The Associated Students Inc. Senate read and revised the conflict of interest policy presented by the board of control, which now seeking the approval of ASI.
The Senate went through two readings, yesterday’s being the first. The Senate will again read revisions made at yesterday’s meeting, moving to a vote next week.
Richard Haller, executive director of ASI, said ASI is actively complying by adjusting and implementing such policies.
The other rules that underwent changes were the policies on business ethics and conduct, and whistle-blower protection. The policy of stipends experienced the most dramatic change.
Because of a federal law that says state stipends need to be taxed, back in June of 2006 the IRS warned “they will enforce” such law, according to Haller. It is a serious IRS offense, Haller added, looking out to the non-objecting student senators.
Another policy discussed was the whistle-blower policy. Senators nodded in agreement as Sen. Chris Chavez, College of Liberal Arts, addressed the meeting citing this policy to be “the most important.”
It not only protects, Haller said, but it also””encourages” for people to come “forward with any issues or problems.”
One can “speak… without being penalized,””said Sen. Shelena McClinton, College of Liberal Arts. She added that the policy was undertaking detailed wording.
The policy that focused on such specific detail was the policy on conflicts of interest. Sen. McClinton urged the rest of the senators to pay close attention to what now could be considered as a gift, including entertainment.
Haller also stressed the importance of complying with all rules and regulations, as they are considered for implementation upon non-profit organizations, not just profit organizations, he said.
The senators also endorsed changes made to the alma mater and the school fight song.
Senator Rafael Arenas, College of the Arts, said he had a problem with the last sentence in the alma mater because it says “gold and brown.”
“We are no longer [those colors],” Sen. Arenas said in question to what was wrong with the current alma mater. “I feel that it should be giving back to the students,” he added.
Senator-at-large Phillip Cendana agreed, saying the alma mater along with the fight song was “outdated.” Cendana said that changes to the alma mater and fight song were appropriate because they would modernize the lyrics to be “fitting to the students today.”
