Sunday night’s Student Association senate meeting examined the security of using students’ Social Security numbers as identification.

Senators addressed issues that showed how students’ Social Security numbers can provide access to medical and credit reports. Western Illinois University already has implemented the use of different identification numbers, and a similar plan is in its initial stages at Eastern Illinois University.

A petition was passed to oppose the use of Social Security numbers as students’ identification numbers.

The petition, which needs to be passed again at the next senate meeting, will provide a solution to the identification problem for Information Technology Services and Records and Registration, a solution the two departments already have started working toward.

Senator Andrew Nelms said that he would rather go through the inconvenience of learning a different nine-digit number as opposed to the convenience of using his Social Security number.

Also, the senate approved the formation of a new committee that would look for and investigate resolutions regarding the students’ concerns for the Dining Dollars meal plan. The committee, which will meet bi-weekly starting at the beginning of the spring semester, will be responsible for investigating the meal plan issue. Committee members will hold an open forum for students to attend and address their concerns.

The SA ad-hoc committee, which proposed the formation of new categories to classify organizations, also recommended requirements that an organization must meet before it receives SA funding. Committee members also recommended limitations that would disqualify or limit an organization’s SA funding.

Sen. Brad Kuhn said recommended guidelines would help clarify who gets SA funding.

“Putting these policies into place will be more beneficial than flat out saying we are not going to fund pre-professional organizations,” Kuhn said.

The ad-hoc committee recommendations will be referred to the SA’s Internal Affairs Committee for examination.

Also during the meeting, a bill was passed to amend the SA bylaws that would require an organization needing SA recognition to have a member present to answer senators’ questions. Potential organizations will be given a week’s notice before they are scheduled for their approval date.

The SA senate also appointed two new members to their group.

Shun Stone, a junior business management and criminology major, is a community adviser, director of programming for the Black Student Union and newly appointed member of the SA finance committee. Eric Johnson, a freshman political science major, is a member of the Residence Hall Association’s Hall Council.

The SA senate is seeking individuals for the two remaining open senate positions. Interested individuals are asked to pick up an application from the SA office, located in the Campus Life Building, Suite 180.

The next senate meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2 in the Holmes Student Center’s Clara Sperling Skyroom.