The Undergraduate Student Government passed the financial committee’s proposals amending club budget regulations, swore in new members and discussed the elections for this year’s freshman class representatives Sunday.
The general council met for the first time this semester and approved a proposal to increase money allotted to clubs for travel reimbursement, semester “start-up” initiatives and food for club meetings.
If the university administration approves the general council’s decision, each organization will be able to request reimbursement for up to $3,000 per year for travel to conferences or competitions instead of the previous $2,600 per year-cap. Clubs also have access to $100 for initiatives taking place in the first two weeks of each semester, up from $50. Additionally, clubs can also spend $30 per member on food for meetings over the course of the semester, $5 more than previously allowed.
USG President Jenna Johnson said she was pleased with the council’s decision to approve budget regulations.
“We’re all about giving more money to the students,” Johnson said. “The changes we made tonight were three big ways to do that.”
The council swore in two new members during the Sunday meeting. Senior Lindsay Goodwin was sworn in as the Residence Hall Association representative, and junior Raymond Nkwain Kindva was sworn in as the international student representative.
Junior Damien Michlitsch, elections and credentials committee chairperson, updated the council on preparation for freshmen elections, set to begin this week. Michlistch said 14 students are running, a higher number of candidates than usual. Four are running for freshmen class president.
“People can run right now, but voting will start on Thursday,” Michlistch said. “We’re excited about this increase (in students running).”
Michlistch said the freshmen class will get an email about the election process this week.
Delta Sigma Pi, St. Thomas’ business fraternity, was granted its request for $250 per person for two students to travel to Seattle for a Grand Chapter conference. The Muslim Student Association had a request for $100 approved for a social event.
USG will decide its 2013-2014 initiatives during its fall retreat, which will start Sept. 27.
Anastasia Straley can be reached at stra0669@stthomas.edu.