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The University of Maine Student Government narrowly rejected an amendment to allocate $8,976 to Men’s Ice Hockey Club at the Oct. 26 session, instead approving $6,676 in funds to the group, now in its third year.
The amendment to give the club an additional $2,300, sponsored by Sen. Nelson Carson, who is currently running for president of the senate, was requested by the group after they revealed the original sum was inadequate to cover incurred expenses. The group felt its high membership dues — $550 and commitment to fundraising — warranted the extra money. Carson also cited the prohibitively expensive costs of playing hockey as an “exceptional situation” and praised the group as a great representation of UMaine.
Sen. Derek Jones supported Carson’s motion, but he also gave a warning to the group.
“Groups need to start changing with the times,” Jones said. “If you believe in evolution — which I might or might not — it’s the survival of the fittest principle. You have to start adapting, fundraising. If your costs go up, you have to come up with a plan to increase your budget without relying on the groups that just give out money.”
Sen. Sam Helmke impressed the seriousness of the situation to the group.
“We’re bailing you out this time if this passes,” he said. “You need to go out and fundraise.”
Arguing for allocating only $6,676, the amount agreed upon by the Executive Budgetary Committee that oversees senate allocations, senate Vice President Ross Wolland pointed out that the group had raised only $2,500 of its $28,000 in expenses and he could not justify allocating more money.
“Student groups are, first and foremost, responsible for their own funding,” he said. “We are making a very firm decision here, and that decision is that if groups don’t do the appropriate amount of fundraising, that we’ll just hock up the dough.”
Sen. Jose Roman also argued against the additional allocation.
“You knew how expensive it was before you got into it,” he said, although he mentioned the possibility of granting them more money in the future. “If you really want something bad enough, you’ll push for it.”
The senate then voted 12-10 not to pass the amendment, instead approving the $6,676 allocation.
Carson was upset with the senate’s decision.
“It’s [the UMaine student body’s] money that we’re trying to give back to them,” he said.
Carey Gustanski, vice president for the Men’s Ice Hockey Club, voiced his disappointment with the decision after the meeting. He took exception with arguments that the club was not busy fundraising, especially in comparison to other organizations as the group has a busy schedule and difficulties obtaining funds at a university that already has a Division 1 hockey team. He said these are obstacles other groups do not face.
“I understand it’s hard to come to a decision to allocate a lot funds to a club,” he said. “They made it sound like we weren’t going to fundraise more — we are.”
The meeting was also an opportunity for senate presidential and vice presidential candidates to address the senate. Presidential candidate Sen. Chris Knoblock contended that the university needs a strong advocate while facing concerns over a tobacco-free campus, rising tuition and the university’s search for a new president.
“Ultimately, my goals don’t matter if that’s not what the students are concerned about,” he said. “The job of the president is to accurately and thoroughly represent the will of the student body to the administration — I will do that above all else.”
Carson said his practical experience during his years as a senator make him an ideal choice for president.
“I do not stand up here with empty pledges, but with new ideas backed by three-and-a-half years of experience, service and enjoyment,” he said. “One of the most important things I’ve learned is the power of inspiration … inspiration equals productivity, and that’s what I offer you as president.”
Ryan Gavin outlined his goals if elected as vice president, focusing on communication, senate committees and accountability.
“We now see a clear path to the future with this organization, and we can take the student senate to a new level where on a weekly basis the senate can advocate on the actual issues for the student body, fixing what’s wrong with this organization and saving what isn’t,” Gavin said.
Vice President of Student Organizations and candidate for vice president of student senate Anthony Ortiz offered new ideas to address problems with the senate.
“I feel we need to start looking externally at helping the students — this can’t happen without reaching out to the students,” Ortiz said. “An open door policy isn’t enough — we need to come to the students.”
Senate elections will be held today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students can either vote online through FirstClass or cast a paper ballot in the Wade Center for Student Leadership; a current MaineCard will be required for those casting a paper ballot.
The senate also approved a message to send to the Faculty Senate, which will discuss potentially changing the UMaine calendar so all schools in the system have the same spring break. Speaking against changing the schedule, Jones felt that the traditional education offered at UMaine should not be changed.
“We are the flagship campus,” Jones said. “We do have non-traditional students, but we have a whole lot more traditional. People who want a traditional college education come here. If they want to stay home, take classes from six different universities and cobble a degree together, they go to other schools.”
SG also allocated $1,800 to the Nutrition Club to purchase tickets to the American Dietetic Association Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo in Boston from Nov. 6-9.
$1,070 was allocated to the Society of Women Engineers to attend the Society of Women Engineers National Conference in Orlando from Nov. 3-7 for conference registration, motor pool, parking and career fair registration.
The Sustainability Education and Ecological Design organization also received preliminary recognition. They will look to create contacts with university and community groups to raise awareness and provide hands-on assistance.
