The University of Maine Student Government (UMSG) held its 11th General Student Senate (GSS) meeting of the academic year on Nov. 19 in the Bangor Room of the Memorial Union. It was led by Student Body President Keegan Tripp and Vice President Memphis Peterson. Key moments included a farewell speech from Dean Robert Dana, club funding discussions and further conversation regarding potential changes to the student activity fee.
Club Maintenance
The UMaine Ballet Club requested final recognition from UMSG. Currently, the club has 35 active members, and meets every Sunday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. to rehearse in preparation for their annual fall showcase. The club is considering requesting funding from UMSG for costumes in the future. With a clear majority vote, the club was granted final recognition.
Guest Speaker
UMSG hosted a special visit from Dana, who was warmly welcomed as the guest speaker by UMSG members. After a 40-year career at UMaine, Dana shared a heartfelt farewell with the group.
“It’s truly bittersweet for me. This will be my last time visiting this senate, and I can’t help but take a trip down memory lane,” said Dana.
He shared emotional stories about University history, including changes he’s observed.
“If you can imagine 40 years ago, when none of you in this room were born…what was going on in the world then? It was just the beginning of technological advancements that we couldn’t even begin to imagine today. I remember that I wrote my Doctoral dissertation and I had to have it typed on a regular typewriter, which maybe you’ve never even seen,” said Dana.
Dana also reflected on what compelled him to stay at UMaine for such a long time.
“There’s a sense of interest and empathy that exudes from the students [at UMaine]; it’s what kept me here for 40 years. The students matter, and the University of Maine is a very special place — because students come here hoping that they’ll have a path to greatness, and they’ll do something big,” said Dana.
Dana’s closing remarks were filled with parting wisdom for the student body.
“Everything you do, do with the intention of being a good human. What makes a life—and a community—is the people who truly care,” said Dana.
Executive Reports
Tripp began by highlighting that UMSG wrapped up its hiring process for the position of Vice President for Student Organizations (VPSO). He then brought up a recent conversation with Memphis, Provos John Volin, and Vice President Kelly Sparks regarding the proposed strategic reenvisionment process.
According to UMaine News, this process will unfold in three phases, which will begin this May and last until February 2025. The process will serve to develop recommendations for a “re-envisioned university”, but raised concerns after some GSS senators noted a lack of student involvement in planning.
“We expressed our disappointment in their handling in terms of student relations. They were very receptive of that, and they were honest about that. And they committed to us that they would be doing better in that regard,” said Tripp.
Tripp said that the plan moving forward will be determined in coming weeks following ongoing discussions with Volin and Sparks.
Tripp also recounted his meeting with the Chair of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Trish Riley, about writing policy for the Student Trustee Selection Committee process, which is the way in which students get appointed to the BoT. This meeting was part of an ongoing project that Tripp and the current student BoT representative, Olivia Britton, have taken on this academic year.
New Business
The UMaine Renaissance acapella group received approval for funding to support their upcoming tour. The group, consisting of 12 members, travels across Maine and New England each winter and spring to perform and hold workshops at middle schools and high schools. The funding will help cover lodging expenses for the tour. The proposal passed with a clear majority.
Tripp then led a discussion on upcoming financial policy revisions. Tripp announced that a comprehensive package of policy reforms will be presented after students return from Thanksgiving break, which will highlight the three current options for a Student Activity Fee raise. Those three options range from an increase of $22, $11, or $0 to the current fee, which rests at $78 per term for students with six or more credit hours.
A vote on the three options will be held by the end of the semester. This vote is only to pass what will be added to the ballot for the whole student body to vote upon during upcoming GSS elections. Tripp specifically mentioned that no changes to the Student Activity Fee will occur without the approval of the undergraduate population.
President Tripp then offered advice on how to approach legislative actions in the future.
“Acts to urge should be used sparingly. These are serious measures and should only be pursued when supported by data and strong, fact-based discussions,” said Tripp.
