2004 McGill University CUSID Spring General Meeting

Minutes for the CUSID Spring 2004 General Meeting

March 20 and 21, 2004

Taken by Wayne Chu

1. Call to Order

Meeting called to order by the CUSID President, Konrad Koncewicz at 1:20pm.

2. Roll Call and Voting Rights

ACADIA

ALBERTA

CALGARY (VIA PROXY)

CARLETON

CONCORDIA

DALHOUSIE

DAWSON

GUELPH

HART HOUSE

HURON (VIA PROXY)

KING’S COLLEGE (VIA PROXY)

LAURIER (VIA PROXY)

MARIANOPOLIS

MCGILL

MCMASTER

MEMORIAL

OTTAWA

QUEEN’S

REGINA (VIA PROXY)

RMC

SASKATCHEWAN

SHERBROOKE

ST. THOMAS

TRINITY

UBC

UCCB

UNB

WATERLOO

UWO

YORK

3. Additions to and Approval of the Agenda

Motion to approve agenda by MAC seconded by WATERLOO.

Motion carries.

4. Approval of Previous Minutes

Motion to approve previous minutes by STU seconded by GUELPH.

Motion carries.

5. Executive Reports

A. President

Feels that most of what I set out to do was accomplished.

Major responsibilities were keeping peace and order, especially on CUSIDnet.  The role is a lot of behind the scenes work and to essentially peace keep.  In terms of order, there were a couple of incidents where we had to enforce bylaws.

First issue was the Atlantic Novice Championships, which was delayed by Hurricane Juan.  Ensured official process was followed despite objections by some in East to “central bureaucracy”.  In the end, executive approved change, and everything was settled.

Second pertained to changes to McMaster’s Leger bid.  It was a minor change but thanks to Nihal for being patient.  In end, the issue was resolved through proper channels.

Also ensured that by-laws were kept up to date, and were accurate, reflecting previously approved changes.

World’s Council

Regarding the stripping of Croatia’s bid, the concern and the reason why we voted no confidence was the quality of adjudication plan, training, etc. and an unrealistic team cap to host 400 team event (100 more than past record).  Croatia had not hosted an event that large before.  Also a lack of communication with Croatia was an issue.  Finally they did not present an updated budget.

We also approved a sliding scale break for ESL teams.  An official tabs system was approved.  One issue was Michael Smith’s style guide which contained some deficiencies.  It was passed because of fatigue.  This shouldn’t be an issue, however.

A 2005 North American DCA was selected – Kevin Massie will serve this position.

NorAms Style Guide

CUSID and APDA have adopted a “North American” style, like that used at Queen’s.

B. Executive Director;

(see written report)

C. Treasurer;

CUSID Surplus

We have it back.  It’s about $3000.  Looking into whether it can be invested for a period of one year.  Another issue was that Gavin left Canada without handing in CUSID East dues.  We’re waiting for him to get back and there shouldn’t be any problems.

In the future, every CUSID treasurer should do reconciliation from previous year to future year, to ensure everything is above board.

Details on expenses will be posted shortly.

D. Director of French Language Debate.

A big year for French debating.  We got everything starting again in Qeubec, and am proud to have a new member, Université de Sherbrooke.  We have also expanded our base of contacts throughout various schools, such as ETS, Montreal, etc.

Frnech Nats was big, relative to previous numbers.  The tournament ran very well.  I like to thank Ottawa for their leadership in hosting championships and wish the best of luck to Phillipe Boisvert, the next DoFLD.

6. Constitutional Amendments

A.      Amendment to Schedule A for new full memberships;

May Schedule A be amended so as to include the following schools as full members of CUSID:

1.       Dawson College

2.       Lakehead University

3.       Université de Sherbrooke

So moved by the CUSID President

Motion passed unanimously.

B.       Amendment to Article 42, duties of the CUSID President;

May Article 42 be amended so as to add

g. coordinating the schedule of CUSID member events.

So moved by the CUSID President

PRESIDENT – I did this task this year and it worked very well, resolving conflict issues that happened in the past.  In the East and West, took a much more laid back approach as there are not as many conflicts in those regions.

ALBERTA – Motion to amend to add “with the coordination of regional vice-presidents.”

Motion is considered friendly, so amended.

CARLETON – Is this a first come first served situation?

PRESIDENT – Not really.  President should attempt to coordinate.  Later by-law proposal deals with that.

CONCORDIA – What if a president is biased towards a school?

PRESIDENT – Again, this is dealt with the by-law.  President is just to attempt to coordinate.  This is not binding.

Call to vote motioned by TRINITY, seconded by OTTAWA.

Motion carries by voice vote.

C.       Addition of Article 53 under heading “Election of the Executive”;

53. Upon completion of the election, the newly elected officers shall take their respective offices two weeks thereafter. The intervening period of time should be used to transfer all necessary articles, effects, legal authorities, etc. from the departing Executive to the incoming Executive.

May all subsequent Articles be re-numbered to reflect the addition of the above article

So moved by the CUSID President

PRESIDENT – Transition periods are very messy and there is no clear line when one executive ends, and another begins.  Especially when there are loose ends that needs to be tied up.  For example, bank issues.  Also sets an official precedent on when a power change occurs.  This has been a problem in the past that should be cleared up

ALBERTA (yields to James Crossman) – Can we make this a month?  In the west, change in VP is usually a month before Nationals.

Motion to amend changing “two weeks” to “one month”.  Motion is considered friendly, so amended.

Motion carries by voice vote.

D.      Amendment to Article 8, grounds for loss of CUSID membership;

8. In the situation where a CUSID member has not participated in any CUSID sanctioned tournament for four two consecutive years or has not been a member in good standing of CUSID for four two consecutive years, that member will be automatically removed from Schedule A of the CUSID Constitution and will lose all accorded privileges. It is highly encouraged that the dormant member reapplies to gain status as a CUSID member and subsequently become a member in good standing.

So moved by the CUSID President

PRESIDENT – It deals with the lack of institutional memory as there is no way to know who participated four years ago.  It’s hard to recall.  A club that is dead in 2 years is also not the same club as before and should go through process again, to ensure proper constitution and executive is in place.

ACADIA – Atlantic has difficulty with this as people are leaving and coming back often.  This might make it harder for clubs to return.  With keeping records, the Executive Director should just keep those records online or some other alternative.

CONCORDIA – You have to consider that if you keep it 4 years, no mechanism is in place to ensure that the club is legitimate.  This is a greater safeguard that clubs are legitimate.

PRESIDENT – Perhaps compromise and make it a vote of the executive, instead of outright stripping of membership.

MARIANOPOLIS – CEGEP’s are quite susceptible to the 2 years in, 2 years out problem.

Motion to amend adding after the first sentence “upon vote of Executive and approval of their regional Vice President.”  Motion is considered friendly, so amended.

QUEEN’S – This only applies to sanctioned tournaments?

PRESIDENT – This was an oversight.  Perhaps another amendment?

Motion to amend changing “sanctioned tournament” to  “CUSID member event.”  Motion is considered friendly, so amended.

CONCORDIA – Does this mean that invitationals have to deny non-members?

PRESIDENT – No.  Events just counts towards the amount of inactive years.

HART HOUSE – Even with a vote of executive, clubs still can’t speak for themselves.  Depends a lot on regional VP remembering past particpation.  Either CUSID will keep voting to keep them in, or they will disappear quicker.

PRESIDENT – Currently, schools don’t have an appeal process anyways.

Call to vote, motioned by MARIANOPOLIS, seconded by UNB.
Motion carries 24 in favour, 5 against, 1 abstention.

7. By-Law Amendments

A.      Amendment to the Eligibility & Representation Rule on Hybrids, striking section 10;

10. To the best of its ability, CUSID shall discourage its members, in hosting a tournament, from allowing hybrid teams to attend.  The Executive may, however, decide to allow a tournament to encourage hybrid teams to participate.

So moved by Trinity College, University of Toronto

TRINITY – This is a fairly pointless by-law and no one enforces this.  This only covers invitationals.  This might give the wrong impression in CUSID that hybrids are actually discouraged.

Call to vote, motioned by ALBERTA, seconded by WATERLOO.

Motion carries by voice vote.

B.       Amendment to the Eligibility & Representation Rule on the definition of a CUSID debating year;

5.   A year shall be defined for the purposes of this by-law as beginning on September May first and ending on the following August thirty-first April thirtieth.

So moved by the University of Waterloo

WATERLOO – That way summer tournaments would not wreck peoples’ high school novice status.

Call to vote, motioned by ACADIA, seconded by MCMASTER.

Motion carries by voice vote.

C.       Amendment to the Bid Requirement By-Law on all-ages accessibility;

2.   A bid for a CUSID-sanctioned tournament should, wherever possible include information regarding:

e. Entertainment including, but not limited to, Non-Drinking & Underage events a commitment to the all-ages accessibility of all tournament events.

So moved by the CUSID Vice-President for the Central Region

VP CENTRAL – Meant to reflect philosophy of CUSID, and meant to ensure that people will include commitment to all-ages accessibility for sanctioned tournament.

MUN – Where we are, there’s not a lot to do other than a bar.  This could hamper a future bid.

MCMASTER – We appreciate the sentiment that there doesn’t need to be two separate events.

MUN – I can understand that it’s important in Central, but in East, this is not an issue.  Small number of underage people.

ALBERTA (yield to Rahool Agarwal) – A question to VP Central.  How would this work?  Would simply giving an address of a venue satisfy the requirement?

VP CENTRAL – This is not binding, and this is a commitment in principle.  If a school wants to sneak people into a bar, technically that works.

VP WEST – Problem with the word commitment, which implies that it is a CUSID policy.  Why not word it such as give information or something along those lines.

VP CENTRAL – Commitment is important – it is the CUSID philosophy that we should encourage this.

MUN – Don’t see the importance of commitment, judging by the general sentiment in the room.

MCMASTER (yield to Erik Eastaugh) – Very easy solution – just make sure that underagers can get in, if you don’t want to accommodate.

HART HOUSE – If a club makes a serious commitment, but it falls through, would they need to go to CUSID Executive to re-approve details?

PRESIDENT – Would be same as all commitments in bids.

ALBERTA – It’s only optional in the bid requirements anyways.

VP CENTRAL – The word commitment is based on a desire to reflect institutional philosophy.

Call to vote motioned by GUELPH, seconded by CONCORDIA.

Motion carries with 22 in favour, 7 against.

D.      Amendment to the Outcomes Rule on consensus judging;

3.    If adjudication is by consensus, the following rules shall apply:

f. Should the adjudication panel be unable to arrive at a consensus, the decision of the chair majority shall prevail;

So moved by the CUSID President

PRESIDENT – I assume the wording as it stands is the incorrect representation of the will of CUSID.

ALBERTA (yield to James Crossman) – The issue with consensus is if there are even numbered panels, then you need the chair to break tie.  Perhaps we should amend to give TD discretion, based on how the tournament should be run.

QUEEN’S (yield to Kevin Massie) – Motion to amend to add “in case of a tie, the chair will prevail.”  Motion is considered friendly, so amended.

Call to vote motioned by WESTERN, seconded by OTTAWA.

Motion carries.

E.       Ratification of a CUSID Code of Conduct By-Law;

See discussion in item 8-A

So moved by the CUSID President upon recommendation of the Ombudsperson Committee.

Motion to adjourn until tomorrow by GUELPH, seconded by SHERBROOKE.

Motion carries.

Meeting reconvened and called to order by the CUSID President, Konrad Koncewicz on March 21, 2004 at 12:11pm

SECOND ROLL CALL

ACADIA

ALBERTA

CALGARY (VIA PROXY)

CARLETON (VIA PROXY)

CONCORDIA

DALHOUSIE

DAWSON

GUELPH

HART HOUSE

HURON (VIA PROXY)

KING’S COLLEGE (VIA PROXY)

LAURIER (VIA PROXY)

MARIANOPOLIS

MCGILL

MCMASTER

MEMORIAL

OTTAWA

QUEEN’S

RMC (VIA PROXY)

SHERBROOKE

ST THOMAS

TRINITY

UBC

UCCB

UNB

WATERLOO

WESTERN

SASKATCHEWAN

REGINA (VIA PROXY)

F.       Creation of a Tournament Scheduling By-Law;

Tournament Scheduling By-Law

1. The purpose of this by-law is to minimize scheduling conflicts of tournaments hosted by CUSID members in order to ensure a maximization of attendance at those events in as fair and mutually beneficial a manner as possible.

2. For the purposes of this by-law:

a. an “invitational” shall be defined as a non-sanctioned tournament hosted by a CUSID member;

b. a “regionally-sanctioned tournament” shall be any of the Western Canadian Championship (McGoun Cup), Central Canadian Championship (the Leger Cup), Atlantic Canadian Championship and Regional Novice Tournaments;

c. a “nationally-sanctioned tournament” shall be any of the British Parliamentary Debating Championship, the French National Championship and the National Championship;

d. The definition of a “nationally-sanctioned tournament” shall also include the North American Debating Championship when held in Canada and by vote of the Executive when held in the United States. Further this shall also include the World Universities Debating Championship.

3. The President shall be responsible for coordinating the schedule of CUSID for a given year and the Executive Director shall be charged with publicizing this schedule, pursuant to their duties as outlined in the CUSID Constitution. The President may at his/her discretion request the assistance of the Regional Vice-Presidents in communicating with clubs in the various regions to further assist in creating a schedule.

4. CUSID members planning to host events during the Fall semester of a given CUSID year (September to December), shall be entitled to submit a list of dates, ordered by preference, to the President, to be reviewed without undue prejudice (subject to Section 6), no later than August first of that year. Submissions made after this date shall still be considered by the President and incorporated to the best of his/her ability however preference shall be given to those submitted by August first.

5. CUSID members planning to host events during the Winter semester of a given CUSID year (January to April), shall follow the same procedures as outlined in Section 4, however the date for submissions shall be September first of the calendar year preceding the proposed dates.

6. Subject to Sections 4 and 5, preference in scheduling, within reason, shall be given in the following order:

a. nationally-sanctioned tournaments;

b. regionally-sanctioned tournaments;

c. invitationals.

7. On dates where a nationally-sanctioned tournament is scheduled, no other tournaments may be scheduled.

8. On dates where a regionally-sanctioned tournament or an invitational is scheduled, no other tournaments may be scheduled which would also occur within the same region (West, Central, Atlantic).

9. Ultimately in the pursuit of creating a schedule for CUSID, the President shall be charged with mediating and solving any disputes that may arise amongst CUSID members. CUSID members dissatisfied with a decision made by the President have the right to appeal to the Executive, or if feasible, at a General Meeting of CUSID.

10. The success of the implementation of this by-law rests upon the goodwill of CUSID members. Attempts to circumvent the procedures and guidelines set forth in this by-law may lead the Executive to:

a. deny the event in question entry onto the schedule;

b. encourage CUSID members not to attend said event;

c. submit such an incident for consideration of the membership of CUSID at a General Meeting for possible further reprimand.

11. The Executive shall also be empowered to maintain a schedule, separate from the schedule established within this by-law, of non-CUSID domestic or international tournaments that may be of interest to CUSID member teams.

So moved by the CUSID President

PRESIDENT – Reflection of what happened this year.  This year was first come first serve, but it will now be that all bids are evaluated equally.  You can still submit dates after the deadline, but those who meet the deadline will be given priority.

GUELPH – For the winter semester, the date should be October 1, as the date isn’t set at our club until about that date.

Motion to change section 5, “September first” to “October first.”  Motion is friendly, so amended.

QUEEN’S (yield to Saposnik) – What kind of powers would this give to the CUSID executive to set the date and tell schools when schools have tournament and to avoid opposed tournaments?

PRESIDENT – All this does is reinforces power that the executive already has.  The Executive already has the power to deny publication on CUSID schedule.  Punishment beyond denying publication on the schedule has to go to the CUSID membership anyways.  This encourages fairness for all schools as there is a central authority coordinating, but this does not impede their rights.

RMC – Also a concern, for French debating, we are planning on having at least 3 tournaments.  These tournaments will inevitably conflict with English tournaments.

PRESIDENT – Section 6 states “within reason” so this concern is already dealt with.  There are still free weekends, as well, that we can schedule French tournaments (i.e. weekends that fall on high school tournament weekends).  Nevertheless, the by-law states “within reason.”  The Executive cannot force clubs to hold a tournament on a certain date, anyways.

ALBERTA – How does this deal with regional coordination?

PRESIDENT – You can forward requests to the Executive or other interested parties to consider.  This does not preclude inter-regional communication.

CONCORDIA – Don’t like the idea club of not letting community work out schedule.  We can’t use coercive measures of not being put on the schedule if we’re going to hope for “goodwill.”

PRESIDENT – The schedule on CUSID.ca and CUSIDnet are different.  Nothing precludes posting on CUSIDnet and nothing precludes the community to ignore the Executive.

VP WEST – Why are we not letting the regional VP coordinate in Central?

PRESIDENT – The by-law allows for coordination with regional VP’s.  President coordinated this year in Central because I was familiar with issues in Central.

MCMASTER – Motion to amend section 3, second sentence to “may at his or her discretion” to “shall.”  Motion is friendly, so amended

Call to vote motioned by ACADIA, seconded by UNG.

Motion carries.

G.       Amendment to the Nationals Participation Rule on Registration deadlines;

5. The host of Nationals shall be empowered, subject to Section 7, to establish a pre-registration deadline for schools planning to attend the tournament to submit all necessary deposits and team count information to the organizers of the tournament. The date of the pre-registration deadline shall be no sooner than two weeks prior to the scheduled date for the tournament to commence.

6. Pursuant to Section 5,  the host shall be under no obligation to honour the registration requests of schools who submit such information after the established deadline for pre-registration, though they are encouraged to attempt to do so.

7. If the host of Nationals establishes a pre-registration deadline as outlined in Section 5, the host shall be required to communicate that fact to the membership of CUSID with all necessary information, including the total cost per team and adjudicator, deposit requirements and accommodation arrangements. Such notification must occur at least four weeks prior to the scheduled date for the tournament to commence.

So moved by the CUSID President

PRESIDENT – This was motivated by an issue at this year’s Nationals.  Some schools don’t check CUSIDnet and interpreted the bylaw such that schools could just “show up”.  This places an incredible burden on host schools.

ALBERTA – Is two weeks going to be enough time, in terms of hotels, etc?

PRESIDENT – It seems reasonable based on past.

UNB – In terms of necessary deposits, would purchase orders count?

PRESIDENT – I’m sure it would count.

Motion to amend section 7 to add “in written form”.  Motion is considered friendly, so amended.

ACADIA

We should have e-mail because not every school checks CUSIDnet.

Motion to amend section 7 to change “communicate” to “reasonably communicate,”

Call to vote motioned by OTTAWA, seconded by YORK.

Motion carries.

H.      Motion to Re-Number.

Call to vote motioned by GUELPH, seconded by ACADIA.

Motion carries.

8. New Business

A.  CUSID Code of Conduct – committee report, consideration & ratification;

See attached Code of Conduct

Motion to allow Keven Massie, CUSID Ombudsperson to be the recognized proposing party by MCMASTER, seconded by OTTAWA.

Motion carries.

PRESIDENT – Please note that Kevin’s comments are not a legal opinion nor is he speaking in a legal capacity.  These are personal opinions based on the results of Kevin’s research.

MASSIE – Two things – a need for a Code of Conduct (COC) and the issue of liability.  The Ombuds committee has investigated a half a dozen incidents, and was charged by the CUSID executive to continue the ad hoc committee.

We need to create a more welcoming environment for current and future debaters.  While we have noticed an increase in female participation, we have noticed an increase of complaints, and increasingly shocking.

In terms of the construction, we looked at enforcement and liability.

Enforcement should be open.  This can only be applied to sanctioned tournaments.  But does CUSID have a duty to enforce in terms of invitationals?  A couple of questions.  Do we post announcements on a website we pay for?  Do we actively participate at these tournaments?  Do we regularly convene meetings at tournaments?  Yes.  Therefore, CUSID may be liable.

We felt the best solution was a strongly worded suggested.  We deliberately left out an enforcement mechanism.  The reason we used “must” was that if an invitational tournament doesn’t have an Equity officer, CUSID and membership could be shielded because we told them to have one in the first place.  I feel the best balance is between shielding CUSID and maintaining the independence of membership.

In terms of liability, this is a questionable issue.  Can you get sued for this?  You may already be liable if something happens.  The COC could provide a defense that you were not negligent.  More importantly, the reason why clubs have responsibility is because clubs might be protected by students’ unions/university and their liability insurance.  CUSID does not have this protection.

Furthermore, if someone does something really offensive and the Equity Officer feels that you can’t deal with it by yourself, you can go to the CUSID membership for further sanctioning, but the threshold for CUSID involvement is very high so clubs may maintain responsibility and liability.

With the code itself, there are two amendments.

Motion to amend Section 2A striking “disrupt or distract….debate….”  Motion is friendly, so amended.

Motion to amend Section 2C to add “gender and disability”.  Motion is friendly, so amended.

CONCORDIA – I don’t agree with how you define code of conduct.  A COC is where you express the values of the organization.  Disguised in this COC is a by-law that tells clubs how to run their tournament.  I think it is inappropriate to put this by-law in the COC.  After section 2, it ceases to be a COC.  This is an infringement of club sovereignty.

MASSIE – That’s why there is no sanctioning mechanism.  This is only a suggestion.  We recognize club-specific issues. At no point does this empower the CUSID executive to sanction a club that uses a different set of values and guidelines.

VP WEST – From a legal perspective, bringing this to 2/3 majority, will this violate privacy issues?

MASSIE – Most things that will go to the CUSID membership will not be private at that point anyways.  In a legal sense, by requiring issues to be filtered through the ombudsperson to deal with issue, the ombudsperson might be able to make sure this liability is avoided.

Motion to amend, adding “gender and disability” to section 1.  Motion is friendly, so amended.

OTTAWA – Does section 6 regarding CUSID Executive training open us to liability?

MASSIE – This is where we refer to the ombudsperson by-law.  We just outline procedures of what you may ask, or who you should call, etc.

ALBERTA – Regarding section 6, will the executive create these guidelines?

MASSIE – Those guidelines will have to be created, but this can originate from the ombudsperson committee.

WESTERN (yields to Erik Eastaugh) – If someone commits an actionable act at a tournament, regardless of sanctions taken, would CUSID be held liable for those actions, in the status quo?

MASSIE – Would never know until it goes to court.  But right now my opinion is that the argument is strong against CUSID and members.  We need to do something to intercept this argument.

HART HOUSE – Wondering how confidentiality in incidents will affect CUSID meetings ability to perform.  What justifies a suspension?

MASSIE – We don’t know exactly what justifies a multi-year suspension, but we take it on a case-by-case basis.  Standards can change as the years progress.  A 2/3 majority vote is an adequate reflection of CUSID values.

CONCORDIA – By not appointing an equity officer, the tournament would not be promoted on the CUSID website.

MASSIE – Executive has no duty to publish invitationals in any case.

CONCORDIA – We have heard a lot of legal questions.  We should get a legal opinion first.

MASSIE – A legal opinion will cost thousands of dollars and we would probably  need to get one in every single province.  Even an official legal opinion may not mean that the letter has any bearing in court in terms of liability.

WATERLOO – Further concern about equity officer.  Would this divert liability onto one person, the officer?

MASSIE – The standard that any court could apply is, has the equity officer reasonably performed their duties?  We feel there is probably no worry.  Furthermore, the university/student’s union could be sued.  This may discharges duty and offer a defense.

DALHOUSIE – If we don’t reveal the exact incident to the membership, will this hinder membership decisions?

MASSIE – This COC requires incredible due diligence by Ombuds office.  Issues like this will have to be in consultation with the office.

MCMASTER – This is a good idea.  This would help a lot of problems that we have had.  We need to protect novices.

CONCORDIA – Regarding 4A, shouldn’t the accused have right to confront accuser?

MASSIE – To have complaint, anonymity must be waived anyways.

Call to vote motioned by MCMASTER, seconded by GUELPH.

Motion carries with 28 for, and 1 against.

B.  CUSID-APDA North American Debating Championship Reform report;

Item tabled.

C.  Discussion on the promotion of French debating in Western Canada.

Item tabled.

9. Bidding for CUSID Title Tournaments for 2004-2005

A.  2004 CUSID British Parliamentary Debating Championship

Bidders:  Hart House

HART HOUSE

Hart House held world’s two years ago, as well as an invitational last year.  Interest in this idea came about because of interest in World’s.  We feel Toronto is a great place to encourage international teams to come.

· 5 rounds, break to semis

· Straight resolutions, world’s standard of knowledge

· Mix of model based motions and first principle motions

· Will consult Canadian DCA about resolutions

· POIs allowed

· 3 rounds of public speaking, top 5 break

· Every room paneled with at least 3 judges, consensus judging

· Open adjudication for round 1-4, closed on 5

· Pared down version of judge feedback from debaters.

· 50 point range, standard CP range, 36-42

· Tabs software will be same as last year, unless we can get NTU package

· Details will come after a tabs director is appointed

· Billeting option with cap

QUESTIONS

QUEEN’S – Will motions be reflective or world’s resolutions, or because this is a CUSID championship, will this also reflect Canadian type resolutions?

HART HOUSE – The goal is to have a mix, but more of a world’s flare.

Bid approved by voice vote.

B.  2005 SUCDI French National Championship

Bidders:  Sherbrooke

SHERBROOKE

Club started about a year ago and is happy to be a new member of CUSID.  Looking to expand French debating in Quebec and are close to French universities and show them that French debating can work.

We had a tournament in February.  We have experience organizing tournaments, and have made contacts.  About 15 members and just starting.  Hope to have 25 members next year.

· Format similar to that in Sherbrooke

· CP style, 5 rounds, squirrelable resolutions, PMRE optional, bracketed rounds

· Tentative date around March 11-13

· Bid available on CUSIDnet

QUESTIONS

MCMASTER – Hardware for FSL?

SHERBROOKE – Yes.

Bid approved by voice vote.

C.  2005 CUSID National Championship

Bidders:  Alberta

ALBERTA

· UADS established in 1908, and we like to debate.

· Around 50 active and casual members

· Western Times

· Tabs like UBC Nats, double redundancy

· Sharon getting hardware, the best hardware person in Canada

· Confident of judging pool in Alberta.  Alberta members will be judging.  N-1 judging requirement.

· Consensus model

· School Cap around 60 teams, but that may change.

· Looking at booking on-campus facilities for entertainment.  St. Patrick’s Day is day before, so early comers can partake in festivities.

· 4 socials

· Extremely ridiculously good time

· Tournament Directors are Arthur Tse, James Crossman, Sharon Ohayon

· In terms of formal communications, all through Sharon Ohayon

QUESTIONS

MCMASTER – Breaking 5 people, but 3 hardware?

ALBERTA – In west, break is natural break so there is no guarantee of how many people will break.

RMC – ESL award?

ALBERTA – Sure.

Bid approved by voice vote.

10. Elections for the 2004-2005 CUSID Executive

Elections procedure

– 4 minutes of statements

– Q&A session, limit of 10 questions, each candidiate has 1 minute to respond.

– Targetted questions allowed, other candidates can answer as well.

Motion to approve procedures by DALHOUSE, seconded by UNB.

A.  President

OTTAWA nominates Erik Eastaugh, seconded by MCMASTER

MCGILL nominates Gaurav Toshniwal, seconded by RMC

ERIK EASTAUGH

· First year law at Ottawa, English/history undergrad in Ottawa

· Fifth year in CUSID

· Couple of things to stress as me as a person

· Managerial style – minimalist by nature.  Let people do things on their own.  Don’t like to micromanage.

GAURAV TOSHNIWAL

· Primary role of CUSID president is to facilitate debate in Canada

· One of the biggest problems is a lack of training materials.  While CUSID itself doesn’t have a lot of resources, membership itself has resources.  We can put this online, make available.

· Judging is important.  The experiment with regional DCAs and publishing a style guide early was successful.

· Possibly come to a consensus for a unified scoring range.  Form a committee to see if there is universal consensus on this issue.

· Equity – flame wars on CUSIDnet don’t further discussion.  We should have forums, like that at Concordia.  Like to have one at next year’s nationals.

· Regarding interaction between regions, we should encourage this.

· With World’s Council, Canadian interests have to be considered and will consult with members.

· Regional autonomy – opposed to national committee to look into CP style.  Regional VP’s should have power to decide on regional issues.

QUESTIONS

DALHOUSIE – Elaborate more on inter-regional autonomy and the idea of standardizing CP.

ERIK – Wasn’t talking about standardization.  Looking at past year, lots of ad hoc changes are being made.  Not proposing a mandatory standard.  Simply poll general membership to see their thoughts.

GAURAV – Regional issues should be dealt with by the regions.

MEMORIAL – How are you going to try or is there a way to improve regional representation at nationals?

GAURAV – By publishing a style guide ahead of time, all regions could analyze and recommend changes.

ERIK – Particularly in CUSID East, to improve debate, you need more Central teams and Western teams to go out east.  CUSID should be used as a platform for fundraising to subsidize transportation costs.

GUELPH (yield to Shaugnessy Hawkins) – Your take on Women’s issues?

ERIK – Always been for the promotion of women’s issues and equity issues.  As an RA in residence, have dealt with sensitive issues and am qualified.

GAURAV – The way to promote equity concerns is to use forums as a mechanism to promote debate.

CONCORDIA – What to do with surplus?

GAURAV – This is a constant discussion.  The result of discussion was that we invest in GIC’s.  This is not a revenue stream.

ERIK – Agree with Gaurav.  No pressing issue to spend on.

WATERLOO (to Jon Gordner) – In terms of subsidizing travel costs, how would you distribute?

ERIK – Haven’t formed plans for this yet.  Discretion of regions.

GAURAV – As a national organization, we can lend the prestige to organizations to help them fundraise.

SHERBROOKE – Plans for French debate?

GAURAV – When it comes to new clubs, we need to integrate with CUSID community.  We should publish resources of CUSID so it can be used by new French clubs.

ERIK – (Response in French)

QUEEN’S (yield to James Crossman) – Other than Alberta Nats, do you have plans to go to a tournament out west?

ERIK – Debating at Diefenbaker Cup regardless.  Committed to participating out East as well.

GAURAV – Don’t have a lot of personal resources to go, but if I can get resources, will travel out to other regions.

ERIK:                      18 votes

GAURAV:              11 votes

The 2004/2005 CUSID President shall be Erik Eastaugh.

B.  Executive Director

ALBERTA nominates NICHOLAS TAM, seconded by MCMASTER.

HART HOUSE nominates Daniel Schwartz-Narbonne, seconded by WATERLOO.

NICK TAM

· Mostly, want to focus the infrastructure that has been developed.

· Initiatives to create new features

· Currently hold Internal Director at UADS, which is the same as the ED

QUESTIONS

CONCORDIA – What is your technical knowledge?

TAM – Computer science student, have worked with this type of technology with jobs.

SHERBROOKE – What about a French version of CUSID.ca?

TAM – I am not bilingual, but that initiative would be useful.  In terms of translation, would contact people who are fluent in French and seek assistance.

TAM:                                                     27 votes

SCWARTZ-NARBONNE:  3 votes

The 2004/2005 CUSID Executive Director shall be Nicholas Tam.

CUSID President yields the floor to KEVIN MASSIE.

MASSIE – Gordon Buchan has revoked CUSID server space in response to the passing of Code of Conduct.  CUSID should seriously consider spending money on server space so that we are never again put in a position where CUSID can be held hostage.

CONCORDIA – Buchan has contributed much to CUSID in the past.  This is a misconstruction of Buchan’s actions.  He has felt that he can no longer support CUSID.ca and we are being given a transition period.  He has done a lot of good things for this organization.

MASSIE – The intent was not to malign an individual.  When I say “holding hostage” I mean to say that we are being given a choice between keeping the code of conduct or keeping our web space.

MCMASTER – Can we ensure money is available to take care of this problem?

PRESIDENT – We cannot take into account the spending of the surplus, but in the future dues will increase.  In any case, money is available right now.

ALBERTA – Based on what we have heard from Concordia, if the sponsor changes his mind, what will we do?

PRESIDENT – We should leave it open ended, and the Executive Director will report.

Motion to strike a committee to empower the CUSID Executive Director to search for a suitable host for CUSID.ca and CUSIDnet.

Motion carries.

C.  Treasurer

MCMASTER nominates Emily Gusba, seconded by GUELPH

MCGILL nominates Alex Campbell, seconded by TRINITY.

WATERLOO nominated a novice who regrets it, seconded by GUELPH.

ALEX CAMPBELL

· Last year of economic degree next year

· Treasurer of the McGill Debating Union, other experience

· Can deal with issues on the fly

· The experience as treasurer can be used to help new clubs to answer questions, impart knowledge.  I am in a position to answer questions.

· Financial transactions will become more complicated with this new issue.

THAT POOR NOVICE

· First year student at Guelph

· Previous experience working with finance with work experience

· Has lots of time available to dedicate to CUSID

· Novice, need to diversify executive with age, gender

· Act also as “member-at-large”

· Surplus shouldn’t be spent and should be kept in GIC

EMILY GUSBA

· Not a math, economics student, but you need to be able to add, subtract, divide, use excel – can handle the job

· Second year debater, student, president of the club

· Can deal with issues on the fly

· Have created budget for French Nats, HS tournament, while being cheap

· Can impart knowledge

· Invest surplus, but if you have to spend surplus, it must be spent

· Look into charitable organization status – incorporation is not required.

· Like to help with fundraising with clubs/tournaments

· Easy to talk to, people know me

· Push to have bylaw to have reconciliation/audit at end of year

QUESTIONS

UBC – Have you talked about any concrete plans for fundraising?

EMILY – Haven’t discussed yet, but approach national organizations for money and products.  Based on CUSID’s needs.  I would first talk to members.

NOVICE – A lot more feasible for product.  Need to be realistic and should continue initiatives ie. Rental car discount

ALEX – McGILL has made major attempts to fundraise.  Lots of materials I have access to to help figure out who and what to approach.

MCMASTER – Aside from just Treasurer duties, how suited are you deal with other CUSID issues?

NOVICE– COC really positive – the role is one of member at large.  Living in residence, have experience dealing with issues.

ALEX – At McGill, ongoing dialogue with these types of issues.  Have experience and grasp of issues.

EMILY – As president of EDS, has learnt the value of communication between memberships.  Vital to have communication between executives.

ALBERTA – Charitable Society standing, elaborate?

ALEX – Not against making CUSID a charitable organization, but in terms of specific clubs, depends on relationship with university.  Know club-specific issues of charitable society.

EMILY – Will take into account club-issues when pursuing this.  Universities are also charitable organization and it’s possible to go through them.

MEMORIAL – Current surplus is being held by a GIC?  The money that CUSID has isn’t working for us and is staying as a static amount.

EMILY – Money is in a bank account.  Need to ensure low risk and reamin accessible – hesitant on putting it into long term investment.

NOVICE– Issue of risk vs. potential benefit.  Don’t want to invest in high risk.  Rather have static than risk losing any of it.

ALEX – We might need this money to act as cash flow.  Needs to be available.

ALEX:                                    21 votes

NOVICE: 1 vote

EMILY:                   6 votes

The 2004/2005 CUSID Executive Director shall be Alex Campbell.

11. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn by ALBERTA, seconded by MEMORIAL.

Motion carries.