Executive Committee of the Student Body

(Absence excused: Kenneth Hopkins and Jordan Wilson)

1. President Eric Hoffman called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
2. Alex Caritis, President of Generals Interested in Legal Studies (GILS) came to the EC seeking Student Body Recognition. The organization is geared towards students considering a legal career and seeks to bring speakers to campus and hold informal events to educate students on various legal careers and the law school application process.
3. Vice President Scott Centorino reported that Dormstorm Taskforce has set up a public presentation for Facilities Management staff to present on the 10-Year Plan. A 3D Model of the plan will be unveiled at the presentation. The event will take place in Stackhouse Theater on Friday Dec. 11 at 4:30pm.
4. Class of 2012 Representative Scott McClintock reported that the Traveller Taskforce has drafted its initial report and will present it at the next EC business meeting.
5. Hoffman reported that the Reasonableness Project is waiting on ITS to create an online form so students can submit information. He hopes to have it up and running soon.
6. Hoffman adjourned the meeting into closed session at 7:12pm.
7. Hoffman reopened the meeting at 7:44pm.
8. The EC unanimously approved GILS for Student Body Recognition.
9. Hoffman adjourned the meeting at 7:45pm.

A member of the Student Body has withdrawn after the Executive Committee found him/her guilty of an Honor Violation in a closed hearing. The Executive Committee determined in the hearing that the student cheated on his/her politics quizzes. On two separate occasions the student was observed by the professor and/or other students using his/her book and writing answers on a closed book quiz.
In the student's defense, he/she said that he/she accidently left the book open on the desk and did not use it on the quizzes. However, the Executive Committee determined through credible evidence and deliberation that the student violated the community's trust by cheating on the quizzes.

1. President Eric Hoffman called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
2. Amy Heard, class of 2013, came to the EC to discuss her idea for a new student organization. The organization, modeled after a program at her high school, would accept students' used textbooks and then distribute books out for the next semester to students based on how many they contributed to the exchange.
3. Hoffman presented language to be used to solicit student accounts of interactions with the local police for the EC's Reasonableness Project. The EC will create a page on its website for students to easily submit these accounts.
4. Secretary Bill Larson met with Dean Watkins for the Student Safety First taskforce to discuss the feasibility of establishing a safe location on campus where students can be taken by local police instead of being arrested for being drunk in public. The taskforce will solicit information from other schools about how they handle similar matters.
5. Vice President Scott Centorino announced that Class of 2012 Representative Steele Burrow has joined the Dormstorm Taskforce. The taskforce is working with facilities management to set up an opportunity for students to view the Powerpoint describing the 10 year plans.
6. Class of 2012 Representative Scott McClintock informed the EC that having received the Traveller Steering Committee's rationales for adopting the five-mile radius service limit, the Traveller taskforce will be looking into compromises that can be implemented to address these issues. If compromises can be found, the Traveller taskforce plans on creating a report which will offer ideas on how to turn a unique service into a great unique service.
7. Hoffman informed the EC that he met with Teri Cugliari, Associate Director of Student Activities, and that they are working on creating an online form to streamline organization registration and update procedures.
8. The EC discussed alternatives to the current usage of exam envelopes in response to a question from Scott Dittman, University Registrar. The EC discussed a variety of ways that the envelopes might be reused to cut down on University costs.
9. Hoffman shared with the EC a letter from Maryanne Simurda, University Marshall, which asked the EC for ideas to increase student attendance at fall convocation. The EC suggested having department heads inviting students with majors in their department, improving the post-convocation food options, and having a reception for seniors to follow the event.
10. Centorino proposed an addition to the EC's budget policy to include Art. III Sec. 6: "Honor Societies: It is the Executive Committee's policy not to directly fund honor societies." Rationale: This serves to inform students of an established EC precedent.
11. Hoffman adjourned the meeting into closed session at 7:56pm.
12. Hoffman reopened the meeting at 8:03pm.
13. EC passed the budget policy change 12-1 (Hopkins opposed).
14. The White Book Amendment (see below) was passed unanimously for a second time effectuating the amendment of the White Book.
15. Hoffman adjourned the meeting into closed session at 8:08pm.
16. Hoffman reopened the meeting at 8:19pm.
17. Hoffman adjourned the meeting at 8:19pm.

White Book Amendment: The Pledge

Current Text, p. 3: "During orientation every student must sign a White Pledge Card. This is a student's first pledge as a member of the Washington and Lee community. It expresses that the student has been through an orientation program on the Honor System, understands the contents of the Honor System White Book, and will abide by the Honor System."

Proposed Change, p. 3: "During orientation every new student must sign the Honor Book. This is a student's first pledge as a member of the Washington and Lee community. It expresses that the student has been through an orientation program on the Honor System, has received a copy of the Honor System White Book, and will abide by the Honor System."

Rationale: The 2009-2010 EC has replaced the process of having new students sign pledge cards with the process of having new students sign the Honor Book. This amendment serves to memorialize this change in the White Book to accurately reflect current practices.

Summary of Executive Committee Honor Activity for the 2009-2010 Academic Year:

Investigations: 1

Withdraw in the face of Closed Hearing: 0

Closed Hearings: 0

Guilty Verdicts in a Closed Hearing: 0

Not Guilty Verdicts in a Closed Hearing: 0

Student Body Hearings: 0

Minutes from the October 27, 2009 Executive Committee Meeting

1. President Eric Hoffman called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
2. The EC met with the SFHB ad hoc Review Committee to discuss ways to improve the SFHB.
3. Hoffman adjourned the meeting into closed session at 7:01pm.
4. Hoffman reopened the meeting at 8:25pm.
5. Hoffman informed the EC of his discussion with Dean Dodson earlier this week regarding making procedural improvements to the University Board of Appeals. They discussed ways to engage current UBA members in the process to clarify their current procedures. The EC also discussed preparing a written proposal for reforms and suggested changes to the UBA. This will be an ongoing process over the next few months.
6. IFC President Garrott McClintock came to discuss ways to improve the SFHB. McClintock spoke in his individual capacity and made clear that his views did not necessarily represent those of every fraternity.
7. Hoffman adjourned the meeting into closed session at 8:38pm.
8. Hoffman reopened the meeting at 8:56pm.
9. Hoffman discussed logistics for the Reasonableness Project, an information-gathering project to solicit accounts from students about their interactions with local police. The goal of the project is to present a comprehensive report of these accounts to city and county leadership so that any problem areas regarding police reasonableness can be addressed. Hoffman informed the EC that he will present further logistics details, such as questions to be asked and ways to solicit student information, at the next EC meeting.
10. The EC discussed the idea of having an on-campus center to care for intoxicated students, so that local police could bring intoxicated students to campus for care instead of making arrests for Drunk in Public violations. The idea stemmed from comments raised at the Alcohol and the Law Forum a few weeks ago, in that a main reason why local police make DIP arrests is because there is not a local center for intoxicated persons to receive supervision. In response to an idea suggested by Dean Watkins, the EC decided to research information from peer institutions about this issue to investigate any benefits or consequences from adopting this model. Scott Centorino, Bill Larson, Jill Morris, Kenneth Hopkins, Austin Branstetter, and Scott McClintock will spearhead this for the EC.
11. Vice President Scott Centorino reported that the Dormstorm Taskforce is working with Facilities Management to set up a viewing of the Powerpoint presentation regarding the 10-year¬plan and student housing.
12. The Amicus Bovis Project (Hoffman) announced that he and Dining Services met with a representative from the Roanoke Chick-fil-A. Hoffman informed the EC that the Project is waiting on a response from the Chick-fil-A corporation regarding beginning discussions for an agreement.
13. Hoffman announced that he met with Teri Cugliari, Assoc. Director of Student Activities and Greek Life, and proposed that the EC to work with her Office to create an online location where students can fill out a single form to seek both Student Body Recognition and recognition from the Office of Student Activities. Once organizations have completed the joint form, they will still need to be approved respectively by the EC and the Office of Student Activities, but will be able to fill out one streamlined application form. The EC approved of this plan.
14. Hoffman proposed an amendment to the White Book, which the EC unanimously voted to pass. The proposal is available below. White Book Amendments must pass in two consecutive meetings to go into effect.
15. Hoffman adjourned the meeting into closed session at 9:20pm.
16. Hoffman reopened the meeting at 9:40pm.
17. Hoffman adjourned the meeting at 9:40pm.

White Book Amendment: The Pledge

Current Text, p. 3: "During orientation every student must sign a White Pledge Card. This is a student's first pledge as a member of the Washington and Lee community. It expresses that the student has been through an orientation program on the Honor System, understands the contents of the Honor System White Book, and will abide by the Honor System."

Proposed Change, p. 3: "During orientation every new student must sign the Honor Book. This is a student's first pledge as a member of the Washington and Lee community. It expresses that the student has been through an orientation program on the Honor System, has received a copy of the Honor System White Book, and will abide by the Honor System."

Rationale: The 2009-2010 EC has replaced the process of having new students sign pledge cards with the process of having new students sign the Honor Book. This amendment serves to memorialize this change in the White Book to accurately reflect current practices.

1. President Eric Hoffman called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
2. Hikaru Kinouchi, Samia Alam, and Robert Warneford-Thomson came to the EC seeking recognition for Beta, Beta, Beta, a biology honor society. The EC tabled deliberations pending the completion of required forms.
3. Vice President Scott Centorino reported that the Dormstorm Taskforce is in the final stage of information collection and a report is forthcoming from the taskforce.
4. Scott Dittman, University Registrar, spoke with the EC. He asked for the EC's views regarding the current course based registration system vs. a section based system, among other issues related to course registration. The EC expressed strong support for a section based system.
5. Class of 2011 Representative Tom Bowden and Class of 2012 Representative Scott McClintock reported that the Traveller Taskforce attended a Traveller Steering Committee meeting and learned more about the rationale behind the 5 mile radius issue. The taskforce will continue gathering facts before making a formal report to the EC.
6. The Amicus Bovis Project (Hoffman) announced a breakthrough. He and Dining Services are meeting with a representative from the Roanoke Chick-fil-A this week to discuss the possibility of bringing Chick-fil-A to campus on a periodic basis.
7. Hoffman reported that all returning students, faculty, and board members received White Books and letters from the EC.
8. Hoffman reported that he met with Dean Watkins and Dean Dotson to discuss ways to improve the University Board of Appeals. He plans on working with Dean Dotson to come up with a plan to move forward regarding changes to UBA procedure.
9. Hoffman and Centorino announced that they met with President Ruscio concerning the SFHB ad hoc Review Committee. The EC is working to schedule a meeting with the review committee to voice their thoughts on SFHB reform.
10. Hoffman reminded the EC of its upcoming meeting with President Ruscio and Rector Childress on Thursday.
11. Hoffman informed the EC of KEWL and Sig Ep's "Rock Against Rape" concert, which will be held at Davidson Park from 7 to 9 on 10/23/09.
12. Hoffman adjourned the meeting into closed session at 8:55pm.
13. Hoffman reopened the meeting at 9:29am.
14. Hoffman adjourned the meeting at 9:29am.

(Hopkins and Bransetter absence excused; Larson, Toner, McClintock tardiness excused)
Note: Time change due to Appointment Interviews
1. President Eric Hoffman called the meeting to order at 5:15pm.
2. The EC welcomed newly elected Freshman Representative Steele Burrow. Hoffman swore Burrow into office.
3. Class of 2011 Representative Tom Bowden reported that the Traveller Taskforce will attend the Traveller Steering Committee meeting this week to look into Traveller's reasons for adopting the five-mile radius service limit.
4. Vice President Scott Centorino reported that the Dormstorm Taskforce received a short version of the 10 year plan from Dean Watkins. Centorino will contact Watkins and President Ruscio requesting a detailed plan and the physical model.
5. The Amicus Bovis Project (Hoffman) announced that he will meet next week with Dining Services to consider other ways to bring Chick-fil-a to campus on a monthly basis.
6. Hoffman announced that updated White Books and accompanying letters were recently distributed to returning law students. White Books and letters will be distributed to the faculty and selected members of the administration later this week.
7. Hoffman announced that the forum regarding students' rights and responsibilities after consuming alcohol will take place on Oct. 13 at 7:30pm in Stackhouse Theater.
8. Hoffman reminded the EC that composite pictures will be taken on Oct. 13.
9. The EC discussed the reasonableness of local police and the idea of compiling stories of students' interactions with police for presentation to the Lexington City Council and/or to the Police Departments (LPD and Rockbridge Sherriff's Office). The EC discussed the best approach to raise concerns with local authorities.
10. Hoffman adjourned the meeting into closed session at 5:37pm for Fall University Committee appointment interviews.
11. Hoffman reopened the meeting at 8:34pm.
12. Hoffman announced that the EC will meet with Rector Childress on Oct. 22.
13. Hoffman adjourned the meeting into closed session at 8:35pm.
14. Hoffman reopened the meeting at 9:52pm.
15. Hoffman informed the EC that he met with Dean Watkins regarding the University Board of Appeals. The EC discussed ways to improve the board. In the long term the EC will consider making recommendations to change to composition of the board to SAC. In the short term, the EC will work with Dean Watkins and the UBA to improve procedures for the fair adjudication of cases. Hoffman will meet next week with Dean Watkins and Dean Dotson to voice student concerns brought to the EC about the UBA and to discuss potential improvements.
16. Hoffman adjourned the meeting into closed session at 9:59pm.
17. Hoffman reopened the meeting at 10:26pm.
18. Hoffman and Centorino announced they will meet with President Ruscio regarding the SFHB ad hoc Review Committee next week.
19. Hoffman adjourned the meeting into closed session at 10:28pm for appointment interviews and deliberations.
20. Hoffman reopened the meeting at 2:00am.
21. Hoffman adjourned the meeting at 2:00am.

1. President Eric Hoffman called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
2. Information Technology Services presented to the EC on improvements they have made over the past year for students. ITS asked the EC for ideas on other ways to improve computing and technology for students.
3. Hoffman and Vice President Scott Centorino announced that they met with the Office of Student Activities and are working on a way to streamline the application process for new student organizations.
4. The Dormstorm Taskforce reported that the University does not have any written proposal describing the "Ten Year Strategic Plan" on its website. The Taskforce is currently trying to obtain a copy of the plan from Dean Watkins and would like to make it accessible to the student body.
5. The Traveller Taskforce announced that they have contacted Traveller and will be attending the next Traveller Steering Committee meeting which is expected to occur within the next two weeks.
6. The Amicus Bovis Project (Hoffman) announced that Chick-fil-a rejected W&L's application to be a vendor. Hoffman will not be deterred and is working on other plans.
7. Hoffman announced that law students will receive letters from the EC and White Books this week.
8. Hoffman announced the forum regarding alcohol use in Lexington is tentatively scheduled for, Tuesday, Oct. 13th at Stackhouse Theater and would take the place of the EC's weekly meeting.
9. Hoffman announced that the EC will meet with the Rector of the Board of Trustees around the time of the next board meeting.
10. Hoffman announced that he will meet with Dean Watkins soon to express the EC's concerns about various issues related to the University Board of Appeals, including procedural and compositional issues.
11. Centorino conveyed concerns regarding the SFHB ad hoc Review Committee composition including the lack of undergraduate representation and the potential for conflicts of interest. The EC discussed ways to ensure that students' voices are heard by the committee. The EC is reaching out to student organizations involved with issues that come before the SFHB to make sure they are aware of how to set up times to discuss their views with the Review Committee.
12. Hoffman adjourned the meeting into closed session at 9:21pm.
13. Hoffman reopened the meeting at 9:36pm.
14. Hoffman adjourned the meeting at 9:36pm.

Summary of Executive Committee Honor Activity for the 2009-2010 Academic Year:

Investigations: 1

Withdraw in the face of Closed Hearing: 0

Closed Hearings: 0

Guilty Verdicts in a Closed Hearing: 0

Not Guilty Verdicts in a Closed Hearing: 0

Student Body Hearings: 0

Minutes from the September 22, 2009 Executive Committee Meeting
(Kenneth Hopkins Absence Excused)

1. President Eric Hoffman called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
2. Hoffman welcomed the freshman candidates for the Class of 2013 EC Representative position to the meeting and asked them to introduce themselves.
3. The EC welcomed newly-elected Class of 2012 Law Representative Jill Morris and Hoffman swore her into office.
4. The Dormstorm Taskforce announced plans to communicate with Dean Watkins to get a copy of the 10 Year Plan for student residences.
5. Hoffman announced that the Amicus Bovis Project is currently waiting for a response from Chick-Fil-A's corporate offices regarding W&L's vendor application.
6. Secretary Bill Larson announced that he contacted the TMC about the Honor code reference on its website. The TMC staff was happy to change the reference to Honor System. The EC will continue to keep an eye out for other incorrect references and seek to make sure the Honor System is referred to correctly.
7. The EC decided to investigate all University classrooms to make sure that they have pledge signs. The investigation will take place once the Class of 2013 Representative has been elected.
8. Hoffman announced that letters and updated White Books will be distributed to upperclass law students next week.
9. Hoffman announced that ITS will speak with the EC next week.
10. Hoffman announced that he met with SJC Chair Crighton Allen and Asst. Head Peer Counselor Stephanie Brown about hosting a forum about students' interactions with local police next month. Details on the forum will be forthcoming.
11. Student organizations that contacted the EC about missing spring budget allocation hearings came to the EC with budget requests.
12. Hoffman adjourned the meeting into closed session at 7:41pm.
13. Hoffman reopened the meeting at 8:23pm.
14. Hoffman adjourned the meeting at 8:23pm.