The Constitutional Review Committee, which is examining possible changes to the Student Union Constitution, discussed procedural issues at its first meeting Nov. 14 and will begin the review process at next week's meeting, according to the committee's chair, Jessica Steinberg '10. According to a summary of the meeting that was e-mailed to committee members, the rest of the committee's meetings will be held in "executive session," meaning that no people may attend other than the committee members. The e-mail said, "[The committee] will attempt to keep meetings as confidential as possible until we choose to release information to the public and media organizations."

The committee will compile a report outlining its proposed changes. According to the summary e-mail, "[The committee] will allow proposals from outside the committee to take place at the meetings when specifically requested."

Article 13, Section 1 of the Student Union Constitution states that the committee is "charged with conducting a full review of all aspects of the Union, including the operation of clubs, Secured Organizations, and Union Government." There are 17 representatives on the committee representing different campus constituencies such as secured media, club sports, secured non-media groups and the Student Union Senate.

Three alumni are also serving on the committee. Student Union President Andy Hogan '11 selected Kimberlee Bachman '08, Jessica Blumberg '09 and Caroline Shlager '09 to serve on the committee based on recommendations that he received. Hogan said that the alumni serve on the committee because the Constitution mandates it; however, he said "I do think they serve an institutional purpose the students who are just in and out in four years can't" and that they bring a "historical perspective" to the committee.

Saturday's meeting also addressed topics such as the two-thirds majority that will be required for any decision to pass. If any member cannot attend a given meeting, he or she will not be able to vote on issues discussed at that meeting.

Members of the committee were urged in the e-mail to examine the Constitution over the next week and consider changes that they would like to see occur. They are also encouraged to meet with their constituencies to discuss issues with the current Constitution.

According to Article 13, Section 6 of the Constitution, "The task force shall release its final report no later than the first week of March." Steinberg wrote, "I believe that [the March deadline] is a reasonable and an attainable goal, but if necessary we will petition for additional time." Steinberg told the Justice that Hogan appointed her as chair of the committee.

Steinberg said that while not all of the committee members were present at the meeting, "I am confident that next weekend we will have a larger turnout." The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 21, and a "town hall" meeting open to the entire student body will be held after the executive session.

Editor's Note: Andrea Fineman '10 is the secured media representative to the Constitutional Review Committee. She is the managing editor of the Justice.