The Oberlin Student Senate addressed the results of the latest referendum, increasing substance-free housing, improving communications with the wider College community and other matters related to the running of student government, during its Sunday meeting.

The creation of a Middle Eastern studies program was the main topic of the Senators’ report on their meeting with College President Nancy Dye. Currently two members of the Student Senate, Imran Lalani and Jon Argaman, are working on the issue. The addition of a guest lecturer on Arabic from the American University of Beirut or the American University of Cairo is expected next year. The lack of a clear place for a possible course in Arabic in the curriculum was a source of concern among the senators. A forum on establishing a Middle Eastern studies program was viewed favorably by senators who thought it would keep the issue from being overlooked. “The forum is to inform, not to pass for Middle East studies,” Argaman said.

Transparency was another subject that came up during the discussion. It was reported that there were technical problems with determining how Oberlin’s endowment is invested. Since the College has money in so many different investments, it would not be possible to give a full account. However, it would be possible to explain how the financial investors that manage the school’s endowments are chosen.

Student senator Rebecca Ganetzky announced an official Senate forum on substance-free housing. The forum would be aimed at boosting student involvement in planning for substance-free housing next semester.

At the suggestion of Jon Argaman, the senate’s attention was brought to the next round of Senate elections. A consensus was reached that any changes to the election schedule should be postponed until a referendum could be conducted to gauge student opinion. The senate agreed to replace the problematic and expensive “Survey Monkey” internet tool, which had been used to conduct earlier elections with a PERL script written by Rebecca Ganetzky.

During the meetings, different methods of informing the student body were touted. Senate Liaison Morgan Shelton mentioned a bi-weekly Senate report that would be submitted to student publications. Publicizing and streamlining the office hours of senators and taking advantage of the senate board were also suggested. Student senator Ronnie Goines observed that “apathy is the main problem.” Imran Lalani said results were essential to promoting the student senate.

The senate also examined the student response to referendums conducted during the fall. “the College won’t do anything about several issues” like need blind admissions and the disclosure of the operating budget, and stated that it is important that students ask for an explanation. Ganetzky concluded that the administration should be informed of the popularity of extending the Science Center’s hours.

On Tuesday, the Student Senate’s budget proposal was completed, and will request $23,790. The budget request includes plans to pay 15 Senators $6.10 an hour for an average of 10 hours of work per week. At the meeting several senators expressed interest in donating their pay to the Boys and Girls Club of Elyria.