Senators take issue with issues forum

Nobody on the senate was really expecting to debate about issues forum in issues forum, but that's exactly what happened in this week's senate meeting at Weber State University's Davis Campus. Senators Jamey Price and Aaron Smedley introduced the idea of reforming issues forum. The senators suggested moving issues forum into a committee instead bringing it up in senate meetings. The committee would consist of the chairs of the other senatorial committees. The committee of senators would be presented the issues and then delegate those issues out to their respective committee. The committee that received that issue would research and present the research next senate meeting. "The basic idea of this is to reform issues forum," said Hispanic Senator Jake Vanwynen. "Why don't we follow the bylaws like we are supposed too?" Senators debated the pros and cons of this legislation. "It would make more sense to regulate issues forum by not making another committee to look at it," said Senator Todd Gilbert. "but by just following the rules and regulations stated in the bylaws and house rules." Legislative President Tyler Lathem ruled that the senators should discuss issues forum with their constituencies and report their findings at next week's senate meeting. The senate then heard from President Ann Milner. Milner discussed the budget cuts and how it will affect WSU students. The senators attended a luncheon with the president and the WSUSA cabinet. Many of the topics ranged from what WSU will do for department budgets for the upcoming years to what the plans are for class sizes. Athletic Senator Todd Gilbert announced a community involvement program brought by Club Hope. This program would be a student-to-student mentoring program at Mt. Hood Middle School in Ogden. This would feature the Mt. Hood after-school program. "There are more than 120 students that need mentors in the program," Gilbert said. "I feel by reaching out to the senate, we can fulfill the need of the program." Honors/BIS Senator Denae Hoog reported on an earlier issue facing Wildcard prices. She will introduce more legislation to the senate after she conducts a survey among students about using the Wildcard. Veterans Senator Daron Nelson announced the schedule for Veterans Affairs Emphasis Week. The week started on Saturday with a parade in downtown Ogden. "There are many different events going on throughout the week so checkout the posters and fliers," Nelson said. "that are around the campus." The biggest event that Nelson promoted was Veterans Day. "It's not just saying 'thank you' on Tuesday, but all week," he said. "If you know a veteran or see one, ask about their service in whatever branch they served in." Student Senate will resume meetings in the senate room in the Shepherd Union Building for the rest of the semester. The senate will break for the holidays after their session on Dec. 1.