On Sunday, the Student Association Senate indefinitely postponed a resolution to gather student opinions on the ballot for the upcoming executive elections.

The Senate debated what questions they should ask students on the ballot. The questions proposed were how safe students feel at NIU, if students feel the recent increase in student fees and room and board rates were justified, if university vehicles should continue to access sidewalks and if students felt the number of graduate students teaching classes was a problem.

Senators debated over the language of each question. Senator Mike Theodore proposed changing the question of how safe students feel at NIU to if students felt the university is adequately addressing safety issues.

SA Advisor John Jones III said he thinks the question of safety at NIU was actually a question about the perception of safety. Jones said the university was already working with many student leaders to address the issue of the perception of safety.

“I’m not quite sure what that question would add or contribute to if we already have leaders around this table working with senior present leaders…to address those issues,” Jones said.

Senate Speaker Austin Quick said the survey is just an opportunity to get questions out to students.

Theodore said the main issue of the ballot referendum is bridging the gap between student leaders and students voices on the issues the questions raise.

“What matters is bridging the gap and hearing the actual student voice,” Theodore said.

NIU Women’s Rugby received $2,800 in supplemental funding. Quick said the group requested $4,000 from the transportation committee, more than they were set to receive initially. When the group asked for $4,000 from the Senate on Feb. 26, they were denied because the request was in conflict with SA bylaws. The group then asked for $1,200 from the transportation committee and the offer was accepted. Sunday, the Senate accepted the group’s request for $2,800 after recommendations from Quick.

The Senate also passed a resolution to maintain the position of the Ombudsman at NIU.

“There is no other outlet for student grievances currently,” Quick said of the position.

Mark Gunlogson was accepted as a new Senator. Seven Senators were absent.