It was business as usual at the weekly Associated Students Senate meeting on Tuesday with the approval of the agenda and minutes and the usual senatorial representatives in attendance.

One of the hottest topics of the senate meeting was the ongoing election in which they encouraged everyone to vote.

“As you all know, we have elections going on today from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.,” Sen. Alex Shahin said.

“Go Vote,” said Sen. Nicole Umali in regard to the current senate election.

Fliers were passed out in regard to voting, which can be done at the bookstore polling location tent today from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. The election station will hold a barbeque in conjunction with the election from 11a.m. to 2 p.m.

Online voting was supposed to be available, but due to unforeseen problems, it wasn’t possible.

General Manager David Crandall expressed that it’s disheartening when you plan things to go one way, and due to problems, they go another way.

“We might want to give the elections committee a pat on the back. They need it due to circumstances beyond their control,” Crandall said.

Yeprem Davoodian from the International Students Club was the first to speak during the open forum portion of the meeting.

“Thank you for voting on the new international club that’s only been on campus for a year,” Davoodian said.

The club is asking for $650 from the Unallocated Reserves Account to fund their Global Village Event on Nov. 21, which was approved by the Senate today.

Ali Waleed, also a member of the International Students Club, addressed the Senate by saying, “Thank you for the funding. There will be a lot of food from different countries that is free for the students to enjoy.”

The last two speakers for the open forum were from the Department of Music for a senior voice recital.

“We have an opportunity to learn, which is very important. This recital is very important to us. We have to pay for the performers. If you could help us please, we would really appreciate it,” Yu Oda said.

Lastly, Jayme Alilaw, a senior vocalist from the Department of Music, who’s singing at the recital, spoke regarding its importance to her.

“I will be singing a one-hour recital and we are responsible for handling all of the costs, given that you are voting on the requested budget today,.I just wanted to inform you,” Alilaw said.

The Senate approved the allocation of $258 for the recital with no objections.

Also approved was $350 to L.U.C.I.A. for the purpose of their Assemble Your Tamale Workshop.

Audrey Younna of S.P.A.C.E. announced to the Senate that their group was working on spring proposals and that spirit day’s starts next week. Younna asked that Senate members and students alike wear their CSUN attire next Tuesday to show their support.

Sen. Byron Baba spoke about an incentive in which students will be polled as to how they feel their money should be spent.

The polling process should be taking place metime by the beginning of next semester.

“It’s the opinion of the students that really matters,” Baba said.

University Advisor Tom Piernik spoke about the theme chosen for the upcoming year’s speakers that’ll be at CSUN. The theme that was chosen is “Speak Your Mind.” The idea is that students’ choice counts and that having a balanced point of view in one area will be very helpful.

Finally, The National Society of Black Engineers, United Campus Ministry and Victory Campus Ministries’ constitutions were approved by the Senate during the meeting as well.

Also announced, the International Club is hosting an International Education Week at Cal State Northridge from Nov. 13- 16.

Throughout the week, there’ll be a lot of things to do, including, but not limited to hearing guest speakers, Thanksgiving lunch and an international noontime concert. For more information regarding the international educational week and to R.S.V.P., contact Yeprem Davoodian at (818) 677-3053 or send him an e-mail at yeprem.davoodian@csun.edu.

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