By Lindsay Quinn
Staff Writer
Welcome newcomers
All newly elected senators attended the meeting last Friday although they could not vote. The meeting, according to Chair Marcy Muller, was to familiarize the new senators with the format of the meeting.
Concerns
Senator Janine Gorham brought up the Perspective on Education meeting, which is about bigotry on the part of students and professors and “what is going on between ethnic groups on campus,” she commented.
The meeting will be April 18 at Payson Smith on the Portland campus in Room 44, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Election update
The Senate referendums, which were voted on by the student body last week, all were voted down. Treasurer Justin LaBerge said, “all were defeated resoundingly.” On question one, about raising the student activity fee, 43.6 percent voted yes, and 66.4 percent voted no. On question two, about having a no-smoking campus, 42.2 percent voted yes and 68.8 percent voted no. On question three, about eliminating the Student Communications Board, 15.8 percent voted yes and 84.2 percent voted no.
Horseshoe pit going ahead
Senator Stamp explained how the horseshoe pit plan is going ahead as scheduled. There will be one pit by the Sullivan Gym on the Portland campus, and another pit by the Brooks Student Center on the Gorham campus.
Finances
The Finance Committee reported that in unallocated funds, they had $3606.12, although the report was not distributed due to small changes that needed to be made.
The Student Communications Board Budget was briefly reviewed at the meeting with no major questions or concerns voiced.
Elections within the Senate
Elections within the Student Senate to various committees and next year’s executive board will be held on April 26 at 9 a.m., because of a conflict with the last Board of Student Organizations meeting.
The Senate also discussed their plans for an end-of-the-year cruise. For a three hour cruise on a small ship, which would allow 175 people, it would cost $1,400. For a larger, luxury ship at the three hour limit, it would cost $1,800.
Leadership recognized
On Thursday May 2, nominated leaders from the USM community will take part in leadership recognition with a reception at President Pattenaude’s house and then a formal banquet at the Brooks Student Center.
Next meeting
The next Senate meeting will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday April 19 at Luther Bonney Hall, Room 502, Portland.
Absent
Senators Pertillar and Stanley were absent from the meeting.