SMCM Makes Headlines with Salary Cap Proposal

The past few years (and let us not forget the sit-ins circa 2006) many students and faculty have fought for a "living wage," a wage that someone can actually live on. Even in St. Mary's County, where the cost of living is relatively low, it's incredibly difficult to get by on minimum wage. The proposal, as outlined on their website, is to raise minimum salary above the federal poverty level for a family of four. This comes to about $30,000, which is significantly higher than the current minimum of $24,500 for college staff members.

Recently the 10:1 ratio proposal has made the headlines all across the nation, from the Washington Post to dozens of small college newspapers that are considerably better than The Point News. At our current minimum of $24,500 salary for staff members, this would place the president's salary at $245,000 ($80,000 less than the current salary). Currently the SMCM presidential salary is well below the average for college presidents, but of course SMCM is a small, public college, so that makes sense.

Hey yall keep in mind the only reason the current presidential salary is so high is because Maggie wanted to leave circa 2009, but the college couldn't find a good replacement so they upped her salary to make her stay and extra year before Urgo came on board~
And then they never lowered the salary back down to a reasonable rate. Check out the records in the library for more info~

 However about a week ago the proposal was defeated by the Faculty Senate 9-8. The meetings are closed, and even the SGA VP, who sits in on the meetings, was definitely asked to leave when discussion of this hot topic issue came up.

We do not know for sure why the proposal was defeated by the Faculty Senate. The proposals may have had some impact on faculty salary as well (???) or maybe they just do not want change? My inclination is that there are probably a few aspects of the proposal that did not sit well with the faculty (where can we see the proposal they voted on ???) but overall they may have been in favor of the idea. Having sat in on these meetings, they are definitely very interesting. I do not even know how to describe the meetings properly, but sitting in a room with two dozen highly intelligent and successful people is not only intimidating, but gives you the sense that they must
a. know what they are doing
b. have some House of Cards level backdealing going on
c. hopefully have the best interests of the college at heart

I hope to see the proposal passed in some form within the next year.

Campus Farm is Finally Self-Sustaining

According to terrorist news organization The Point News the campus farm is self-sustaining! Exciting stuff!

I was on SGA when we gave the farm money for its funding (which I think was downplayed in the article, the farm would have failed without SGA funding) and honestly did not believe it would ever be self-sustaining.

I am incredibly proud and impressed with all the hard work of the farm's coordinators and volunteers. Great job guys!!!

Point News Website Mishap

A week or two ago I tried to go to the website of that terrorist newspaper, The Point News.  I don't get the physical newspaper delivered to my abode so I have to check it on their website (which is almost like a blog).

But when I went their domain had expired!  See the photo below (click it for bigness)

It would appear that without the help of web developed David Chase that the Point News website will have some issues (via he graduated a few months ago) in the future.  As you may have noticed from the godaddy tabs that I have open that I tried to purchase the domain.  Unfortunately I was not able to.  This could have been the final blow that would have killed The Point News.  Sigh.

I have done some "investigative journalism" via asking Dave Chase why this happened, but he did not respond (it was 5AM EST).  He probably did not respond because he was busy working for a terrorist candidate for Congress (congrats on the job bb).

SGA Meeting 3/6

The first time I live blogged an SGA meeting was September 23rd, 2008.  The last time I truly liveblogged an SGA Meeting was April 27th, 2010.

Actually, I would really recommend reading that first liveblog from 2008, there are a lot of things that would end up being major parts of the blog and campus itself like

• Trays were eventually removed from the Great Room
• Clubs passing w/o any debate ever
• My hatred for the Terrorist Newspaper The Point News
• Stipends for recycling and composting coordinators, which became a big part of my life
• Club websites, which was another big part of my life
• And SGA being boring

This will more than likely be the actual final SGA live blogging.  I think this was something that made the blog semi-popular.  People found it interesting because it was kinda funny, provided some useful information about SGA, and wasn't boring.  I hope I enlightened people over the past few years about what SGA is, and how boring it can be sometimes.

8:00 - I arrive and stand awkwardly outside pretending to text.

8:03 - I enter and President Snyder immediately begins talking to me.

8:04 - It's already full and it's only been four minutes, this SGA is good at not being late.  Also only the Vice President and Parliamentarian a sit up front now which is an interesting change.

8:06 - It hath begun.

8:07 - They no longer have nametags for everyone #buschleague

8:08 - Kate does not hit her gavel very hard.

8:10 - Urgo is the guest speaker, he is talking about the Dean of Students position (look forward to a saucy post on that tomorrow) which was recently vacated.  Urgo says it was a 'mutual decision' #IYSS

 8:11 - Urgo is looking pretty.  Also there will be a national search.  NATIONAL SEARCH RETURNS YALL #basedgod

8:12 - Someone says the new Dean should be approachable.  No shit.

8:14 - Mark was just told to speak up, I think he may have a cold/sore throat.  Feel better bb.

8:17 - I think the new Dean should be like the Dean from the Simpsons Bobby Peterson.  IDK if that is possible via (ATTN: anonymous who recently complained about my use of 'via,' lol not gonna stop #sorryimnotsorry) he is a cartoon.

8:19 - Mumby brought up Maggi O'Brien hiding in her office.  I think he confused office with abroad/her winery.

8:20 - Urgo looks thinner I wonder if he has been ~workin out~ #swag

8:21 - More suggestions about the new Dean that are all pretty legitimate but also not things that I am super interested in.

8:22 - What I am interested in is Urgo's hair, I feel like the hairline is more defined and the back part goes lower now.  Anyone care to comment on changes to Urgo's hair?

8:23 - "New Dean should drive a hybrid and be a happy person" #hippie

8:25 - Apparently Student Trustee Maurielle Stewart stole a 'Bugle' from Prez Dingle.  Not sure if she is talking about the instrument or the 'stoner food'.  She alerted me via the twitter (follow me @SMCMLOL for relevant news updates).

8:27 - MHECbro is saying something confusing that I do not understand about Jboard and precedents and blah blah blah

8:29 - "Do you do a criminal background check on candidates?"  I hope not, personally I want our new Dean to be a convicted felon/drug dealer (actually that could rule).

8:31 - Bloggin makes me sleepy.

8:32 - Someone just apologized for being late to SGA #YOLO

8:37 - I think Prez Dingle is tryna establish the point that we should get a Dean who is okay with 'May Day'.

8:41 - Sometimes people ask kinda dumb questions

8:42 - "So in Absalom, Absalom!"  lololol

8:43 - Urgo is done, moving onto Resolution supporting a Living Wage for all Staff Members.

8:46 - Are you fucking kidding me!?!  Terrorist Newspaper Pointless News just posted and article about 'People who hate The Point News' and left me out.  This is bullshit, I've hated The Point News since September of 2008.

8:51 - "We're not trying to attack Urgo with this"

8:52 - What the fuck are you even trying to say, are you trying to imply the staff will beat the Senate up if we don't pass this?  MHECbro I don't understand you.

8:54 - Kelly Schroeder (luv u Kelly) brought up the point that Staff refers not only to Maintenance, Housekeeping, etc. but also to people in Student Affairs etc.

9:00 - "If we are going to pay them more, are they going to work harder?"  oh my god are you serious, #getout.  I don't think you understand what the purpose of a ~Living Wage~ is.  The entire idea is to pay people enough so that they can actually live a good life free of debt.  Get your Ayn Rand bullshit philosophy out of here.

9:02 - Same Rugby bro "Can we get them to start cleaning the bathrooms in the Townhouses" what the hell, hire a maid if you are that lazy

9:06 - Via facebook stalking, profile picture on a boat, Econ major, went to a $13,000 a year private high school, which is literally half of what some of these people are getting paid.  Stop hating poor people, Jesus Christ.  Some fucking Catholic.

9:16 - Resolution passed.

9:17 - Rugbybro "candy machines are always cash only" #firstworldproblems

9:20 - Meeting is wrapping up

9:21 - Meeting over!

Missu SGA

Here is the Agenda for the meeting:

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Approval of the Agenda

IV. Approval of the Minutes

V. Student Speak-Out

VI. New Business

-President Urgo as guest speaker

-Resolution 04-12S Wage Justice at St. Mary's College of Maryland

VIII. Announcements

IX. Adjournment

BLOG LATER

Two Recent Student Creations

Two recent student made things to bring to yalls attention.  First is a video from Relay for Life.  It's pretty cute and well done, and Danny Patrick Thomas Ruthenberg- Marshall made it.  EDIT:  Apparently Shannon Vandever made it.  Sorry!

Other than the A capella it's p cool.

Next is an opinion piece in the terrorist newspaper (that joke literally never gets old) about making the campus living wage a reality, which I was paid one (1) beer to blog about.  You can find it here.  I thought it was really well written.

PAYCHECK PANIC

Recently [well, really a discussion that has been going on for awhile, and will continue to] a lot of discussion over the paychecks to staff [primarily grounds, maintenance, housekeeping, etc.] faculty and administrators.  Just gonna post some of the information/emails and not actually comment on it via it is a difficult situation.

Here is a Point News Article Terrorist newspaper article about the increase to administrative salaries of 15 administrators which Dr. Urgo later pointed out was semi inaccurate via there were increases to staff and faculty salaries as well (see email below).

It is particularly distressing to me to face external limitations on employee eligibility for salary increases. We will continue to work with legislators in Annapolis to broaden eligibility, and ultimately, to see an end to the state wage freeze.

This year, despite the state wage freeze, we have been able to work within state guidelines to make a number of salary increases effective in January 2012.  

Scheduled January 2012 Increases:

Faculty – 58

23 Assistant Professors

22 Associate Professors

13 Professors

Also, in January 2011, 40 tenure-track, assistant professors received increases.

Faculty adjustments listed here do not include salary increases that come as a result of promotions, tenure, and periodic reviews. Over 50 faculty members received this category of salary increase in 2011. Others are eligible for these increases in 2012.

Faculty Librarians – 2

Staff – 18

4 Athletics

4 President’s Cabinet

2 Business Office

2 Campus Technology Support Services

1 Academic Services

1 Advancement

1 Facilities

1 Financial Aid

1 Registrar’s Office

1 Waterfront

The student newspaper has a story this week with partial information about salaries on campus that I and others have found to be misleading, and unfortunate. I intend this email to help us all understand the issues we face regarding salary increases, and the progress we’ve made within state limitations. I am happy to meet with anyone, singly or in groups, to discuss the situation and the decisions we’ve implemented.

Joseph Urgo

President

St. Mary's College of Maryland

Only comment here that I want to make is that while positions such as athletics, president's cabinet, CTSS, and the various offices, none of these (other than the one facilities pay increase, which I could guess may have gone to Kevin Mercer [bless his soul, beautiful man]) are going towards the staff that the students are concerned about, those working for low(ish) hourly wages. 

So, there are some facts about this, primarily for the alumni readers.  Check out the article's comments, especially the 4chan troll, along with some insightful commentary. 

Oh and there was a reply to the Urgo all student email from above:

I agree with President Urgo’s statement that The Point News article is not totally accurate, but I disagree that it is “misleading” and “unfortunate.”  The salient message of the article is that the most poorly paid employees at SMCM are not getting raises.   In this message, the article is accurate, and tells a story that needs to be told. 

Matthew (25:29) said it millennia ago:

For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.

So, how do we solve this problem within the constraints of the State’s mandate?  We have efforts under way to establish a Joe Carroll Staff Award, with a 1 of 1 match for an unnamed donor.  If you haven’t already contributed to that fund and can afford it, do so.  Your $1 is worth $2. 

But a once-a-year fund will not solve an endemic problem.

The Point News article mentioned support for establishing “a fund to reserve money until it would be legal to disperse among the staff.”  I, and I am sure many others, call on the President and other “operationally critical staff” to explore this and other creative solutions.  Let’s all be part of the solution, not the problem.

Not sure that we needed the religious quote, but it does bring up the issue of 'rich get richer, poor get poorer' along with other good points.  Hope this educated yall to some degree, please leave comments if I missed anything or am wrong about anything or if I am still unfunny etc. thank you

SEACREST OUT

Public Safety Bros to Become Legit Officers

Some "Newspaper" recently wrote an "article" (I think they are like blog posts???) about the Public Safety bros becoming Gen-Yoo-Ine policemens.  Seems to be a result of Zylak (new head of public safety and former St. Mary's County Sheriff and Bayless talking.  This means PS will have all the powers of real police to detain people etc.

Not sure that this will have a huge effect.  Kinda feel like offenses like underage drinking and drug possession will still have people sent to JBoard rather than jail.  Biggest change would probably be arresting/harsher punishments for Townies who are obnoxious on big nights like Hallowgreens.

Photo blatantly stolen from a newspaper that literally costs thousand of dollars a year to run

SMCM Student Bill Sokolove comments that

"Usually, things like this come out in all-student emails, and I'm wondering why that didn't happen, why we had to find out from an inside story in The Point News. The vagary is sketchy, and so is the policy. We need a dialogue between students and the admin."

Which is a fair point.  Feel like this is going to raise a lot of PANIC and there could have been some actual discussion with students regarding this since it is a fairly important thing and affects a lot of students. 

One positive is that they still won't have guns.  Some of yall may remember a certain potential Student Trustee who liked the idea of arming PS.  Still not really sure why but w/e. 

Just kinda feel like it would be cool if they told us why make this change.  There is obviously a reason, and not explaining that makes people feel like children or something.  Zylak mentions that students should be arrested if they put their hands on a PS officer, do yall agree?  What else is in that 1% of cases that should lead to arrest in Zylak and Bayless's opinion?

SMCM LOL vs. Point News

The possibly racist news organization known as The Point News was recently trying to show off its e-penis via this callout status, but were quickly educated on the subject of basic math.

Quick comparison of the two organizations:
SMCM LOL

• PRO: Not racist
• PRO: Does not take 3 hours to load
• PRO: Makes Tom Seahawk money
• PRO: Updates more than twice a week
• CON: Ads on the site
• CON: Run by a LEGOmaniac

The Point News

• PRO: Is 'accurate' (their word not mine)
• PRO: Has a paper version which is good for making paper boats
• PRO: Has an article that I published
• CON: Could be racist (I'm just asking questions)
• CON: Run by an Megalomaniac
• CON: Funded by the SGA

In conclusion, INCEPTION

Chick-Fil-A Boycott

UPDATE:  According to Debbie Davis they reduced their order by 25% yesterday (from 200 to 150) and as a result they sold out more quickly (noon instead of 1 or 2PM).  Does not seem that boycott has had a significant effect thus far.

The Chick-Fil-A Boycott is heating up like woah.  Today some dudes sat outside the Grind with signs (Cows 4 equality, etc.) and a petition.  Mike Fritsch told me not to buy any as I walked in, but really I was just getting the new copy of The Point News I (even though it's an evil newspaper full of lies and slander) so I think they were avoiding yelling at people.

Anyway, at this point we have the original boycott event on Facebook with 257 attending, and a 'Boycott the Chick-Fil-A Boycott' event right here with 113 attendees.

WHO WILL WIN?!


Well it seems like the Daily Grind will probably cave to pressure and change providers, assuming a replacement of some sort is found.  They are very open to discussing the issue with students, and I wouldn't be surprised if they stop selling it by March.

Anyway a cool thing is that the discourse has been for the most part civil (especially in the part of the organizers on both sides)

Anyways, dear readers, what do you think?  What would you want as an alternative?  My previous post had a lot of great discussion in the comments.

Jurgo Radio

Finally listened today, the interview with Kyle Jernigan.  I have class usually so I can never listen live.  Feel like someone more important, like the writer of a very influential blog should be on the show rather than some guy who just 'edits' a newspaper.  Don't really know what a newspaper is to be honest, are those like flyers that you see up around campus?

Really diggin the music, reminds me of playing Fallout 3 (via 1950s music).

Kyle says that he does not brag about the newspaper and is very humble about it.  Feel like he is doing this wrong.  If I were Kyle I would probably use my position to obtain bribes and such.  I know that I sometimes run bloggery posts here about events that people ask me to write about, and I generally charge a bribe of one beer.  Feel like if I ran a paper I could charge possibly two or even three beers per bribe.  Or maybe even cash!

Feel like old people are really good at choosing music that goes well with the guest that is being intereviewed (via this Ray Charles song about the news).

Kinda liked this most recent issue because my name is on the front page (via sponsoring bike shop legislation).

Wow Jurgo just tried to imply that Danny 5 Names is not as pretty as the dance show...gonna have to disagree.

Some discussion of going off the record.  I would like to say that off the record I enjoy the point news, but on the record I think it is pure terrorism.

Jurgo is playing a song called "Lies" by the Knickerbockers.  Pretty sure he played this because he feels that The Point News is full of lies, which I'm pretty sure is true.

Thank goodness he is finally playing some Gaga.  Glad to hear that Jurgo don't want no paper gangsta.

Kyle reported google analytics hits of 100 on slow days and as much as much as 400 on fast days.  Gonna check out our numbers and compare.

They are talking about grapevines and rumors.  I personally love grapevine rumors as well as spreading them.

RUMOR:  Is Kyle Jernigan a robot?  Did he lose weight via hard work or through a transformation into a CYBORG?!?!

Good episode overall, I will rate it 8/10.

April

Happy April everyone from the fine staff at The Point News.

College President Chosen!

According to this facebook wall to wall, a new President has been chosen. The Board of Trustees met this morning at 11AM, so it's definitely possible that they indeed picked someone. In addition, Laura and Dave are on the Point News staff, and therefore pretty knowledgeable about the goings ons of campus.

This is pretty good news if it's true. I'm going to go ahead and say that I'm 80% sure this is factual and such, but I could always be wrong. PANIC?

EDIT: According to the Point News it's official. Radical. I think some of them were there, glad to hear that the Point News is able to wake up early enough for these meetings when I'm not.

As expected, he's from some other college. I hope it's a cool one. Actually I'm just assuming/writing that it's a he, it could totally be a girl obviously.

Point News Write-up Below. Someone should have taken photos!

"At the beginning of the Board of Trustees meeting on Saturday, Feb. 20, Board Chairman James P. Muldoon announced that "We have extended an offer" to the selected presidential candidate. By the middle of the meeting, the Board received news that that the candidate had, in fact, accepted. The candidate appears to be coming from another college. Muldoon said that on Monday, the candidate would notify his or her campus of the decision, and then would come forward to the St. Mary's Community.

"This is a great week for St. Mary's College," Muldoon said."

I got mentioned in The Point News!

Okay Kinda mentioned. My good friend Michelle Ladas wrote an article about the lice outbreak from a few weeks ago, and how to protect yourself. I liked the article because I recognized all the people that were interviewed.

I especially liked it because of what Brian Van Parys said: "I saw some of the PG RA's wearing swim caps and gloves during checkout".

That was me, protecting myself from lice with a swim cap. It's really the only protection from lice. So, I was excited. The last time I was in The Point News they used a really ugly photo of me, so right now my grudge has been lessened, but it is still there. Never forget.

Also the article gave further proof that Anna Kasicky's mom is insane. When I met Anna's mom during my first Reading Days, she took Anna, Ryan Whiteis, and myself out to dinner. She accused me of various illicit activities, which I did not appreciate, especially when Ryan was there, and he actually does such things. Regardless, I still love Anna's mom.

Overall a pretty excellent article! I think it's like on Page 3 or 5?

SGA meeting 9/30

SGA meeting tonight. I am really excited because we will be discussing the changes in "To The Point" concerning the changes regarding Protesting and Demonstrations. Lots of new people here, including fellow PG Senator Brian Van Parys. Also Dean Bayless should show up to somehow try to say that the changes aren't illegal.

8:20 - The Point News guys are back. And they have the same presentation. Kinda annoying but this time the whole three thousand dollar camera went through Finance Board and Media Board, so I'm okay with it. The Point News is planning to create a new website, probably within a few weeks, which is pretty awesome. They will be our main competition. We will crush them.

8:34 - SafeRide is trying to expand to Wednesdays. I hope it passesO god Farkas is talking. Okay it passed sweet we can go to Boatman's now

8:40 - O man here it is, the Demonstration Clause debate. First meeting for the Ad Hoc committee is Monday at NC 18 at 8PM. Okay Ad Hoc Committee is a go, I will probably attend if possible. But I am on Duty so I guess I can't. Also Bayless didn't say anything about it lol

8:49 - Windsurfing club is proposing a major expansion of the Waterfront. They want to buy a bunch of windsurf boards, much like the dozen or so sailboats for general student usage. They are really committed to teaching students that have never windsurfed how to windsurf which is awesome. I just had diahrrea but I don't think I missed anything. Okay they got their windsurfing boards woooo I'm going to check this out sometime.

9:18 - People are debating stupid stuff in the SGA constitution.

9:29 - blah blah blah

9:36 - Oh my god the 2012 President is going on and on about changes that she wants. It's ridiculous.

9:48 - Kevin Baier just got owned

9:50 - New commuter senator in my history of modern china class is boring as fuck

9:52 - People laughed when Brian brought up the fact that our ping pong table is missing. They are meanies

9:53 - Meeting Adjourned lololol