The Student Association Senate began its meeting on time regardless of the clocks in the Skyroom of the Holmes Student Center not being altered to accommodate daylight-saving time.

SA President Kevin Miller opened the meeting with his executive report addressing senators with happy news. Miller said that it does not look like NIU will “have to front the full 8 percent” budget reserve Governor Blagojevich requested.

“Right now, it looks pretty good for summer school,” Miller added. He also informed the senate of upcoming forums he is planning. He said the forums are intended to inform students of the budget situation.

Miller said he would be on hand to answer questions at the forums. The dates for the forums still are to be decided.

SA Treasurer Shaun Crisler, in his executive report, informed the senators of the upcoming finance committee dates and that organizations’ budgets will be up for approval.

The SA Senate unanimously passed a petition to prevent the university from selling and/or distributing student information.

This petition, which will be sent to the executive secretary of the University Council, parallels an Illinois House bill of a similar nature.

“Students come here for an education, not a subscription to the [Chicago Tribune],” said SA Sen. Andrew Nelms.

The senate tabled a bill to eliminate the senator emeritus position. Currently, a former SA senator can come back to the senate and speak on a piece of legislation.

Nelms said ex-senators should not have any more power than any other student not part of the SA Senate.

Several organizations became recognized organizations at the meeting.

AIESEC International Student Association, Ambassador Bible Study, VIVA in Memory of and NIU Linux Users Group are now SA-recognized organizations.