Student government officials discussed the difference between open- and closed-session meetings at their Tuesday meeting in an attempt to educate members about proper governing procedure.
Each member of ASMSU's Academic Assembly received a photocopied page explaining the difference between the types of sessions.
Academic Assembly Chairperson Eric Hinojosa told assembly members they would suffer consequences if they broke procedure by volunteering information, such as hiring evaluations of potential employees, outside of the closed-session meeting.
"It's disrespectful to your fellow representatives," Hinojosa said. "We want everyone to feel comfortable and be frank and honest in any matter. It's a matter of the integrity of the assembly, and it's a serious matter."
Hinojosa declined to say exactly what motivated the discussion other than that it was "procedural," but contacted The State News last week to discuss information the newspaper reported that he said was from a closed session.
In addition to examining the differences between open- and closed-sessions of meetings, assembly members learned of Karthik Prasad's resignation as the current internal vice chairperson. Because no one was voted into the position during last week's election, Prasad continued his duties as the internal vice chairperson. He said he plans to run for a representative seat instead.
The next election for the spot will be April 25.
Assembly members also learned about how the federal government plans to increase student loan interest rates after July 1.
John Nickless, senior student-lending representative from Comerica Bank in Detroit, told assembly members to "do their homework" when dealing with their student loans and urged students to consolidate their loans before the deadline.
"Your cash-flow situation could improve," Nickless said.
According to ASMSU officials, Stafford Loan fixed rates will increase from 4.7 percent to 6.8 percent while Parent PLUS Loan rates will increase from 6.1 percent to 8.5 percent after July 1.
"(Consolidating loans) will reduce your monthly payment and freeze your interest rate," Nickless said. "Determine if it's the best option for you."
Nickless told the assembly the federal Higher Education Act, which establishes federal student aid programs, is supposed to be reauthorized by the federal government every five years.
"It's been nine years since it was reauthorized," he said.
