I would like to clarify why the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Senate asked the students in attendance on Tuesday night to excuse themselves from the room ("Closing Senate meeting leaves students without leadership," Dec. 11).

The USG Senate voted to move into an executive session in order to operate within the confines of legality.

According to Robert's Rules of Order, "In any society, matters relating to discipline ... should be handled only in executive session" (RONR (10th ed.), p.92, l.32-34).

The Senate must operate in compliance with Robert's Rules as mandated by the Bylaws of the USG Senate: "The Senate shall subscribe to Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised and use this book as its parliamentary authority" (Bylaws of the USG Senate revised 11/21/03, pg.10, l.25-26).

The decision to move into executive session was not implemented to exclude our constituents in attendance-but to protect students' rights. If you feel that Senate is not representative of your and your peers' opinions, then get involved. I am always amazed to open the Collegian and see students voice discontent with USG and Senate, and yet they never take the initiative to get involved.

We always welcome fresh ideas for projects and legislation, as well as your attendance at all of our Tuesday night meetings in 302 HUB.