At Thursday’s Marquette Student Government meeting, senators approved next year’s budget, which included the elimination of the Major Events Commission, responsible for the spring and fall concerts.
The senate also discussed the current search for a Gender Resource Center director and elected a new president pro tempore.
Financial Vice President Brittany Riesenbeck, a sophomore in the College of Business Administration, went over the fiscal year 2013 budget with the senate, specifically pointing out the cutting of the Major Events Commission. Riesenbeck said the commission was being eliminated due to Milwaukee’s growing entertainment offerings and the inability for all Marquette students to attend.
Riesenbeck said a new coffeehouse series with live music will be sponsored by MUSG in 2013. More money will also go to MUSG outreach to student organizations.
“The money will go a long way to making MUSG seen on campus,” said Sam Schultz, a sophomore and senator in the College of Arts & Sciences.
The budget was approved in a 26-0 vote.
President Arica VanBoxtel, a junior in the College of Communication, urged senators and students to get involved in the search for a director for the Gender Resource Center. Interviews for the candidates are happening throughout the week, and students are welcome to attend.
Candidates include Susannah Bartlow, a faculty member in Dickinson College’s Department of Women and Gender Studies and the founding director of the school’s Women’s Resource Center; Anthony Papini, director of educational leadership for the Pride Foundation in Seattle; and Brian Patchcoski, director of the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Ally Resource Center at Pennsylvania State University.
Bartlow presented yesterday, but remaining candidate interviews are still upcoming. Papini will present today at 2:30 p.m. at Johnston Hall 103, and Patchcoski will present Friday at 2:30 p.m. in Raynor Beaumier Suites B and C.
Riesenbeck also reminded student organizations who were funded to retrieve their reimbursement checks in the MUSG office prior to the end of the semester.
MUSG Advisor Kate Trevey announced that CollegiateLink, the online organization involvement website, is now running. Student organizations must register their organization by May 11 to be able to register for O-Fest. Trevey said that the president of an organization for the upcoming year should be the primary point of contact.
Later in the meeting, Justin Alexander was elected president pro tempore with a 25-0-1 vote. As president pro tempore, Alexander will facilitate communication between MUSG committees. Stephanie Marecki, a junior and senator in the College of Business Administration, nominated Alexander for the position after working with him on the Student Life Committee.
“I was impressed; he wrote multiple pieces of legislation,” Marecki said. “He is prompt, organized … and will be an asset to each of the committees,” Marecki said.
Announcements
“McCormick Hall Day” will be Saturday, April 28. The event will be luau-themed.
“Schroeder Hall Day” will be Sunday, April 29. It will be held at Schroeder Field.
“O’Donnell Hall Day” will be Sunday, April 29. Free food will be served.
Senior Week and Shedd Aquarium excursion tickets are currently on sale in the Brooks Lounge.