Kaitlyn Coogan
News Editor
Student Assembly covered a wide range of topics on Tuesday Oct. 2, including the introduction of an 18 credit limit, the changing of the Pumpkin Festival Guest Policy, and budget requests.
First to speak was Interim President Jay Kahn.
Seeing as this was the first meeting he has gone to this year, he acquainted himself with the members of Student Assembly.
After introductions, Kahn talked about the positive aspects of the school such as the ability to double major and the variety of the classes offered.
He also talked about the idea of freezing the tuition costs, for two years.
“Restore those cuts from 2009, 2010 and 2011 to 100 percent level (100 million dollars) then we will freeze tuition for in-state students for the next two years and increase aid for in-state students,” Kahn said.
The discussion about the 18-credit limit that was said to be implemented next semester, may come later.
Dean of Professional and Graduate Studies Melinda Treadwell led the conversation.
In 2005, Keene State College offered only three credit courses and students could not take more then five classes, Treadwell said.
From 2005 to 2008, Treadwell added that the school moved to a four credit curriculum but staying at the five classes minimum allowed.
Treadwell said that they believed that students would not be taking five classes at all.
Treadwell described that 20 credits equals 60 hours of work for the class including the time spent inside the classroom and outside as well.
Treadwell asked, “Is this ethical?”
In March the idea of switching to only allowing 18 credits minimum was approved.
After talking to a few students, Treadwell said she has some concerns.
One concern is for the students that are double majoring and students that must take more classes because of their major such as music majors and education majors. In these cases the financial payment for the class would be wavered.
This also goes for students who are in a situation where the only way to graduate consists on them continuing their five classes.
On Tuesday Oct. 9 Treadwell will be meeting with other academic faculty to discuss this idea further.
Student Assembly suggested they hold off the credit cap until next school year instead of next semester to give students more time to prepare.
Next on the list, Residential Life came to talk about the switching of the guest passes for Pumpkin Festival weekend from two people to one.
The previous festival, Residential Life changed the policy from three guests to two and saw a “remarkable” difference but not significant enough to keep the guest policy the same.
The reason for the policy change, according to Jana Jacobson, is guests do not have the same respect for the school as students and tend to get in trouble.
Unfortunately, the repercussions fall on the student because the guest is their responsibility.
The concern of the assembly was the safety of the students and how soon students will know of the change.
After discussion, Student Assembly endorsed the new policy with two opposed members and two abstentions.
Budget requests for KSC Breakers, and funding requests for the Pumpkin Lobotomy were all approved.
Kaitlyn Coogan can be contacted at kcoogan@keene-equinox.com