Student Body President Andrew Happy ‘27 convened Senate Public at 4:10pm on Monday, October 26. He reported that he and Senator J.R. Wallingford ‘27 had met with Associate Dean of Students for Academic Life Steve Abrahão and Director of Academic Support Drew Gonrowski, but that there are no firm updates on their work. He then reported that he, Senator and Appointments Committee (AppComm) Co-Chair Stella Greer ‘29, and Student Body Vice President Taylor Barth ‘27 met with Institutional Diversity Consultant Neela Rajendra to discuss supporting students and affinity groups. Happy and Barth also met with President Audrey Bilger and Dean of the Faculty Kathy Oleson to work on putting Senate into contact with the Board of Trustees when they are next in Portland in February.
Barth then reported that he received anti-bias training so that he can participate in the search for the Vice President for Inclusion and that the Presidential Council for Campus Climate (PCCC) would be meeting this Friday.
Senator Quinn Capper ‘28 reported that he has a meeting on Friday with the Commons Board.
Greer had nothing new to report this week, but reminded students to look for available positions on Handshake.
Head Treasurer Bella Reyes ‘27 had nothing to report.
Senator Alastair Budd ‘27 reported that the Library Board is setting a time for its next meeting, but had no other updates.
Vice Treasurer Al McKee ‘29 had nothing new to report, but urged students to vote on November 3.
Senator and Parliamentarian Manoel Pereira Lopes ‘28 reported that the amendments to the Student Body Constitution passed by an overwhelming majority.
Senator Magdalen Miller ‘29 reported that all of her committees are planning meetings, but the Sexual Health and Relationship Education (SHARE) committee is still interested in finding signators interested in attending a training regarding consent culture in clubs.
Assistant Treasurer Enzo Lawrence ‘28 had nothing new to report.
Wallingford reported that there will be a Safety Committee meeting, but he is unable to attend it. He also noted that the election had a historic turnout, with 409 votes cast, and urged students to also go vote in the “slightly more important” national midterm election coming up on November 3. “Go do your civic duty!” he said.
Senator Maya Gutierrez ‘27 reported that she had met with the Library Board two weeks ago and discussed changes in staffing, Library AI policy and guides, and whether part of the Library could be open 24/7. While the lobby is currently accessible 24/7, the number of power cords and plug-in stations there is inadequate. The board also discussed ensuring that all the tampons in library restrooms have applicators. Gutierrez then reported that the Student Committee for Diversity (SCOD) had also met, and that the Title VI and Title XI committee had met with Title VI, Title IX, and 504 Coordinator Christy Martin. They discussed the search for the VP for Inclusion and the timeline for Title VI training, which the Title VI and Title XI committee will act as advisors for.
Appointments Committee Co-Chair Sima Fasihi ‘28 reported that the legislation committee is meeting this week. She then reported that the Student Committee for Academic Policy and Planning (SCAPP) is still creating a survey about student interactions with interdisciplinary departments at Reed, how much interest there is, and if students feel they have the support they need to pursue their interests.
Senator Sam Kuo ‘28 reported that winter housing applications will be open until 5pm on October 30.
Director of International Student Services Gwen Sandford informed students that they can send a public comment on the new ruling proposed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization benefit. OPT is a benefit for F-1 student visa holders to gain experiential learning experience through employment in their field of study. At Reed there are currently about 25 students using OPT. Right now, the OPT application fee is $470. DHS is proposing a rule that would require schools who encourage their students to use OPT to pay an additional fee in an effort to “combat fraud.” This fee is $70,000 per student from the school, with an additional $30,000 for every subsequent application sourced “from other parties” of the school’s choosing. This fee is paid before the student can apply for the benefit. The rule is currently open for public comment and the comment period will close on November 9. Any person may post a public comment. Agencies are required to address the comments or face litigation. Recently, another rule affecting international students was paused after public comments. Sandford recommended reading the proposed rule, taking notes, and addressing a specific point. Copied template comments can be pooled into one substantive comment, so unique comments are better. Sandford advised people to consider the effects of a rule and its impacts, adding that proposing alternatives is good, as such alternatives must be considered. She also said not to use proprietary data without permission.
Lawrence asked whether international students themselves should submit comments. Sandford said that they can, but that decision is up to the individual’s discretion, due to privacy concerns. She recommended submitting anonymous comments from a public computer for those with privacy concerns. She reiterated this change is not yet in effect, and does not affect those applying for OPT right now.
Happy then strongly encouraged students to make public comments, before the meeting was adjourned at 4:38pm.