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The University of Maine General Student Senate agreed to formally voice student grievances in regard to Black Bear Dining services and prepared for upcoming Student Government elections during its Nov. 10 meeting.
GSS Voted on an allocation to the International Affairs Association, which received $2,800 for lodging for the 2010 Model United Nations in Montreal, Canada. The Model UN lasts four days and takes place at the Sheraton Hotel. Participants must lodge at the Sheraton in accordance with Model UN regulations, despite cost. Originally the allocation was $1,800, but Sen. Nelson Carson amended the resolution to increase funding by $1,000.
Sen. Timothy Smith supported the resolution.
“[It’s] abundantly clear that the purpose of the group will be inhibited if funding is not provided. I just think that it’s imperative that we fund this,” Smith said.
The Maine Outing Club received $1,080 in funding for their Sugarloaf cabin’s annual property tax, fire insurance and plowing service, which was originally voted down in the Executive Budgetary Committee. Sen. Peter Christopher introduced the resolution.
Sen. Benjamin Goodman opposed the allocation because of its annual costs. The Maine Outing Club has received SG funding in the past.
“[The cabin] is a capital asset the group is taking on. They inherited it, they work with it,” Goodman said.
Senator Nate Wildes disagreed.
“It doesn’t matter what we fund, my point is that we’re funding this investment as a student service. I really don’t like that we’re ignoring the end result and getting nit-picky about the items we’re funding,” Wildes said.
“A club of 55 people that get to go to Sugarloaf to pay $24.18 out of their own pocket,” said Vice President of Student Entertainment Abtin Mehdizadegan. He said $24.18 isn’t that much.
The Services Committee presented a resolution to recognize student grievances in regard to Black Bear Dining. The committee sent the resolution to a FirstClass folder where it was introduced as a resolution at the meeting.
“Why is this resolution on the agenda if it wasn’t voted on by the committee?” asked Sen. James Lyons.
Goodman moved to discharge the resolution from committee and reintroduced it to the table. The resolution passed. Listed grievances included inconsistent hours of operation, cost, inconsistent meal size, decrease in meal exchange options, lack of eco-friendly disposal options, lack of credit or debit purchase options and the need for a revitalized Bear’s Den.
“I think what this does is legitimizes the student voice,” said Goodman of the Services Committee’s resolution.
Senate voted to send to the Legislative Relations Committee a resolution recognizing the effect of Question 1 on the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities of Maine. Sens. Ryan Gavin, Smith and Pardis Delijani sponsored the resolution.
A resolution to suggest Residence Life use e-mail to alert residents of package arrivals passed.
Student Government elections are Thursday, Nov. 12. The ballot box at the Wade Center for Student Leadership, FirstClass and absentee ballot are ways in which students can vote.
“We had a very successful debate on Thursday,” said Chair of Fair Elections Practices Commission Skye Landry of last week’s presidential and vice-presidential debates. Presidential candidates are Brian Harris, Sen. Zachary Jackman and current Vice President Ross Wolland. Vice Presidential candidates are Sens. Nyssa Gatcombe and Smith. Landry reminded senators that voting hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and to look for the election day icon on their FirstClass desktops.
Landry said the release of unofficial results — once tallied — is permitted, but results cannot be notarized until a two-business day complaint period passes following the election. Official results will be announced Monday.
Gavin was confirmed as Senate Parliamentarian and Sen. Stephen Monaghan was sworn in. Sen. Thomas Dickens was removed from senate due to excessive absences. Senate received $125.93 returned to unallocated funds from Sophomore Eagles, which was never used. Senate allocated $100 to Women’s Volleyball Club and $276 to Airsoft Club.
American Choral Directors Association achieved preliminary recognition, while the Japanese Speaking Club achieved final recognition. Engineers Without Borders, the Equestrian Team, Forensics Team, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Mock Trial Team and Student Women’s Association presented club results and thanked UMSG Inc. for funding.
