Dean of Academic Services Kim Godsoe spoke to the Senate about study abroad policy changes and other options administrators considered. She also explained that the decision was kept private in fear that a leak would discourage potential applicants for the Class of 2013. The application deadline was Jan. 15; the announcement about the study abroad policy changes was made on Jan. 16.Union President Jason Gray '10, reported that the committee assigned to revisit the study abroad policy changes will hopefully make an announcement concerning its decision on Friday.

Provost Marty Krauss answered questions about the decision-making process that took place regarding the closing of the Rose Art Museum. She brought to the Senate's attention the fact that the Board simply gave the administration the authorization to sell the art and that it was later that the administration decided to close the museum.

Krauss also discussed the faculty cuts, which will be near ten percent over the next five years. These cuts will come from retirement or contracted faculty leaving for other positions. Ten percent will amount to approximately 35 faculty members and cause the student faculty ratio to rise to 10:1 from the current 8:1.

Union Director of Community Advocacy Andrew Hogan '11 reported that this weekend the Union raised $2,000 in their efforts to rebuild the Macedonia Church of God in Christ in Springfield, Mass.

The Senate confirmed 10 student nominees to the four Academic Restructuring Committees. The appointees were interviewed by Gray, Hogan and Adam Ross '09, chair of the provost's advisory committee.

The Senate granted permanent charter to the Brandeis Gastronomical Society and the Brandeis Brewing Club.

The Senate tabled a bylaw change that would forbid candidates running in Union elections to solicit votes by laptop per Senate procedure and the Senate tabled a bylaw change that would require senators to receive permission in order to miss Senate meetings.