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University of Maine Student Government Vice President Caleb Rosser announced plans to offer student discounts at Orono businesses during Tuesday’s General Student Senate meeting.
“I’ve been meeting with Old Town Taxi and they’ve agreed to give us 10 percent off Thursday though Saturday,” Rosser said. He said they plan to begin the trial period Oct. 1.
Marty Millett of Old Town Taxi’s nighttime management is “allowing [Student Government] to audit the books” and adjust the discount appropriately, Rosser said.
“It’s not even a question, you dial this number, you get a ride,” he said.
Rosser and UMSG President Anthony Ortiz announced their candidacies in the next election for their current positions. Raymond Updyke, chair of the Fair Elections Practices Commission, said “[candidacy] forms are available this Thursday and must be sent in by next Thursday.”
EJ Roach, director of Campus Activities and Student Entertainment, reminded the senate that Friends and Family Weekend is this weekend, adding that over 600 parents are expected to come to campus. All events are free and open to students except for the lobster bake, which has already sold out.
A “Friday at 5” party will also be held across from the Buchanan Alumni House.
There will be a philanthropy carnival on Saturday in an effort to raise money for charitable organizations beyond campus. Roach said proceeds will go to 40 local charities.
Representatives from the Off-Campus Board announced Commuter Week hosted by the commuter and nontraditional students office.
On Monday, the topic is “Is my home safe?”; Tuesday’s is “Eating healthy”; Wednesday’s is “Renters’ rights and responsibilities”; and Thursday’s is “Hosting a responsible party.”
Each day will feature a light lunch and a raffle for gas cards, which Garcia says “are like nuggets of joy.”
It was also announced that Take Back the Night, an event that raises awareness for victims of domestic abuse, will be held at 5 p.m. Oct. 5 behind Fogler Library.
The dining debate will continue next Tuesday when Kathy Kittridge, director of Dining Operations, visits the senate. Sen. Kimberly Dao says “there’s a new register at Wells, but it’s not hooked up yet.” Dining will begin a program called “Ten Questions” as a way to build better communications between dining and students.
“Hopefully we’ll see some positive changes within the next semester and the semester after too,” said Dao.
Dean of Students Robert Dana attended Tuesday’s meeting.
“It’s great to have such a great shared government here on campus,” he said. “You’re affecting thousands of people, not just yourselves but the students after you. What you are [are] true, legitimate change makers.”
“We have a really new wonderful initiative launching this year: ‘Day of service to a lifetime of commitment,’” Dana said. “We’re hoping many, at least half [of first-year students] develop a commitment towards service.”
The senate allocated $2,638.17 to the Equestrian Team, $1,023.18 to the Cycling Club, $3,126 to the men’s club lacrosse team and $1,215 to other organizations. The senate also approved preliminary recognition of No Labels, which representative Logan Nee said, “is a unique approach to politics on campus in that it is nonpartisan.”
“Our system is about building consensus on [bipartisanship], not consensus,” Sen. Ben Goodman said.
Rosser swore in new senators Byron Andronik, Victoria Schuyler, Shadiyo Hassain-Ali and Elizabeth Tull.
The executives also appointed Sen. Casey Lancaster the new director of External Affairs.
“He’s shown a ton of enthusiasm at the interview. I have a ton of faith he’s going to do an awesome job,” Ortiz said.
Lancaster said he had been given a month’s worth of work after his appointment, but Ortiz said he confident Lancaster can handle it.
