USM’s 33rd Student Senate voted to approve the constitutions of three new student groups on Friday, December 3. In the same meeting the senators passed a proposal to change the name of the Women’s Studies Student Organization to the Gender Studies Student Organization.
The University of Southern Maine International Nursing and Social Services Organization (INSSO) received approval first. Senior Heather Addor, a nursing major, spoke about the need for the organization and how students participating will help raise funds for programs like the Dominican Outreach Program. The Senate approved the creation of the group with little discussion.
Circle K received words of praise and support from Senators Joshua Chaisson, Andrew Bossie and Jeremy Collette before being unanimously approved. The Kiwanis Club of Pullman, Washington opened the first Circle K house in 1936. The Kiwanis sponsored the house as a fraternal organization until 1947 when, according to the Circle K International web site, it “transitioned from a fraternity to a service-oriented organization.”
Sophomore David Colson, political science major, represented the three founders of the current reincarnation of the College Democrats at the Senate meeting. “It’s been an idea that has been floating in my mind for the past year,” he said before the Senate vote.
“The big purpose is to get people involved. I don’t think it really matters if a person is a democrat or a republican,” said Colson when asked if there were any bipartisan plans to work with the College Republicans over the next semester. The College Democrats came to the senate with over 30 interested potential members.