Two representatives from Students for Environmental Action reported that they distributed 1,700 reusable water bottles to sophomores, juniors and seniors and over 800 to first-year students. The group will use flyers and mailbox leaflets to work on distributing bottles to 600 students who do not yet have one. The SEA representatives said that Brandeis could be the first university to have an official policy to reduce the usage of bottled water on campus and that the University should enact such a policy. Water bottles are still available in locations such as the P.O.D. Market. The Senate chartered the Brandeis Brewing Club, which plans to brew beer and tour breweries. Club members said that students who wish to drink alcohol would have to submit copies of government-issued IDs.

The Senate chartered the Mixed Heritage Club, which was recognized last year.

The Senate passed the Union Government Operating Budget for fall 2008.

Union President Jason Gray '10 reported that he received the first proposal for the new weight room on Wednesday and at the moment did not think it was a fitting proposal. He said he had not yet seen a proposed layout of the weight room.

Senator for Off-Campus Students Nathan Goldstein '09 reported that there is a new television set in the commuter lounge.

Racial Minority Senator and chair of the Senate's Diversity Committee Kamarin Lee '12 reported that he will be member of a Diversity Steering Committee formed by the University provost and faculty to explore diversity issues.

Senator-at-Large Justin Sulsky '09 said he planned to discuss with Residence Life staff how they intend to determine which students will live in the new Ridgewood residence halls this coming spring. ResLife staff told him after the meeting that there would be a lottery for juniors and seniors.

Gray swore in Jamie Ansorge '09 as Union Communications Director, Adonis Watkins '09 as Senior Assistant Treasurer and Mateo Aceves '11 as appointed representative to the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee.

Union Director of Community Development Ryan McElhaney '10 reported that there will be a memorial event on Sept. 11.