Junior Kayla Gardner was elected elections and credentials chair and junior Heather Clayton was sworn in as the student organizations chair of the Undergraduate Student Government at the council’s final fall semester meeting.

Gardner and Clayton will fill positions that will be vacated by council members who are studying abroad spring semester.

The International Business Association and Chinese Cultural Association were both approved unanimously.

Nearly 70 St. Thomas students subscribed to IBA’s emails and juniors Emily Seitz and Kristen Bernsteen said the club would fill a void in clubs that specifically address global business, a growing trend in the business world in general.  

“We believe the business world is becoming increasingly global, and those that have an understanding of different cultures and the impacts of globalization will have success in their careers,” Seitz said. “This club could provide a benefit to the community because it would provide educational, cultural, and professional activities to all students.”

Junior Lu Chen said the club would provide support and camaraderie for Chinese students, but could also benefit business majors who learn part about Chinese language and culture.

“I think (for) business majors, especially international business students…it would be really helpful (for them) to learn a little bit of Chinese so they could feel comfortable to have a conversation,” Chen said.

The College Republicans, Quiz Bowl club and Vision in Action were approved to receive the maximum budget request amount for clubs on probation for the semester, $250.

Council members approved conference and competition reimbursement requests of $1,800 from the German club and Campus Outreach.

Budget requests for Volleyball Enthusiasts, a newly approved club, Sports Business, and Biology club were approved. Miracle Vansiea said the Sports Business club submitted a new request because of an expense that needed to be paid before spring budget requests would be approved.

Sustainability committee chair, Jesse Stock said the committee passed out nearly 100 reusable mugs and drink packets during Thursday’s convocation hour. Stock said the giveaways went quickly and hopes that the next event will focus more on the committee’s mission of promoting sustainability.

USG members volunteered to help serve food during the annual finals feed, from 9-10 p.m., Dec. 17, in Scooter’s.

Heidi Enninga can be reached at enni5264@stthomas.edu.