Student Government Association voted yesterday to release about $900 of spot funding to Blue Crew, to finance Billiken Madness.

Modeled after similar events at other universities, Billiken Madness will celebrate the first basketball practice of the year on Friday, Oct. 19. Blue Crew said the spirit event will help build momentum for the 2005-2006 basketball season; local media and possibly an ESPN affiliate will be present. The athletic department refused to fund Billiken Madness, so Blue Crew turned to SGA for financial assistance.

The Senate appropriated $919 to Blue Crew. The funding will pay for some 500 mini-basketballs, paper for fliers and a DJ. Blue Crew had originally requested $3,008; the SGA Finance Committee denied them funds to rent inflatable attractions and to buy basketballs for promotions. Blue Crew representatives say they may be able to obtain additional funding from private donors.

Many senators and members of the Executive Board expressed aggravation with the athletic department’s unwillingness to fund Billiken Madness.

“I am baffled by Athletics’ decision not fund this event. You would think they would understand how important it is to the University,” said Administrative Vice President Teresa Gabhart.

The Senate also passed a resolution to create a special committee to improve the orientation experience for incoming international students. Submitted by ISF President Darren Pais and ISF senators Matthew Arackal and Shivany Seepersad, the resolution said this year’s international student orientation was inconvenient, confusing and unfair.

Pais also mentioned that, although they do not participate in Welcome Week activities, SLU requires international students to pay the normal $50 fall orientation fee. The new committee will include the director of the International Center, the director of Housing and Residence Life and the director of the Cross Cultural Center; they will work to improve the experience of new international students for fall 2006.