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The Halloween spirit could faintly be seen at this week’s meeting of the General Student Senate. While a couple students arrived in full costume, most kept their festive garb to an odd hat, mask or exaggerated makeup. Besides the attempts at a costume party and the presence of Doritos and candy, it was business as usual.
The agenda consisted of a resolution that will soon affect the campus. Recognizing that only 42 percent of 18-to-24-year-olds voted in the last presidential election, the senators decided to do something about it. They voted to encourage all University of Maine faculty to excuse absences on Tuesday, Nov. 2, to allow students to participate in the election in any way possible. Sen. Sarah Bigney said this would give students the time needed to vote, be it on campus or in their hometown.
“We want to encourage people to go out and vote,” Bigney said. “Often people say they don’t have enough time.”
Senators also hoped that this would give students the opportunity to volunteer in the election process.
“We want to put more of an emphasis back on Election Day,” Bigney said.
Also receiving a passing vote was the resolution to grant $10,500 to Residents on Campus to help fund their annual trip to Quebec which will be taking place Jan. 28-30.
ROC’s Vice President of Programming Tony Desjardins explained the money would be used to pay for six buses needed to drive 329 people to Quebec City and back. Desjardins said that this was an increase from last year’s $6,000 request, so that more people will be able to participate on this year’s trip. With this financial help, the cost for each participant will be limited to $55 for the two-night stay.
While a board that represents campus residents sponsors the event, the trip is equally open to all students, which was not the case in the past.
Previously, sign-ups for the Quebec trip were held on two separate occasions, with residents getting the first opportunity. This year, only one sign-up will be held.
“I think it should be open to everyone, because so much of the funding is coming from Student Government,” Desjardins said. This singular signup will be held on Nov. 4.
Preliminary and by-law approval were also given to the new Maine Visual Club at the meeting. The members of the club hope to create a Web site featuring footage of campus life.
Student Body President Cortlyn Hepler also informed the senate of an approaching event. On Nov. 9, Sept. 11 Comissioner Bob Kerrey will speak at UMaine. Hepler encouraged senators and all students to attend.
“He is a very high caliber speaker and should have some very important things to say,” Hepler said.
While the election polls will be held in the Multi-Purpose room on next Tuesday, General Student Senate will still be held in another, soon-to-be-announced location. General Student Senate President Kate O’Brien reminded the senate of the important role they play on campus.
“Our government still needs to function regardless,” O’Brien said.
