiator” idea. 

h. Arms Women — Lindsay Moore: She had a building team meeting last week with Arms Men and they played games. The building team discussed updates via e-mail to see if there are any efforts that could be collaborated. There is a special guest coming to speak on sexual abuse in the dorm. 

i. Houses — Nate Davies: There is a bible study on Acts in the residence hall. Looking into planning a “Blind Date Night” between Kerr and Schoolhouse. 

j. Commuters — Katherine Bull: Trying to think of ideas of what to do with the commuters. Thinking of possibly getting donuts and coffee for commuters only in Skye Lounge to build unity. 

3) Proposals:

a. “Film Fest After Party” - Bonnie Rapp: Wants to have an after-party for “Film Fest” in April. She hopes to make it look something like Memorial and McKee’s black and white ball with pictures, appetizers, mocktails, and entertainment. Bonnie Rapp moved to allocate $500 for the “Young East Film Fest After-Party”. Garrett Marvich seconded the motion. Megan Diemer asked where it was going to be held; Bonnie Rapp said in Young East lounge. John Bennett asked how many students showed up for Film Fest; Brandon Baughman said around 600. Megan Diemer recommended having the event in a bigger space with more seating. Brandon Baughman recommended estimating less students coming to the event because it seems like a high number for a single building event. John Bennett moved to table this proposal until the next RC meeting. Conlan Walsh seconded the motion. Motion passed 10-0-2. 

4) New Business:

a. “Commons Room Proposal” - Clay Johnston, Senior Class Secretary, updated Residential Council on the committee. He explained that a written proposal has been submitted to the management team asking for approximately $14,000 to completely renovate the downstairs area in the Commons Room. If the proposal to the college passes, the area will potentially be usable by the end of summer 2008. The current estimate cost for the “extras” of the room is between $12,000-$13,000. He asked members to think about the repercussions that this open space could have on all students on campus and prioritize the proposals that are coming through, and remember that the money remaining in the budget for Senate and Residential Council is $17,000. He announced that Senate alone can not fund this and it would have to be a joint effort between both RC and Senate. John Bennett asked if the administration’s decision was contingent on the Union’s decision; Clay said that it was not. Josh Lee said that the administration was asked to fund the structure and the Union is funding the “extras”. Bonnie Rapp noted there is a need on campus for student space and this seems like a viable option. Jeff Kirksey said that any construction to the actual building will be purchased by the college, which includes: wireless internet, key card access, and security cameras. Josh Gmys said that he does not feel that funds should be taken from Residential Council because that money is for the residents of the dorms, and he would hate to turn away a proposal because all of the money was previously allocated. Megan Diemer thought it was a good idea to wait until the end of the year to allocate remaining funds. John Bennett asked if there has been a survey taken about what the students wanted; Clay Johnston said that this is just a model. 

b. “Union University” Force Task - Joy Jewell is looking for the Student Union to lead a project to help support Union University after the disaster that struck their campus. The Senate has decided to aide in raising money to either send money or gift certificates to the college. There are three members from Senate that joined a Task Force to look into possible options to raise funds, and are asking for the help of any interested RC members. Conlan Walsh asked if there could be a drive for specific needs (i.e. Toothbrushes); Jeff Kirksey said that they are asking for gift certificates because that would be the most helpful. 

5) Senate Update: Josh Lee gave the update. The Freshmen Class is planning an Ice Skating Event. The Sophomore Class is thinking of working in conjunction with the Junior Class for a “Go Green” Campaign. They are researching the potential of reusable cups across campus and eliminating Styrofoam. Juniors are working on eliminating unnecessary rules and policy issues in the handbook. The senior class is planning Senior Week which will include: a trip to Cedar Point, massages, and a bonfire. 

6) Activities Update: Brandon Baughman gave the update. The date of “Film Fest” has been moved to either April 4th or April 25th. There are about 12 new submissions, and have been many more commitments. There will be a game show event modeled after the TV series “The World Series of Pop Culture” on March 15th. The potential theme for MGN is an “Ultimate Guitar Hero” tournament. Brandon Baughman requested Residential Council members to go through the dorms and make teams and then send the top two residents to play. 

John Bennett moved to end the meeting. Conlan Walsh seconded the motion. Meeting ended at 10:50 p.m.