Cheater, Club and Conflict (of Interest)
The student council met in room 104 at 17:30 Tuesday. While regular “house-keeping” did occur, there was even time to discuss some curiosities.
President Tanya Bechev emphasized that meetings should be dedicated to more than just changes in the constitution – a topic which took up a large chunk of last week’s meeting. Accordingly – in the name of efficiency – treasurer Jan Vicher suggested that as chair of constitutional committee, Vendula Zenata should propose constitutional changes alone. Only then will the student council vote on them.
“Welcome as an official member,” said Bechev to Patrick Engels – a student council fresh face – who was admitted early on in the meeting. Unanimously, members choose Bechev to represent them at the academic council, while both she and Michal Hron, another student council member, will meet with the Academic Writing Center. Fortunately for the creators of the Tanzania project, the student council voted in their favor and will support it.
Zeneta briefed the council on the last disciplinary committee meeting. AAU dealt with a (not so) clever cheater. The student had somebody else do the admittance interview for him via phone – thus faking a higher level of English proficiency. Additionally, he presented a fake high school diploma. Since his acceptance could not be revoked, he was expelled from AAU.
Plans for a Halloween party in YES Club – which will happen October 31st – are underway. Student Jacob Sackett came to the meeting with hopes of establishing a basketball club. “So far, we have a ball,” said Bechev. If Sackett finds five to ten members the panel will allocate money for the project. Radovan Fafilek promised to help promote it, as the October 18th deadline for club applications is fast approaching.
Daniel Padolsky, the council’s adviser, suggested introducing a student council award which will be given to members who performed outstandingly that year. He proposed some minor funding be put aside this. The members were skeptical about this idea. “Isn’t there a slight conflict of interest if we allocate money for ourselves?” said Zeneta laughing. Padolsky insisted that this is just a small recognition and he will be responsible for the decision-making. “If you say so,” concluded Vicher jokingly.
A new rule was introduced regarding the meetings: anyone who now wishes to attend the meeting must introduce themselves and state their purpose.
