Student Council discusses creation of a permanent graduate and professional student committee, other bylaw changes

MADISON, Wis. — Student Council met Wednesday night to discuss and vote on legislation pertaining to a creation of a permanent graduate and professional student committee, adding two additional General Counsel positions to the Student Judiciary and other bylaw changes.

The ad-hoc Graduate & Professional Student Focused Committee has met over six times to discuss items related to assisting graduate and professional students, according to the legislation. On Wednesday, Student Council members voted to add it as a permanent part of the ASM bylaws.

“Just having this as an official committee would give an opportunity to serve,” Representative Cherish Golden said. “There are unique experiences impacting graduate and professional students, and having this committee would be beneficial in providing formal advocacy.”

The legislation was passed. Since it is a bylaw change, it requires two votes at two separate meetings.

Additionally, Student Council members discussed adding two more General Counsel positions to the Student Judiciary.

“The judiciary has had an unprecedented amount of cases this year,” Vice Chief Justice Cameron Sorenson said. “As General Counsel, they write briefs [and] get evidence together, and this requires a great amount of time.”

Student Council passed this legislation as well. Due to the bylaw change, it will also require another vote.

Other legislation was discussed, including filling vacancies and bylaw changes for the Justice, Equity and Belonging committee. The bylaw changes were first voted on at the last Student Council meeting. All legislation passed.

The meeting ended with chair and director reports. The next Student Council meeting will be held on March 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Activity Center Hearing Room on the fourth floor.