This week, Senate elected two new members to fill vacant seats, approved four special allocations, and listened to committee reports.

Josh Yearsley and Tanvir Suri were elected by Senate to fill the vacant HSS and TSB seats, respectively. Senate Chair Nicholas Scocozzo announced that MCS Senator Seth Feinberg resigned, and that CFA Senator Lauren DiStefano was removed. These seats are now open to students in MCS and CFA. Petitions to fill these seats are available from Student Senate's website and are due by 5 pm on October 19.

Jonathan Mendelson, chair of the academic affairs committee, said he is working on creating a rule to require professors to give reason for scheduling a class during the afternoon moratorium (4:30 - 6:30 pm). The issue will be discussed at the next University Education Council meeting. Mendelson also plans to implement an evaluation system for academic advisors similar to faculty course evaluations.

The communications committee has plans to create a short film clip about Senate to be showed before Activities Board films on Thursday and Friday. Chair Maureen Burns also asked her fellow Senators to volunteer for Greek Week, a public relations event hosted by the Greek Council.

Internal Development chair Michelle Birchak said that the Senate office recently received a new computer and that its Internet connection is working.

NaSheena Porter, campus life chair, said her committee is still working with Housing Services to ensure that rooms are in good condition before students move in each fall.

The Carnegie Mellon Athletics Council, a student organization, requested a special allocation of $2,250 for 1000 'plaid power' towels. The towels will be distributed during the Council's chili cooking contest on homecoming weekend. Some Senators expressed concern that the towels would be given to alumni and students would not benefit from the allocation. In reply,the Council said they could require a valid student ID to receive a towel. The allocation was approved unanimously.

The Neville Co-op, a special housing community, requested a $500 honorarium for performers at Friday's Voter Mobilization Concert. The Online Gaming Society requested $600 and the Singaporean Student Association requested $50. All three were unanimously approved.

Editor's Note: The Carnegie Pulse requested a special allocation of $1,609.98 for digital cameras at this Senate meeting. The request was sent back to the Funding and Recognition Committee.