The Senate convened for its weekly meeting on Sunday to recognize a club, pass a Senate Money Request for the Midnight Buffet and discuss amendment changes with the Union Judiciary.

After a brief roll call, the meeting began with a presentation from two representatives from Volunteers Around the World, a club seeking recognition from the Union. The student representatives stated that the purpose of the club is to bring dental health programs and art outreach programs to countries around the world.

The club would also raise money to give Brandeis students the opportunity to visit these countries and participate in the art and dentistry programs. After a brief debate regarding the cost of the club’s excursions, the Senate voted unanimously to recognize the club.

In Executive Officer Reports, Student Union Vice President David Herbstritt ’17 noted that he just put out applications for the Executive Board for next year. Executive Senator Paul Sindberg ’18 discussed his recent meeting with the E-Board, in which they discussed ways to empower the Senate and improve contact with constituents.

Sindberg said they also discussed publicizing next year’s housing and dining rates as soon as possible and updating the calendar for the new Allocations Board funding system.

In Committee Chair Reports, Sindberg, as the chair of the Services and Outreach Committee, discussed the upcoming Midnight Buffet, which he said is progressing, though the committee is still negotiating with food vendors.

North Quad Senator Hannah Brown ’19, the chair of the Senate Dining Committee, announced that a new microwave is being brought to the Einstein Brothers’ Bagels area soon, also noting the recent creation of the Brandeis Dining Instagram account, which has been posting photos of special foods to enhance student outreach.

Lastly, Class of 2017 Senator Matt Smetana ’17, the chair of the Senate Sustainability Committee, discussed the progress of the committee’s climate change video series, stating that Dean of Students Jamele Adams will be filmed for the series sometime this week.

Next, the Senate voted on the Resolution on Policy from the President’s Task Force on Sustainability, which they had discussed the previous week. There were two abstentions, but all who voted did so unanimously in favor of the resolution. The Senate also voted on a Senate Money Request for the Midnight Buffet, which Sindberg noted had a lower cost than in previous years. All voted unanimously in favor of the SMR.

Finally, two members of the Union Judiciary discussed proposed amendments for the Judiciary constitution, which would further define the role of the Judiciary in relation to the rest of the Union, also clarifying the need to maintain communication between the Judiciary and the rest of the Union, the need to define the role of a public defender in the case of a trial and the ability to make some cases confidential if protection is requested, rather than open to the public.

There were no individual senator reports or comments during the open forum session, and the Senate adjourned for the night.

—Rachel Sharer