The Associated Students of the University of Wyoming allocated numerous funds to recognized student organizations at its first meeting of the semester Tuesday night, and discussed other pressing financial topics.
Director of Finance Chris Haakinson also addressed the senators about concerns for Recognized Student Organizations Funding Board.
“If we fund all the events that we have, we will have $11,000 left, so quite frankly we are running out of money and we’ve funded 37 events,” Haakinson said. “Funding Board decided not to pull from the reserve, so when run out, we run out.”
Haakinson opened up the opportunity for senators and attendees to voice their concerns or ideas they may have for how to handle the situation.
“On Jan. 28, we will have the town hall meeting which will be a great opportunity to have you guys come and voice your opinion on the issue,” Haakinson said.
ASUW allocated $825 to Mortar Board’s annual Torchlight Laurels. The Torchlight Laurels is an event that honors students of academic excellence. Mortar Board intends to have a prominent member of the Laramie community speak at the event.
ASUW also allocated Alpha Gamma Rho $3,500 for its Earth Day barbecue, which it will co-sponsor with the Collegiate Cattle Association. The barbecue is an event that is intended to educate students about the agriculture industry and promote the beef industry.
The Chinese Student and Scholar Association also was allocated $3,500 for its Chinese New Year event. The Central Student Association was also allocated $6,648.50 for a cultural event in March. The event is intended to promote different cultures within Central Asia.
Another issue that the senate discussed was the continuing university president selection and asking the Board of Trustees “to consider protecting and expression of opposing viewpoints as a top priority in the selection of the next UW president,” ASUW President Joel Defebaugh said.
Defebaugh also addressed the senators about certain items in the state legislation that ASUW may have to take into consideration.
“One controversial issue I don’t want to have a conversation about is guns on campus – two bills going around. Something that we may have to respond to quickly,” Defebaugh said.
Faculty Senate Chair Michael Barker also addressed the senate about Faculty Senate’s meeting on Feb. 28 and concerns the faculty has that are similar to ASUW’s.
“We will also be discussing some issues similar to what you guys are including academic freedom and to empower UW presidents to not allow outside sources to influence censoring,” Barker said. “We will also open up a resolution to the senators to make the presidential search public and to allow the finalists to be revealed and allow them to interact with faculty and staff.”
ASUW intended to discuss Senate Resolution 2379: ASUW Support for the Preservation of a Censorship a Censorship Free Environment, regarding the removal of the Carbon Sink, was tabled due to a lack of quorum. The debate for the resolution will take place at the ASUW meeting on Jan. 22.
