Spencer Wood, founder and CEO of TipWhip LLC. and Zach Quimby, the University of Maine campus manager of TipWhip addressed the General Student Senate on Feb. 16.
The pair discussed the recent release of the TipWhip app and the desire to recruit more drivers to the program to be able to efficiently run at all times of the day.
Club Presentations
The president of the Mock Trial Club thanked the Student Senate for helping fund their recent trip to the Mock Trial Tournament at Boston College. With only a six-member team, they competed against other schools such as Harvard and University of Massachusetts-Lowell. The club hopes to set up a scrimmage with Colby College in the future.
Also, 12 members of the Mainely Voices performed for the Student Government.
Periodic Reports
Senator Connor Scott presented new information from the board of trustees meeting. He emphasized that there is not enough money being spent on the infrastructure in the UMS system. Specifically on the Orono campus, 50 percent of the buildings are over 50 years old and are in immediate need of attention. Across the system, the total 10-year need is $1 billion for infrastructure. Additionally, Scott discussed the plan to explore alternative energy structures in the future for the Orono campus.
Director of Communications Mallory Nightingale discussed the recent startup of the senator campaign in recruiting new members. She has been working on the upcoming website and bulletin board, and plans to work with athletics.
Community Association Reports
The Wilde Stein Club returned to thank the Student Government for the funding they received last week for their upcoming Drag Show. They plan to have bake sales to additionally fundraise for the events of Pride Week. President Amy Schmitt admitted there was dissatisfaction with the period of financial deliberation the week before, but is ultimately thankful for the funding received.
New Business
The Presidential Cabinet presented a motion to change the existing policy of joining the Student Government. With elections each spring, the current policy states that a senator must be at least a second semester freshman to join. With the passing of the new motion this week, now any full-time UMaine student can join the senate.
“The sooner we can get people in our doors, the sooner we can start teaching them,” President Kevin Bois said.