]A debaucle of monumental proportions concering chartered student organizations (CSOs) swept through the Student Government Association meeting last night.
SGA began yesterday’s meeting by chartering a new student organization, Raising the Bar. Led by freshman Nathan Byrd, the CSO tutors underprivileged high school students and helps with after-school acitivities. SLU Hops, a dance group that focuses on swing dance for enjoyment, not performance, as well as the Theology Club, was also chartered.
In addition to approving next year’s Judicial Branch, a bill was passed suggesting the relaxation of regulations on commuter students, allowing them easier access to residence halls by simply presenting their ID. First Year Senator Michael Heithaus echoed the sentiment of many when he said, in reference to the whole system for commuter students, “It’s worthless as it is.”
The majority of the evening was devoted to questions surrounding allocation of CSO funds. The groups’ debates were chosen at random.
In the case of the Advertising Club, they had requested $1,020, part of which would go towards a trip to Chicago. Financial Vice President Chad Kreikemeier stated, “We didn’t think it was a very good expenditure.” The funds were voted down.
Controversy continued to erupt as heated debate plagued the situations of CSOs such as the Cycling Club, KSLU, Sangam and club sports teams.
The Cycling Club was next, requesting $3,437. The Senate agreed to allocate a portion of the requested money and the final sum was $560.
KSLU, represented by Arts & Sciences Senator Rachel Beatty, asked for $4,000 for equipment, etc. Griesedieck Senator Eric Immel then said that KSLU should receive no money from SGA, but rather from the University. They were denied any funding.
Sangam went next, with representation by current president Ankur Shah, who cited that the money was needed for the show, which was fundraising and part of which went to charity. Shah clarified that all costs are covered prior to philanthropic donations. Sangam requested $750 and was denied anything.
Women’s Club Lacrosse then asked SGA for $3,100. Some questions were raised when it was brought to light that the group had just received $300 from the Residence Hall Association; they were granted $0.
Megan Salinski and Kelly West of the Women’s Volleyball Club, which currently ranks among the top 20 teams in the nation, requested $1,529. Grand Forest Senator Deanna Durrett, although she emphasized she was not making a gender comparison, brought up points about how the men’s team received more than twice what was allocated to the girls’ team. Law School Senator Rich Sykora then initiated what would be a considerable turn in the evening.
He stated, in reference to the whole appeals process, “This needs to be fixed,” making an amendment to abolish special rules. “It’s going to continue to go bad,” he said, proposing the process be halted at that time. Kreikemeier felt opposed to this motion, and said, “We have given zero voice to the CSOs.”
President-elect Nick Sarcone stated, “Be subjective. That’s your job,” pointing out that the Senate’s job is different from the Finance Committee, which is supposed to be objective.
In the end, Sykora’s amendment was failed, and the volleyball group eventually got $396, which Salinski saw as “Better than nothing.”
The Cricket Club sought to get all the funds it orginally requested, making its appeal $3,400. It was then stated by Kreikemeier that the group used its funding to get a satellite dish to watch the World Cup and rented an off-campus apartment, the only way to house the dish, for two months. Members of the club showed their battered gear in an effort to get more money. Ultimately, however, they received no money.
The Rugby Club, which at the time, had no representatives, was voted down to $0 from $3,586.97.
The Hockey Club drew much support from the Senate and sympathy for its request of funds. Each of the 40 members pays $1,500 in dues and was requesting $3,355 to cover some deficit. Remarks were made by First Year Senator Jim Swift, Immel and Graduate Commuter Senator Daniel French, showing the good publicity the team has garnered for SLU as well as recognition from Kreikemeier about their excellent fundraising efforts. The amount was lowered to $1,065 and then passed.
UNA then asked for $324.37, with Christina Blacno saying, “It’s an academic thing.” Swift, Sykora and First Year Senator Patrick Ishamel had problems with the University endorsing any student activity fees going to what they saw as an event, the Vagina Monologues production, out of agreement with Jesuit ideals. A moral debate ensued. Black Student Alliance Senator Taylor Gaddy said only six cents of students’ money went to the Vagina Monologues, to which Swift responded he wanted this six cents back. Reinert Senator Joel Samuels then threw the money down in front of Swift. UNA was granted all of the $324.37 they requested.
Alicia Taylor, of Insatiable Dance, wanted money for new uniforms, asking for $1,500. After support from Arts & Sciences Senator Maria Rodriguez, “Uniforms are an essential part of a dance team,” the group was allocated $130.
The last group to go was the Black Student Alliance, which wanted $1,175 and was granted $675. Passing the gavel and Committee Chair Reports were suspended and the meeting was adjourned.
