Here are notes from the regular AMS Council meeting of August 2, 2023:
Food Bank: After hearing from AMS President Esmé Decker about the importance of maintaining the stability of the AMS Food Bank, given the increasing number of students using it, Council unanimously passed a motion affirming its support for the prioritization of students and “limiting access to the Food Bank to active AMS members” (i.e., students at UBC and its affiliated colleges).
Meanwhile Council heard that the construction work to expand the Food Bank space is underway.
No Oral Reports from BoG and Senate: Council defeated a Code amendment that would have required the student Senators and Board of Governors representatives to make oral reports in addition to written submissions. Current BoG rep Eshana Bhangu said there was no need for both written and oral reports, and VP Academic Kamil Kanji said it was bad practice to reverse the recent change to do away with oral reports.
No More Campus Safety Vision Statement: Council voted to rescind this very old policy from 2009 on safety and fostering a respectful environment after hearing from President Decker that such issues are covered in the recently approved Strategic Plan and in the policy on respectful community.
Committee appointments: President Decker said the online form for committee appointments is being updated to be clearer and to ensure that applicants describe their experience and explain why they want to serve on the committees they apply for.
AGM: President Decker said the current plan is to hold the AMS Annual General Meeting virtually on Thursday, October 19.
IFC: President Decker said there was a good meeting with the Inter-Fraternity Council in an attempt to revive an MoU between them and the AMS and to connect Safewalk and the fraternities.
Hawaii, anyone? VP Administration Ian Caguiat said that the newly approved clubs include the “very cool” Hawaiian Club.
Health & Dental: VP Finance Abhi Mishra told Council that he is waiting for data to help decide whether to change the accounting model for the Health & Dental Plan, adding that he is also working on communication about the new gender-affirming care program.
AMS Agenda: Managing Director Justin Lieu said the annual AMS Agenda is being finalized.
Welcome Back BBQ: The Managing Director also said plans are underway for the Welcome Back Barbecue, which will be a low cost event this year, with an actual barbecue.
Blue Chip: Also from the Managing Director: the opening time for the new, relocated Blue Chip Cafe will be in October.
Code of Conduct: President Decker said plans are underway for a new Code of Conduct for Councillors to deal with conflict of interest.
Next meeting:
The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 23 in the Michael Kingsmill Forum in the Nest at 6 pm.
Sheldon Goldfarb
Archivist & Clerk of Council
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