On Tuesday, Nov. 8, the General Student Senate (GSS) representatives shared their weekly reports and discussed ongoing issues.
The meeting began with the appointment of Reagan Lee as a new student senator.
Next, the Students for Harm Reduction appeared before the senate in order to receive final recognition as a club. The senate voted unanimously in favor of their recognition.
Shortly after, GSS President Alyssa Ciasullo delivered her executive report.
“I have begun talks with campus police on seeing if we can get an update to the traffic plan in hopes of making it safer for pedestrians per one of my campaign promises… Vice President Bray, Director of Communication Bifulco, Senator Peterson and I met with the University of Maine Police for a public safety campaign, and I have a follow up meeting scheduled. Moving forward, I will be a member of the UMaine Parking and Transportation Committee, as well as the President’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council,” Ciasullo said.
The Vice President of Financial Affairs Paige Allen reported that the financial request website is finally ready and has guides and handouts on how organizations can request funding.
The Vice President for Student Entertainment Owen Hebda reported that Spotlight Cinema is once again honoring free tickets for University of Maine students with MaineCards every Wednesday.
The Vice President for Student Leadership Michael Delorge reported that he has begun developing a student leadership survey which would help specify what the student body wishes to see out of their student government.
Senate advisor Lauri Sidelko reported that the faculty senate meeting last week went well, and President Ferrini-Mundy is reconsidering the decision to have classes on Maine Day. President Ferrini-Munday has additionally created a task force that will be a part of the decision making process regarding if classes are to take place on April 26, 2023.
The Orono Town Council liaison reported that the winter parking ban has taken effect. It was also reported that there is currently a bill being drafted that would recognize Indigenous Sovereignty.
Director of Communications Hope Bifulco reported that there will be an upcoming collaboration with UMPD regarding texting and driving. More information will be coming out next week regarding the UMPD collaboration.
The Commuter & Nontraditional Students representative reported that there will be a pancake breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 24, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Commuter Lounge.
The Honors College representative Kate Kemper reported that the “It’s personal” campaign is still in progress and accepting donations.
The Sustainability and Environmental Action Division representative Nara Narith reported that there will be a contest for the new recycling design. Any questions or submissions can be sent directly to representative Narith at nara.narith@maine.edu.
The International Student Association reported that they will be hosting their second Culturefest at Star Hall.
The final action taken by the senate was to begin the nomination process for representative of UMaine ROTC, as the former representative resigned from the position. The final vote for this position will take place next time the senate meets on Nov. 29.
