UA discusses testing environments, NEC budget and text and e-mail communication

At the Undergraduate Assembly’s weekly meeting on Sunday, the agenda included the passage of the Upgrading Academic Testing Environment Resolution, the acceptance of the Lunar New Year’s Contingency request, a discussion of the Nomination and Elections Committee’s budget and a project update for texting and e-mailing the UA.

The Upgrading Academic Testing Environment Resolution’s goal is to place students in the best circumstances for successful performance on exams and in the classroom, according to Academic Affairs Director and Nursing junior G.J. Melendez-Torres.

This resolution requests that test administrators supply adequate desk space for every student and enlist one “invigilator” for every 50 students so that the test will be moderated properly, according to Melendez-Torres.

The authors of this resolution will work with the Vice Provost for University Life and the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education in order to ensure its completion, according to Vice Chair of External Affairs and College junior Matt Amalfitano.

After a debate, the resolution was passed with 14 in favor, four against and four abstaining.

The general body also discussed the request for funding of the Lunar New Year’s Celebration, which is an important celebration in Asian traditions, according to UA College Representative and College sophomore Amanda Young.

This funding was requested as “an emergency cost” because the original source of funding backed out, Young said.

Twelve student groups are participating in the event, and Young is expecting a large turnout.

This budget request was passed unanimously.

During Budget Time, the UA discussed the Nominations and Electtions Committee’s budget, which was presented by NEC Vice Chair for Administration and Finance, Suze Morris, a College sophomore.

The NEC has no outside source of funding other than the UA, according to Morris.

In order to save money, the NEC has eliminated its newsletter and reduced print publicity. The NEC has cut back on spending by $600 for this year.

The UA also discussed its project to improve communication between the UA and the student body via texts and e-mails.

By marketing the communication options that the UA provides, the UA hopes student will become more aware of how they can share their problems and develop a stronger connection with the UA, according to College Representative and College freshman Chris Cruz.

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