Senate Minutes 9-29-09

Bill TCD001, 2009 Mixed Gendered Housing
Title: A Resolution to Move the Mixed Gendered Housing Program out of the Pilot Phase and into a Full Program under the Department of Resident Life

Summary
The RHA expresses its support of the Mixed Gendered Housing Program to the DRL through ReLATe and express its interest in being further involved in any decision needing to be made as the transition takes place.

NON-DEBATABLE QUESTIONS

Will moving this to permanent status allow this to expand to other residence halls?
No
Will moving it to a permanent status allow the program to expand within Commons and Courtyards?
No
Can you expand upon “data from participants that supports the success of the pilot program”
The Department of Resident Life has conducted surveys, mixers, and questionnaires in order to collect feedback from participants, all of which was positive
What were the goals of the program?
The purpose of this program was to allow friends of different genders to live together in one apartment
What is the application like?
The application includes your name and the names of the people you want to live with and why you want to live with them
The application is almost the same as the regular application to live in Commons/Courtyards
Have they had anyone try to move out halfway during the year because of unsatisfactory circumstances?
No, the only issues they have had so far was with one person choosing to study abroad for a semester
Why 64 spots?
DRL had to limit the number of apartments pulled out of open leasing
It is hard to find open apartments in Commons/Courtyards

Voting Ratio
Passed 30:0:4

DOTS to limit Parking Permits to underclassmen

The Department of Transportation Services (DOTS) has sold 600 fewer parking permits than last year due to construction taking place near Lot 1. There will be even fewer spaces in Lot 2 when construction starts on the new Denton community. Who does this affect?

The students of course but we have been provided a way to voice our opinions. Director of DOTS David Allen says this will especially affect freshmen and sophomores. Freshmen and sophomores have been able to register for permits in the past but now only a select few might be able to.

Here's where you and your Residence Hall Association (RHA) comes in. Director Allen will start dialogue with your elected representatives to decide who gets priority over parking spots.

How to be heard:

• Leave comments here on the blog
• Get in contact with your newly elected hall/area council senators at www.marylandrha.com under the tab "Your Reps."
• Send us an e-mail: voice@marylandrha.com

Get involved!

Read the Diamondback article. DOTS sold 600 fewer permits than last year - News

Posted by: Josef K. Mensah, Vice President