Tag Archives: Student Senate

Oct 1 2012

Student Leaders build insight and connections

Dennis Gosnell

Assistant Editor 

Students toss a question ball around during an ice breaker session at the senate and club retreat.
Photo by Kenneth Beachler

Every year clubs gather with participants of the elected student body to learn the process of requesting funding and permission to hold events.

 

During this year’s Senate and Club Retreat, club leaders and student senate representatives sat around in a giant circle getting to know each other.  To break the ice everyone had to introduce themselves and the club they represent. Next, everyone got to throw around a ball on which was written numerous questions meant to allow everyone a good laugh and help everyone gain insight into each other.

 

When all had caught and answered a question, the group moved on to listening to an explanation of how clubs can request money, club travel, club events, and receive club points.

 

Laser tag and Chelino’s

After the criteria info session for the clubs, the group went to Chelino’s for lunch. The last event of the day was a trip to Laser Quest laser tag and team building activities. In the dark arena of laser tag everyone was against everyone, with a determined winner each session. The last game was played as a team game and the nearly 40 participants were split up into two groups.

 

Winners of each round received a prize and a lottery pool of player names gave a lucky winner two complimentary games of laser tag.

 

Student Senate

Following the events on Friday, the Student Senate went to the UCO Bickham Ropes Course for practice in team support and facing challenges. Each senator went through the course to the cheers of their fellow senators.

 

Important club forms

The forms clubs need to use for requests are found on the Student Senate page on the Rose website.

Clubs must submit the “Application for Club Event” form 10 days prior to an event, and must be submitted before purchase requests can be processed.

There is a $500 limit per semester per club request.  Requests must be submitted to the Senate Treasurer using the “Student Senate Funding Request” form, and must include a detailed description of what the funds will be used for.

Clubs must submit the “Purchase Request Form” 10 days prior to purchase/event, and vendor must be set up in PeopleSoft prior to purchase request, which may add a minimum of 5 days prior notification.

The “Request for Cash Advance” form is for students’ food or cash requirements such as luggage fees. Travel must first be approved.

Clubs must submit “Application for Club Travel” request forms 30 days prior to in-state travel, and at least 45 days prior to out-of-state travel. See the application for needed documentation to include approved advisor travel, which can be obtained through club advisors division.

Clubs must re-charter each year by using the “Club Re-charter/Charter Form.” If the re-charter has not been completed, the club may not conduct any club business and the club must have at least one member.

These forms can also be obtained in the Student Activities office in the Student Center.

Sep 14 2012

Student Senators ready for involvement

Chelsea Ratterman, Editor in Chief

UPDATE: The 16th Student Senator was announced Thursday as Brandon White. Congrats!

A new batch of Student Senators was elected Sept. 5 and 6 through online voting on D2L. Fifteen senators were elected, and a run-off was held for the final spot Sept. 12.

Student Senators are sworn into office, before their first meeting, by advisor Kirby Harzman. Photo taken by: Denis Gosnell

Continue reading →

Aug 16 2012

Get Involved

 

Phi Theta Kappa

Advisors:  Caryl Gibbs  (733-7508) Suzanne Thomas (733-7515)

Phi Theta Kappa is the International Honor Society based on GPA. The Rose State Chapter’s name is Alpha Eta Alpha. To qualify, students must have completed 12 hours of coursework and achieved a 3.5 GPA.  The qualifying student will receive an invitation to join. Benefits of joining include access to potential scholarships and graduation regalia.

 Student Senate Participation

One of the best ways to get involved on campus and with the inner workings of campus activities, Student Senate elections are open to students each semester. To apply for fall semester candidacy, contact the Student Activities office. The deadline to apply is August 31 and elections will be on D2L September 5 and 6. Student Senators receive a 12- hour tuition waiver and a one-hour college credit for participation. This year’s executive officers are Elizabeth Larios (Pres.), Zach Lewallen (V.P.), Carson Stramski (Treasurer) and Austin Davis (Secretary). A spring election will fill the four executive positions for the 2013-2014 school year.

Wellness Center

Hours:  Monday – Friday (6 am – 8 pm)     Saturday (8 am – 4 pm)

Closed Sundays and Campus Holidays

The Wellness Center provides students and staff with free facility access. When on campus, students can utilize a variety of areas, from free weights to treadmills, from recreational activities such as basketball to volleyball, from an aquatic center with its indoor heated pool (open swim hours posted at aquatics desk) to its whirlpool and sauna. Additionally, a wellness assessment lab offers screenings for body fat and overall physical health. The Center also offers personal training classes that address the common goals of weight loss and body toning. For info, call 733-7350.

Student Clubs

A comprehensive list of clubs is available through student activities. Clubs are a great way to make connections with people of similar interests on campus. If you do not see a club for you, start your own! All it takes is three prospective members and an advisor. If you can’t find an advisor, Student Activities can help with that too. Once all that is done, the club needs to submit the documents for chartering to Student Activities. The documents must include a list of prospective members, advisor and membership requirements. For more information, contact Student Activities in Student Center Room 114 or 733-7376.

  • American Indian Association Advisor, Mechelle Aitson-Roessler @ 733-7308.
  • Baptist Collegiate Ministry Contact John Wilkerson @ 473-4478.
  • Black Students Association Advisor, Monique Bruner @ 733-7316.
  • Cheerleading Club Contact Student Activities @ 733-7376
  • Chess Club Advisor, Steven Fowler @ 733-7595.
  • CLT Club (Clinical Laboratory Technology) Advisor, Evelyn Paxton @ 733-7577.
  • Club Trio Advisor, Amber Mitchell @ 733-7379
  • Cyber Security Club Advisor, Ken Dewey 733-7977.
  • Drama Club Advisor, Rick Nelson @ 736- 0364
  • Future Criminal Justice Professionals Club Advisor, Arnold Waggoner @ 736-0238.
  • Go Green Club Advisor, Dr. John Wood @ 733-7922.
  • Hispanic Students Association Advisor, Erica Alvarez @ 736-0271
  • Imagination in Motion. Advisor, Terrance Byers @ 733-7573.
  • Latter Day Saint Student Association Advisor, Brent Fisher @ 736-0265
  • Library Club Advisor, Brad Robison @ 733-7402.
  • Mass Communications Club Advisor, Skip Leckness @ 736-0272.
  • Mu Rho Alpha Club Advisor, Linda Whaley @ 733-7548.
  • Music Club Advisor, Emily Robinson @ 733-7427
  • NSBE (Nat’l Society of Black Engineers) Advisor, Dr. Wayne Jones @ 733-7316.
  • NTSO (Non-Traditional Students Organization) Advisor, Pam Reynolds @ 733-7418.
  • Nurses Christian Fellowship Advisor, Genia Wilson @ 736-0335.
  • Paralegal Association Advisor, Judy Shaw @ 733-7460.
  • Phi Theta Kappa Advisor Suzanne Thomas @ 733-7515 or Caryl Gibbs @ 733-7508.
  • Recreational Sports Assoc. Chris Leland @ 736-0304.
  • Republicans Club Advisor, Dean Fisher @ 736-0223
  • Sew Savvy Club Advisor, Pam Reynolds @ 733-7418
  • Sigma Alpha Mu (Science & Math) Advisor, Dr. Adjoa Richardson Ahedor @ 733-7551.
  • Spectrum Alliance Advisor, Elizabeth Boger @ 733-7521.
  • Student Nurses Association Advisor, Velmarie Swing @ 733-7352.
  • Student Senate Advisors Kirby Harzman or Emily Fisher @ 733-7376.
  • Study Abroad Club Advisor, Reginald Snoddy @ 733-7927.
  • TEACH Club (Tomorrow’s Educators Advancing Careers Here) Advisor, Linda Tucker @ 736-0219
  • VOICE/OIL Club Advisor, Dr. John Wood @ 733-7413.
  • Veterans Club Advisor, Dr. John Wood @ 733-7922.
  • Wellness Club Advisor, Liz Brown @733-7353
  • Wesley Student Fellowship Advisor Dianne Goodloe @ 733-7332.
  • Student Activities Kirby Harzman, 733-7376
  • Wellness Center Chris Leland 733-7350
  • Student Center Melissa Aguigui 733-7334
  • LRC Chris Meyer, 733-7913

Rose State Student Theatre Productions

The Rose State Theatre Department has released the 2012-2013 season. Auditions for all plays are open to all RSC students.

Agnes of God  (September 13 – 16) @ H.B. Atkinson Theatre

The Wizard of Oz  (November 2 – 4) @ Performing Arts Theatre

Barefoot in the Park (February 14 – 17) @ H.B. Atkinson Theatre

Short and Sweet: A Ten Minute Play Festival (April 18 – 21)

@ Performing Arts Theatre

All plays are open to the general public for a $5 admission. Admission is free for senior citizens, RSC students and staff.

Mar 26 2012

U.S. Rep. Cole sees 20112 presidential election as a referendum on Obama

By: Logan Pierce, Editor-in-Chief

On March 13, U.S. Rep. Tom Cole met with members of the Student Senate to field questions relating to the political season and government policy.

Cole talked about the President’s tax plan. “People will be waiting on the election,” Cole said, “The winner will determine the course for this country.”

No one wants to make any sweeping changes in Washington, until after the election, resulting in what is known as a “lame duck” Congress.

“The lame duck session is sort of like the Mayan calendar,” Cole said, “Everything’s coming to a head in 2012.” The Bush tax cuts are among the policies ending this year.

Slashing spending across the board

The reduction of spending has been a focus of Congress in recent years. Their goal was to cut $2.2 trillion in spending by the end of 2011. Having succeeded in cutting only $1 trillion, the remaining amount will be cut from all departments.

“If you care about the military, these cuts will be enormous,” Cole said. Between cuts this year and last year, the military will have sustained $1 trillion in reduced spending. These cuts are an attempt to reduce the impact of the stimulus package passed in 2009.

Political Predictions

Cole talked about the political season, with Obama being the de facto Democratic nomination, and the Republicans deciding between Romney, Gingrich or Santorum.

“It’s going to be a very close presidential election,” Cole said, “People forget that it was also close last time with 46 percent of the vote going to McCain.” As it is with most elections, it all comes down to the swing states.

The presidential election is not the only hotly contested race. “The Senate’s going to be close,” Cole said, “Control will be split 51/49 percent either way.” Cole felt more confident about the Republicans retaining control of the House. “It’s unlikely the House will shift control,” Cole said.

In this presidential election, Cole acknowledges an edge for the incumbent. “I would make President Obama the favorite,” Cole said, “The election will be close, but favor Obama.”

Cole emphasized what was at stake this year. “This is probably the most important election in America since 1980,” Cole said,” I really think it will be that important.”

U.S. Rep. Tom Cole addresses RSC students in an open forum format. Photo by Logan Pierce

Questions from the Senate
Following these remarks, Cole took questions from the Student Senate and guests.
Maryann Scroggins, student senator, asked, “Who would you like to see be the Republican nominee?” “All the guys who didn’t run,” Cole said, eliciting laughter from the crowd, “I didn’t endorse anyone, but Romney has the edge.”

Win or lose, the outcome of the 2012 election will be a referendum on Obama. “If America thinks the president has done a good job, he’ll get reelected,” Cole said.

One question Cole answered pertained to Ugandan guerrilla leader Joseph Kony, with students wanting to know if Washington planned to step in.

Cole said that America is doing things to help, but can always do more. Broadening the topic to foreign aid in general, Cole discussed U.S. relations with the Middle East. “We give money to places like Egypt and Israel to prevent war,” Cole said. As high as gas prices are now, unrest in the Middle East will only continue to drive the price up.

Not holding Obama’s energy policies in high esteem, Cole cites that the administration is hostile toward oil and natural gas production. “When you’ve got energy secretary Chu saying ‘higher gas prices are a good thing,’ the opposition remembers comments like that,” Cole said.

When asked which of today’s issues will have the biggest impact on future generations, Cole replied excessive long-term spending. “We’re going to spend you guys into bankruptcy unless we come to grips with this.” The Student Senate meets Tuesdays at 2 p.m. in SC 123.

By 15th Street News • Posted in News • Tagged Bush tax cuts, Egypt, energy secretary Chu, Gingrich, Israel, Joseph Kony, lame duck, Mayan calendar, McCain, , President Obama, , Santorum, stimulus package, , , Tom Cole
0
Nov 23 2011

Commitment to cut carcinogens is everyone’s resposibility

When we became a tobacco-free campus in August, it was understood that change would be required. Having observed the policy in action, the perceived enforcement inaction was initially troubled.

While all ashtrays have been removed from the campus, some trashcans still have mini ashtrays in their tops. People can still be seen smoking near the trashcans outside the Communications Center, in plain sight of the “breathe easy” sign. Seeing people smoking in the campus parking lots has also become commonplace.

Change we can all believe in

This was disheartening; because when your campus advertises itself as “tobacco-free,” certain standards are expected. How is this policy being enforced?

Some thought that the only ones required to make changes would be campus security and those who smoked. One group catches offenders, and the other group complies with the tobacco-free policy.

What we need to understand is that the tobacco-free policy requires not just security and smokers to make changes, but all of us.

Smoking cessation stories

Chris Leland, Wellness Center director, shared an experience that he observed on campus since the tobacco ban. He saw a young man smoking on the campus mall. Before he could say anything, Leland stayed back and watched as a group of young women approached the smoker. They asked him if he knew that Rose State was a tobacco-free campus. They then told him to put out his cigarette. “I was so proud,” Leland said.

We’ve been an alcohol-free campus for so long, that no one thinks it’s acceptable to tap a keg in the campus mall. It’ll be the same with the tobacco-free policy. Everyone just needs time to adjust.

It’s everyone’s responsibility

It’s selfish for non-smokers to think they had no responsibilities regarding the tobacco-free policy. Everyone needs to do their part to honor our campus’ commitment to cutting carcinogens.

Don’t be belligerent, but if you do see someone smoking on campus, remind him or her of the tobacco-free policy.

For three consecutive years the Student Senate petitioned for our campus to become tobacco-free. Now that we are, it’s each of our responsibilities to ensure that we, as a school, are honoring our commitment.

Aug 23 2011

RSC Student Senate establishing new leaders

By: Narges Taghavi, feature editor

The Rose State Student Senate offers students the chance to be heard. Any student who is part of the Student Senate receives not only an opportunity for leadership experience, but also a 12-hour tuition waiver and the ability to make a difference. Every candidate must be enrolled in six credit hours and is required to have a 2.5 GPA. The responsibilities of the Student Senate include the disbursement of Student Activity funds.

Be the Voice of Rose State

Kirby Harzman, coordinator of student activities commented on how the Student Senate helps establish a group of new leaders. “The purpose of Student Senate is to give the student body an outlet to provide recommendations to the administration regarding our campus.” Harzman said,  “Being involved in student senate provides opportunities to develop leadership skills such as collaboration, presentation, parliamentary procedure, event planning and awareness. It gives our student body a voice.”

RSC Student Become Leaders

Friday, September 2nd is the deadline for students interested in running for Student Senate. Candidate applications must be dropped off at the Student Activities Office by 5:00pm. Senate elections will be held September 7th and 8th on D2L.

For more information on the Student Senate call 733-7376 and they shall be happy to answer any of your questions.