Last Week in Senate: New Funding and USA Banquet

By Hannah Wiley, Managing Editor 

The first meeting of the United Students Association (USA) following spring break was gaveled in on March 13 at 2:33 p.m. The meeting started with new business, which was a motion to begin having a conversation with Canisius athletics about USA starting to fund club sports. In lieu of President DeGlopper’s absence due to being away for a conference, Advisor Francey said the university is seeking approval from the senate to open this discussion. He ensured that this would not have a substantial impact on club funding and was simply the beginning stages of a conversation. Senator Stroh asked Vice President of Business Finance (VPBF) Peters if she foresaw any possible issues, which she did not. 

The senate then moved into a period of general student concerns. Sustainability Chair Stevens inquired about who to contact about mold and J.U.S.T.I.C.E Co-Chair Pike said that the new fridge vending machine outside of the Blue & Gold Cafe puts a $30 hold on your card every time you use it. Advisor Francey urged everyone to reach out to utilities if you find mold in your dorm or anywhere else. The senate was unsure why the vending machines were putting holds on cards and would look into that and if any more of the machines are being added around campus.  

Next was executive reports. Executive Vice President (EVP) Mulenga urged returning senators to fill out the Google form sent out if they are looking to run for re-election. She also reminded everyone that the annual USA banquet was going to be held this upcoming Friday, March 20 at 6 p.m. Sustainability Chair Stevens asked who to contact if one cannot attend and EVP Mulenga urged everyone to reach out to President DeGlopper if they were unable to be in attendance, as it is a mandatory event. 

VPBF Peters reminded everyone that the dress code for the banquet was business professional and said she would be sending out an email about the difference in business casual, business formal and business professional. Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations (VPMPR) Akil also made announcements about the banquet and reminded everyone that alumni would be in attendance and this is a great opportunity for networking. 

The senate then moved into cabinet reports. J.U.S.T.I.C.E. Co-Chair Pike encouraged everyone to attend the Little Theatre musical, “Into the Woods,” which had shows from March 12-14. Sustainability Chair Stephens said there will be a planting with sustainability event on March 26 in the Quad from 5-7 p.m. She also announced a potential campus clean-up on March 21. She is also working on getting recycling posters put up above recycling bins. Public Health Chair Riley announced a coffee house event happening Thursday, March 19 from 5-7 p.m. with giveaways, activities and an open mic. He is working on doing another fitness initiative and also planning to meet with a representative from the Health Center about getting a med kit put into the library. 

The meeting then moved into open discussion to which the only topic discussed was Senator Biobaku asking if there was going to be an ATM put outside the bookstore again. The senate meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m. There is no senate meeting Friday, March 20 and the next session will be on Friday, March 27 at 2:30 p.m. The general student body is always welcome at the meetings and it is encouraged that you attend if you have any questions or concerns for the executive board or cabinet members and liaisons.