Student Government of Seattle University

Representative Assembly Meeting

Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2015 STCN 130 at 6:00 p.m.
I.

Call to Order
Raquel calls the meeting to order at 6:02 PM

II.

Roll Call (initial on the line)

Eric Sype, President ________
Raquel Davalos, Executive Vice President _________
Matthew Kelly, Vice President of Finance _________
Meggie Green, Vice President of University Affairs _________
Luke Larsen, Senior Representative _________
Manuel Siguenza, Junior Representative _________
Palmyra Jackson, Sophomore Representative_________
Owen Goetze, At-Large Representative _________
Mark Vargas, At-Large Representative _________
Sarah Coluccio, Athletic Representative __absent_______
Monica Chan, Multicultural Representative _________
Lynn Doan, Commuter Representative __absent_______
Jordan Murakami, Transfer Representative _________
Jaden Phan, International Representative _________
Braden Wild, Students with Disabilities Representative _________
Jarrod Gallagher, Nontraditional Representative _________
Isheeta Tewari, Freshman Representative _________
Tanish Bhojwani, Freshman Representative _________

III.

Approval of the Minutes

Motion passes unanimously with abstention from Sarah and Lynn who are absent.

IV.

Public Comment None

V.
-

Guest Speakers Jerry Huffman, VP for Human Resources and Mark Parrish, Manager of the Bookstore
Jerry: Having Marks perspective is important because he represents the perspective of people who work in the bookstore. Ill
move through this as quickly as possible so we can chat. So, why change? Its not an easy change. However, the simple
answer is that this is a retail operation and we dont have the operating leverage to make it successful. When you have a 3rd
party operator, you have more options for sourcing, purchasing, warehousing, and distributing. One of the issues we ran into
was concerning our website because we cant stay competitive by running our own website. For example, the operator we
selected will be spending $250 million in the next three years to revamp their stores. We cant compete with that. Last year we
had a $67,000 loss at the campus store and that is not acceptable. Were looking for consistency and that was a big factor in
our decision making process. I wrote a request for proposalsa 45 page documentwhich was more of an expectation
document. We wanted to develop a partnership with a company that could work with us over the transition through the capital
campaign changes that will be brought to campus. We developed an advisory committee that included a collection of
individuals across the university. We received proposals from two operators: Follett and Barnes and Noble. We sought a third
proposal from the bookstore at the UW, but they declined. We, as a committee, made an assessment and recommendation to
the cabinet, engaged in site visits, and did a few other things. We visited Barnes and Nobles store at Santa Clara. One of the
changes well be making it to reduces the amount of retail space allocated for snack foods. In every one of these stores, they
made some arrangement for casual seating. This is something we look for. We visited Barnes and Nobles store at San Jose
State which is in the middle of transition. When we were on these visits, we spent time with their management team separately
from the company monitors. San Jose State was totally supportive of their relationships with Barnes and Noble. We visited
Folletts store at USF. There were many visual similarities between Barnes and Noble and Folletts presentations. Follett
commits to keeping books on the shelf all quarter long. We visited Folletts store at Cal StateEast Bay which is probably
more like our store in size. We visited Folletts store at Stanford. Eric, do you want to say anything about East Bay?
Eric: I really liked that East Bays bookstore really fit with their campus.

Jerry: Follett and Stanford have had a long-standing relationship and its incredible. Lighting, fixtures, etc. were all incredibly
on point. Most of Stanfords student body is grad students. This is the area where they fill their online orders We do it out of
somebodys trunk. I just really think this is what bookstores should look like. Its a place to have an experience. They have an
element of comfort. Their tech shop does an unbelievable amount of business. We visited Folletts shop at Gonzaga. They just
transitioned to Follett a year ago. So, the actual decision, came down to Follett Higher Education Group because of their
mission fit, the fact that theyre privately held and financially sound, the positive feedback we received from current customers,
the quality of the operations, their ability to be an excellent long-term partner, not to mention their commitment to Jesuit
education. Barnes and Noble was concerning because theyve been going through several transitions recently. Their
employees, at Gonzaga, were previously GU employees. Folletts structure allows for their employees to earn bonuses and a
variety of other things. Follett works with 18 out of the 28 AJCU Schools. Store design is another component we wanted to
look into. The 12th and Madison building has a great deal of potential. This is one rendering of what this could look like. The
City of Seattle has great plans for Madison Street. This is another rendering of what the store could look like on the inside. Our
plans are to begin transitioning on July 1st. You can expect to see some slight changes immediately. Their capital commitment
is in two parts: one large commitment to reorganize our store at the start and a larger one over time as we transition our store
to something bigger and better. What questions can I answer?
Luke: I am so excited about this! Are employees of the bookstore going to become Follett employees?
Jerry: Our employees will become Follett employees and well be comparing benefits. Were accommodating for some lacking
benefits. Student employees will be paid through Follett. One of the things weve been talking about is tying them more directly
into campus events. Theyll be more involved at the Key and other off-campus events as well.
Mark: One thing that really impressed me about the stores we toured, was that no one would say anything bad about the
company. They provide great benefits for the employees and they really invest in their student-employees as well.
Braden: Where would the store be, if not 12th and Madison?
Jerry: I dont know exactly. I think thats the most likely location for the store. Its possible, but not as possible, to do something
on Broadway.
Myra: My concern is with the community south of Jefferson Street. I feel like it caters to the Capitol Hill neighborhood, but I
dont want to ignore our neighbors south of campus. Has your team looked into the impact on those communities?
Jerry: This is just a rendering, but any development will be based on conversation had on campus. This is just a preliminary
concept. Good point though, thank you.
Manuel: Is SU in charge of the storage facility currently there?
Jerry: We run it through a partner. We receive benefits from the storage facility. In terms of its usage, its not being used at its
highest potential right now.
Manuel: As a student from out-of-state, it can be challenging to find storage space.
Jerry: Noted. Thank you. There are a number of way we could provide students with opportunities. Were in conversation with
a couple of different groups about it.
Manuel: Is this a large or small partner?
Jerry: Small.
Jordan: What start-up costs do you foresee with this project?
Jerry: I dont know, but I dont think we can avoid it. The costs that have been tossed around include transition funds as well.
Connie Kanter would provide you with better answers. Follett has made a very significant contribution to the build-out cost for
developing that space.
Matt: Wheres the bookstore going to be after the building is torn down?
Jerry: Itll be moved before that building is flattened. Weve been planning this for a while.
Braden: Do you have a rough timeline?
Jerry: Ive heard two years, three years. It depends on the capital campaign.
Kristen: What about the top floors of that rendering?
Jerry: I dont know.
Izzy: Do we have a new location for the public safety office?
Jerry: Not exactly. Not yet. Ive heard about a small walk-up space in the center of campus.
Mark Vargas: Are they committed to stocking the stores and keeping books on the shelves? In addition to paying attention to
student needs?
Jerry: Follett has to do what they have to do to stay in business.
Mark: They are one of the top-two used bookstores in the country. Theyre the most capable of securing those used books for
students. I really think there will be lower prices and more books available for students.
Mark Vargas: What about gift cards?
Mark: Follett only does campuses, but theyre good across all stores.
Braden: Whats our liability?

Jerry: Were liable for things if we changed our mind in the future. But there are also ways for us to break this relationship if
were unhappy.
Owen: Are textbook buyback experiences going to be better?
Mark: I expect them to be the exact same. Follett has the same model we do.
Luke: Does Follett decide what the merchandise is?
Jerry: There was a concern that they were going to tell us what we need to have in our stores. We were concerned they
werent going to understand our needs. But theyve shown that concern to be invalid. They cannot be successful if they dont
pay attention to what we need.
Mark: I think this will be an opportunity to for us to grow.
Jerry: Gonzaga has a jewelry section. Were currently doing the Verizon thing and they havent done that yet. Ive probably
taken more time than I was supposed to, but thank you for having me.

VI.

Old Business None

VII.

New Business
REPA 20150429 MAC for US Bank ATM (Matt Kelly)
Matt: Theres a form called the MAC (Movement-Adjustment-Change) that you can apply for. Bernie filled out a request in
2013 to move the ATM from the back corner to being over by the CAC in the foyer. Theres usually a cost associated with the
transition but US Bank has offered to move it for free and upgrade it if they see a marked increase in usage. My request is for
SGSU to put their voice behind this ask.
Myra: My concern is with the safety of the location.
Matt: That has been taken into consideration and deemed a safer option.
Eric: US Bank is a good partner for student government.
Mark: My concern is with the security of the ATM because its very loud. I think it would be great if they upgraded this machine.
Matt: Were able to lower the volume because there are adjustments on the machine. We need to establish a need to deserve
the upgrade.
Monica: Is this an aesthetically pleasing place?
Matt: Its being accounted for.
Jordan: What about the location across from the TEK entrance?
Matt: Noted. The banker in charge of the ATM is not concerned with the safety.
Izzy: I think this is a great idea.
Owen: Does the US Bank ATM charge a fee for people who dont bank with them?
Matt: Yes.
Owen: So what if we added the BECU one to the Student Center?
Matt: We havent taken this into consideration, but Ill make a note. I seek a motion to approve the MAC for the ATM.
Jarrod: So moved.
Luke: Seconded.
Raquel: The motion passes with one opposed vote from Mark.
Matt: Thanks!

VIII.

Officer Reports:
A) Eric Sype-President:
a. Tobacco Free Implementation Committee: Im on the communication team. Let me know if you wanna help out.
b. Im working with David Grant on an application to be a part of the Change Maker University community.
B) Raquel Davalos- Executive Vice President:
a. SEAC and Quadstock need volunteers.
b. Voting: Tyler wants people to go out and about with laptops.
c. Use the calendar and project chart.
C) Matthew Kelly- Vice President of Finance:
a. Mark your calendars! Next Wednesday theres a US Bank seminar.
D) Meg Green- Vice President of University Affairs
a. Legacy documents.
b. Meeting with people seeking office for UA.
c. Academic assembly.
E) Representatives
a. Luke Larsen, Senior Representative:

i. Photographers for Senior Soiree

ii. Volunteer for Senior Soiree. Google doc.
iii. Senior Soiree tickets go out Monday
b. Manuel Siguenza, Junior Representative:
i. Met with Josh Krawzyck.
ii. 12th and Jeff event.
c. Palmyra Jackson, Sophomore Representative:
i. Thank you for helping out with Halfway There!
ii. Gender inclusive restrooms this summer!
d. Owen Goetze, At-Large Representative:
i. Nothing to report.
e. Mark Vargas, At-Large Representative:
i. Talking with Claire.
ii. Getting out the vote.
f. Monica Chan, Multicultural Representative:
i. Poster project.
ii. Working to bring Trayvon Martins mother to campus.
iii. May 7th from 12:30-1:30pm in Wyckoff is the Town Hall and you should all be there.
g. Lynn Doan, Commuter Representative:
i. Lots of conversations about the re-org.
ii. I apologize for being late.
h. Jordan Murakami, Transfer Representative:
i. Transfer event, two Fridays ago.
i. Jarrod Gallagher, Non-traditional Rep:
i. May 15th Social Justice Film Festival
j. Jaden Phan, International Representative:
i. Met with Michelle and Tiffany and Monica to discuss the merger.
ii. Town Hall Meetings: Next Thursday. 12:30 and 7pm
k. Braden Wild, Students with Disabilities Representative:
i. Tomorrow, 6-8pm, STCN 210: Coffee Cupping
l. Sarah Coluccio, Athletic Representative:
i. Absent.
m. Isheeta Tewari, Freshman Representative:
i. Nothing to report.
n. Tanish Bojwani, Freshman Representative:
i. Nothing to report.
o. Kristen Wieliczka, Civic Engagement Director:
i. Last meeting with the LGBTQ taskforce.
p. Izzy Gardon, External Chief of Staff:
i. Helping Tyler with voting materials.
q. Margaret Quartararo, Internal Chief of Staff:
i. Nothing to report.
F) Advisors
a. Kayla Zobel:
i. Ballot issues? Let me know.
ii. Weve opened an application for Nikkis position.
b. Kelsey Nerland:
i. Nothing to report.

IX.

Committee Reports
A. PAB:

a. This is Seattle U presentation.

b. First Friday Donuts. Also the last day of voting. Were inviting all the candidates to come to this as well.
B. Steering:
a. May 17th is the transition retreat. Legacy documents are due May 10 th. Youll have three events to have attended
and written about by the end of the quarter.
C. Finance:
a. Requests are due May 23rd.
D. University Affairs:
a. UA bought Senior Soiree a backdrop that can be used for years to come after our event. The total cost
was $900, but UA put $200 toward it.
X.
XI.

Announcements
Eric: Applause for Myra! The First Friday Donuts idea may have been Megs.
Mark: I am not returning to SU next year, but Im still excited for the rest of the year.
Manuel: After this, theres an event on the ISC patio and there is also one for OMA tomorrow.
Matt: Please give me your receipts.
Adjournment at 7:35 PM