First Parliament meeting ends in rule controversy

A technicality in RIC's student government By-Laws that prevented one long-time Parliament member from voting and a text book incentive program dominated the first Student Community Government, Inc. Parliament meeting, held  on Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. It followed a 30-minute orientation meeting at 6 p.m.

RIC President Nancy Carriuolo attended the start of the meeting, held in Parliament Chambers, Student Union 307, to make campus announcements and introduce herself to the newest class of RIC's student governing body.

Carriuolo told Parliament about the numerous renovations that were made on campus over the summer, including the lockers that were taken out of Craig-Lee Hall and replaced by wooden benches.

"Wherever we see a place to put a bench, we'll do that. Students have told me they want more places to hang out on campus," Carriuolo explained.

She said the Recreation Center renovations are underway. There will also be a referendum on the ballot in November, Question 2, that provides for $17 million for the renovation of the Art Center. The referendum also impacts capital projects at the University of Rhode Island.

"Tell everyone you know to vote for it," the president said.

Student government leaders mentioned a number of ideas to Carriuolo at their inauguration meeting on June 1, and she told Parliament that she got to work on implementing those ideas quickly. Some students, for example, wanted an arcade room on campus. A compromise yielded four video games that were added to the Student Union Café over the summer.

Students also wanted longer library hours during exam week, SCG officers told Carriuolo last year.

"It warms my heart that students want to study more," Carriuolo said. "Is 2 a.m. late enough? If you would like it open later, then maybe student government can talk about paying for the library fees to stay open later."

SCG President Travis Escobar highlighted the efforts Carriuolo and RIC's administrators have made. "Some people may think the faculty and staff don't listen to us and the students, but that's not true. You do help us," he said.

Carriuolo brought some additional good news with her to Parliament. "This year, I have a special gift for our students," she said. "Starting today, for one full year, you can get into the RISD art museum for free with your RIC ID."

After Carriuolo's remarks, Escobar swore in SCG Secretary Amanda Berno, who had missed the official ceremony on June 1. Escobar then spoke about his plans for the year.

"This year, I want SCG to make a statement. RIC is growing through a progressive phase, and I want SCG to be a part of that phase."

SCG Treasurer Nicholas Bernardo, returning for his second term in office, discussed his goals for the year, as well. "I want to be as transparent as possible about money we have to spend. Have your own issues and agenda that you want to talk about," he told the representatives present. "This is a Student Parliament where we want to get everyone involved."

Speaker of Parliament Aaron Buckley, who is also an Editorial Board member of The Anchor, welcomed new members. "I would appreciate if you bring your ideas to campus. Let's discuss them. Let's do something about them," he said.

Deputy Speaker Jennifer Albanese also gave brief opening announcements, and encouraged students to "enjoy RIC's improvements."

Highlighting a long list of goals for the year, Escobar mentioned the need for a third SCG office worker. "We sort of really need one. Sally's doing two jobs right now – minutes and finances."

Sally Hindson has been SCG's administrative assistant since 1990. SCG, an independent corporation run by the students, currently has the smallest office staff in its history, despite operating more student organizations than at any time in its history, SCG officers have argued. There are currently two full-time employees in the office, though as many as three or four have worked there since the 1970s.

There is also the possibility that new term limits will be established. "The speaker and deputy speaker may have a limited time they can serve, and SCG should give opportunity to more students," Escobar said. Presently, only the four Executive Council officers (president, vice president, secretary and treasurer) have term limits – no student can exceed three terms in office. The offices of speaker and deputy speaker are not part of that provision and not limited under current rules.

Buckley passed his gavel to Albanese in order to speak about an issue he fought for much of last year as a representative. More than 80 percent of RIC students are commuters, and RIPTA discounts were taken away this year, he said. He described the UPass program: "It's a program for colleges that offers discounted 15-ride passes," he explained. "Or the college can opt to have RIC IDs swiped, and RIPTA will charge RIC."

He said that a RIPTA initiative in SCG – which has been on SCG's agenda intermittently since 2005 – will once again be a priority for commuters and residents that rely on discounted passes.

Escobar also proposed a new Class Club Ad Hoc Committee. The duties of the committee will be to analyze the focus of the four class club's activities, purpose and structure – including each class club's constitution.

Staff Representative Mark Paolucci, who is returning for the second year of his two-year appointment, said, "A club should be able to change their constitution themselves. We don't want an ad hoc committee telling them what to do. Maybe we could give recommendations?"

Rep. Marcia Diaz, a former Freshmen Class president, supported Escobar. She said, "It takes a lot to put yourself out there. This is a really powerful initiative, especially for an incoming freshman, and it gives everyone a springboard. I know some seniors complain about their Senior Week not being fun. Well, where does Senior Week start? As freshmen."