New Alcohol Policy goes into effect

This morning, University Cabinet voted to adopt a new underage drinking policy.  Students found in violation of the university drug and alcohol policy will be placed on probation for three semesters and will be required to take an alcohol awareness class.  If a student violates the policy while on probation they will be suspended from the University for one year. 

Also, Vice-President for Student Affairs, Rodney Bennett, will be forming a committee to evaluate starting an amnesty program for students who seek medical attention due to alcohol use.  Rice University currently has a policy where University officials are not required to report alcohol-related incidents.

-PAR

How Fall Break was Abolished for Fifteen Minutes, and more…

In quite possibly the most surprising revelation since Plus/Minus grading fell out of the sky, a faculty member successfully amended the 2007-2008 calendar to remove Fall Break by a 61-40 vote at University Council this afternoon.  In a show of solidarity from SGA President Jamie Peper, Vice-President of Student Affairs Rodney Bennett and others, a vote to reconsider was passed by 61-40 and Fall Break was reinstated.  However, President Adams will be forming a task force to reevaluate Fall Break and all other partial week breaks such as Thanksgiving Break. 

In other news, the proposals to limit the new member education process (pledgeship) to eight weeks for Greek organizations, have the Honor Code posted on a plaque in each classroom, and a proposal to require all first-year and transfer undergraduate students to complete an On-line Alcohol Education Module before they can register for their second semester of classes all passed.

The vote to shorten pledgeship passed by 66-18, largely due in part to debate being closed before the student representatives of University Council had fully made their case. 

When asked about the price for installing the honor code plaques in all of the classrooms, the question was not directly  answered and no cost was provided for the Council's consideration.

Information Items:

1.  The University's Living Wage has been increased from $17,500 to $19,000.

2.  The psychology minor has been removed from the curriculum.

3.  The Tate 2 Parking Deck is scheduled to begin construction January 2007 and should be completed by August 2007.

4.  Tate 2 is scheduled to being construction January 2008 and should be open for use for Fall 2008.

-PAR

Opinions Wanted

Tomorrow University Council will be considering proposals to limit the new member education process (pledgeship) to eight weeks for Greek organizations, have the Honor Code posted on a plaque in each classroom, and a proposal to require all first-year and transfer undergraduate students to complete an On-line Alcohol Education Module before they can register for their second semester of classes.

Before that meeting, I will be participating in a forum with the student University Council representatives.  I would like feedback on what you think about the proposals, are they good? bad? or should they be changed?  Just leave a comment below.

Thanks,

PAR

Free Ice Cream

From Heather Ripley 

"Tomorrow Ben & Jerry's will be serving up FREE ice cream for…you guessed it Free Cone Day.

In coordination with this event, the University Judiciary Relay for Life team will be collecting donations for the American Cancer Society. Hopefully, you will feel inspired by the happiness derived from free ice cream to donate your cost savings.  (Either way, THE ICE CREAM IS FREE.)"

Finals Schedule

Due to popular demand, I have linked the finals schedule here

Congratulations

Congratulations to the Georgia Gymnastics team for winning their seventh national title.  The rebroadcast will be May 6 at 1:00 PM on CBS. 

University Update

Just a brief update on what has been going on around the University

To be considered at University Council next Tuesday:

1.  A proposal to have the Honor Code posted on a plaque in each classroom

2.  A proposal to limit the new member education process (pledgeship) for Fraternities and Sororities

3.  A proposal to require all first-year and transfer undergraduate students to complete an On-line Alcohol Education Module before they can register for their second semester of classes

Also, good job University Union for passing out free umbrellas outside of Tate today.  Thanks for responsibly using the Student Activities Fee to benefit students

And for those of you looking for something fun to do before finals start, the UGA Swing Club sponsors Swing Night at the Ritz on Tuesday nights.  The lesson begins at 9:00 with music following from 10:00-12:00.  $3 cover.

Out

While I'm in North Carolina for the next few days, Noah Mink will be handling posting duty.

-PAR

The Key is Saved

The Office of Institutional Research will no longer be hosting "The Key."  SGA will now compile, administer, and host The Key with the assistance of the Office of Institutional Research.  The new Key will also feature enhancements which are yet to be determined, but could possibly include links to course syllabi and course evaluations.

Congratulations to Jeremiah Johnson, Jamie Peper, Kathryn Bowers, and Bob Boehmer for helping to reach a satisfactory solution. 

Key Update

Jamie Peper will be meeting with Bob Boehmer, the official responsible for the recent decisions regarding The Key, Tuesday afternoon.  Members of the “Save the Key” facebook group are planning on attending the SGA meeting that same afternoon at 5:00 in support of a resolution to revert back to the Key as we know it. 

Pending the outcome of Ms. Peper’s meeting with Mr. Boehmer, there will be a rally Wednesday at Tate Plaza starting at 11:30 in support of bringing back the Key.

Interestingly, also at 5:00 on Tuesday is an “Open Mic with Mike” at the Tate Student Center Gallery where only students will be able to ask President Michael Adams questions. 

The Key as we know it can still be accessed here.