The Rideau River Residence Association (RRRA) gave three of its committees the power to make changes to the constitution at their first monthly virtual meeting of the year on Oct. 6.
Council voted to give the association’s constitutional review committee legislative power, allowing them to revise RRRA’s bylaws and constitution. Legislative actions by any committee are still open to challenge by the full council.
An equity committee was established and also given legislative power. The committee will work towards creating greater equity and equality within RRRA, as well as ensure compliance with RRRA’s Ethics and Equity Code.
Vice-president (programming) Gialina Jiang said the entire RRRA council will be attending an equity training session organized by Carleton’s Pauline Jewett Institute’s Equity Services.
RRRA president Sami Islam discussed the establishment of a new finance team and said the association’s budget will be a major topic for the next meeting. While RRRA passed its budget on time last year, the association failed to meet the deadline the two previous years. The budget is due to be presented and voted on at the council’s next meeting in November.
The financial review committee may now make changes to the budget without first needing council approval. According to the association’s constitution, the committee is comprised of the president and at least three other members of council. The changes may be made anytime, but must be presented at the next council meeting, and are subject to council challenge.
In light of low council attendance and failing to meet quorum in previous years, RRRA councillors now cannot miss more than three council meetings per year if they want to receive a co-curricular record (CCR) credit. Stormont house councillor Davin Caratao said it will be up to executives to grant exemption for extenuating circumstances
“It would be executive discretion,” Caratao said. “Councillors would have to make their case to the executives and [exceptions] would be decided on a case-by-case basis.”
Executive members also provided updates on ongoing projects.
Vice-president (administration) Mira Gillis said Abstentions, the RRRA-run convenience store in residence, opened at the start of the semester and is currently looking to hire two more cashiers.
Gillis added RRRA is planning a program with Housing and Residence Life Services to distribute free menstrual hygiene products to residence students as one of her campaign promises.
Jiang said she joined Carleton Wellness’ student mental health engagement committee as the RRRA representative. Carleton Wellness’ website says the committee provides mental health resources online and on campus.
RRRA council will meet again in November, although a date has not been specified.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article stated RRRA failed to pass its budget last year. In fact, RRRA passed its budget on time last year. The Charlatan regrets the error. The article was last updated on Oct. 28.
Featured graphic by Sara Mizannojehdehi.
