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In the latest session of the student senate, a resolution was passed to create an exploratory committee on the issue of a tobacco-free campus. Another resolution to create a cap on funding for student organizations failed after much debate.
The resolution to create a committee for a tobacco-free campus was not strongly opposed, but did create some confusion among the senate. Questions were raised as to who would have the final say on whether or not the university would become tobacco-free. President William Pomerleau said that a committee would research and recommend whether to keep tobacco on campus or not, but the ultimate decision would lay in the hands of university administration. He added that if the administration has their collective mind made up, a committee’s suggestion may not ultimately matter. The resolution was passed, and an investigative committee will be selected in the coming weeks.
The most intensely discussed and debated resolution of the night was an act creating a cap on the funding for on-campus clubs and organizations. The act, sponsored by Sen. Abtin Mehdizadegan, called into question allocating funds that exceeded $15,000. Sen. Mehdizadegan cited the $5,112.50 given to the UMaine Tackle Football Club and the nearly $15,000 given for Alternative Spring Break.
“I want to promote other organizations on campus; I wanted to create an act to make everything more fair,” Mehdizadegan said.
Sen. Sean Rankin said that he believed the act was a “great resolution,” but that the focus should not be on large allocations to clubs, but rather on more “medium” ones such as the fireworks display scheduled for homecoming evening.
Meanwhile, Vice President of Student Entertainment Derek Mitchell argued that this act would create a “safety net,” so that the senate body would be under more monetary scrutiny. Needing a two-thirds majority vote, the act failed.
President of Residents on Campus Justin Labonte announced that voting will take place Oct. 5 to determine whether or not the transition will be made to Community Governing Boards from the present Hall Governing Boards.
“The Community Governing Boards will allow for bigger and better programs and for the government within the halls, or communities, to be more effective,” Labonte said.
Voting will take place the day before fall break, causing concern for voter turn-out. Labonte called the decision “less than desirable” but encouraged voters on-campus to vote between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The latest session of student senate also provided an update on the Zipcar situation which is to be implemented by homecoming. VPSE Mitchell explained that there will be a Zipcar sign-up session on Friday, Oct. 12 in the MCA parking lot. The cost is $5 an hour and $55 for a day’s use. The fees include regular maintenance, gas and insurance.
Mitchell also announced the candidates for homecoming king and queen. The nominees for queen are: Morgan Bickford, Ashleigh Deschenes, Ashley Hoskins, Catherine Kotredes, Hillary Leeman, Katherine Lestage, Amanda Mullen, Danielle Tardif, and Elizabeth Tyler. Those nominated for king are the following: Dan Arsenault, William Beaudoin, Rob Cloutier, Andrew Johnson, Joshua Lagasse, Brian Monahan, Steve Moran and Ross Theriault.
In his weekly report, President Pomerleau acknowledged that all 19 applicants for the Greek Grant Program would be sent letters of approval. He said that all requests met the guidelines for approval. Pomerleau also announced his candidacy for President of the Student Body in the December election.
Furthermore, Pomerleau appointed a new member to his cabinet, Sen. Morgan Bickford. Former Senator and cabinet member Ashley Wozneak resigned and as a result Pomerleau chose Sen. Bickford as her replacement.
“[Bickford] is very good about expressing her views on matters,” Pomerleau said. “She’s very professional and I think . it’s appropriate at this point [to appoint her].”
Other allocations that were passed at the meeting included $375 to the Student Women Association; $200 to Shotokan Karate Club; $650 to Lambda Pi Eta; $577.40 to Wilde Stein; $400 for the FIJI Halloween Marathon; $565 to the UMaine Cycling Club; $180 to UMSG and $800 to Amnesty International.
Also, the UMaine Tackle Football Club received $5,112.50 and UMaine Forensics received $2,004. The budget to start the evening was $41,336.96 and after all allocations was at $30,823.06.
