Senate Accuses Administration

Although Student Senate did not convene during winter term, they have been busy, and some of them are angry.

Several senators collaborated on a publication entitled "Sketchy" that will be distributed on campus and mailed to each of the trustees. The newsletter is intended to "air out all the sketchiness" in the words of sophomore senator Chris Anton, including grievances of Senate against administrative handling of certain issues. The document cites what Senate considers inappropriate actions on the part of Dean of Students Peter Goldsmith regarding the search for a new director of the Department of Residential Life and Services. It also contains information about "disappearing" Student Finance Committee surplus. Senate alleges that students' activity funds are being used in programs for which they were not intended, and that projected surpluses of upwards of $30,000 are not being met.

"We want to show students and trustees that the incompetence doesn't necessarily rest with Senate," said Anton. "This is the first time the administration has painted themselves into a corner. Everything in this publication can be substantiated by members of Senate. It will be interesting to see how things are going to be denied." The newsletter also contains information on the recent forums on multiculturalism in the curriculum. Junior senator Erika Hansen stressed, "We've been trying to make sure we don't drop the ball. We want to let the administration, the Educational Plans and Policies committee and the General Faculty know that some studen'ts needs are not being met regarding multiculturalism in the curriculum."

Anton has also taken an unusual step regarding his position as a student senator. Anton is not enrolled at Oberlin this semester, and is instead taking correspondence courses at the University of Georgia. Although this would make him technically not an Oberlin student, he hopes to retain his position in the Senate.

"I'm taking time off from Oberlin to pursue other things. But I don't feel like it's any big stretch to stay on Student Senate."

The rules and regulations in the Student Handbook state that "Any regularly enrolled full-time student is eligible for all recognized extra-curricular activities" such as the Senate, and does not specify whether they need to be full time students at Oberlin College. This loophole would enable Anton to continue his responsibilities as a senator.

"For all intents and purposes, I'm still a member of this community, I just won't be paying $1600 to be here," said Anton. He believes that stepping down as senator now "would be very disruptive to the activism I've already completed. I do worry that this will be received the wrong way and it will tarnish the legitimacy I've already established. And I am aware that there are people vying for my position."

Anton has been part of a group of senators that created a Senate website, and has a seat on the committee to find a new director for the Department of Residential Life and Services. His position on the committee has left Anton feeling disillusioned. "I feel like I've been played by the administration on this committee. I want to let them know that students aren't going to tolerate this game of 'We want to hear your voice, but we don't actually care what you have to say.'"

This semester, Senate will be reworking the constitution, and Anton sees his unique situation as potentially being very helpful during this process. "I can see the value of having someone who's not studying full time, not involved in the rigors of college life. I could be used as a vehicle for grunt work and have time to thoroughly go through [the constitution]. One of my principal goals is to see Senate restructured," said Anton.

Senate will vote on whether Anton will retain his position at the next plenary session on Sunday.

In other news, two senators, first-years Tyrone Rogers and David Jessop, announced their resignation this semester.

Senate is looking to interview students to sit on a committee to find a dean of orientation and a new director of the Multicultural Resource Center.

Senate will also hold an open opinion forum at 4:30 P.M. on Thursday in order for students to voice questions, concerns or problems they may have.