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The first General Student Senate meeting of 2009 saw former Student Government President James Lyons sworn in as a senator and nominated to the presidential cabinet. Tuesday’s meeting was also the first for new Student Body President Owen McCarthy and Vice President Ross Wolland.
Wolland led the shorter-than-average meeting. The session included discussions about the University of Maine’s policy regarding the RIAA downloading lawsuits. Sen. Nate Wildes, who was also nominated to the presidential cabinet, shed light on the issue of the university not educating the students when it comes to illegal downloading.
“Right now there is no clear policy, there’s no education in terms of informing students of what their legal rights are on campus,” Wildes said.
Wildes added that he concluded this from his meetings with the Faculty Senate and said he would propose a solution in the near future.
“It’s important to expand student legal services to encompass the education [of students] as well as pursuing a defined policy the University will take,” Wildes said.
President McCarthy said he nominated Wildes and Lyons to add “experience” in his cabinet.
“I’m really excited about the upcoming semester . we have really committed senators,” McCarthy said.
He was also cautiously optimistic about the upcoming economic issues UMaine is facing.
“I’m looking forward to . discussing what is going to happen with the upcoming budget cuts and how to educate students and let [students] know what to expect next semester,” McCarthy said.
The senate passed two resolutions, the first allocating $2,800 to the Alpine Ski Club and the second giving $1,050 to UMaine Woodsmen’s Team. In addition $721 was allocated to LASO. Vice President of Financial Affairs Justin Labonte announced that $377.58 was returned to unallocated and $279,000 was received for the Student Activity Fee.
