The first Student Government Association general board meeting of the Spring 2022 semester began at 8:04 PM, Wednesday, January 26. The agenda for the night included a funding request from the Outing Club and the Spring Day Planning Committee, an update on the Buzz mascot costume discussion, and more details regarding the Winter Ball.
Student Body Comments
Senior Alexander Therriault once again stood before the general board to inquire about a proposal to fly various flys around campus. Three years ago, Therriault pitched to the Student Government Association to fly three flags on campus: the Vermont state flag, the Black Lives Matter flag, and the LGBTQ+ Pride flag. Last semester, SGA discussed the flags in question during several general board meetings, deciding to table the discussion.
During the September 15th general board meeting last year, the total cost of three “vertical shaft, wall-mount” flagpoles was estimated at $8,622, each flagpole individually priced at $2,874. In the proposal, the poles would be mounted on the side of the LAC terrace facing the Library Pond. Flags flown in this area include an LGBTQ+ Pride and Ally flag, a Black Lives Matter flag, and a Prisoner of War flag. The Vermont state flag was argued to be flown on the already standing flagpole in the center of campus that sports the U.S. national flag.
Student Rawniesha Davis, representing NVU-Lyndon FAIR, invited an open discussion on the flags to the November 3rd SGA board meeting attendees that evening. While students voiced their support, this was the last instance of the SGA discussing the flags.
After Alex inquired why the flags were put on hold, SGA President Gill MacDonald stated that the pause was because of uncertainty surrounding the student’s opinions on whether they would support the flags. The Outing Club President, Emma Mann, inquired if a petition supporting the flags would put the discussion back in motion. SGA Financial Controller Patrick Wickstrom confirmed a petition would move the topic along quicker.
Following the flag discussion, Colin Gallagher, the WWLR Representative, questioned about a petition that went around last semester to get a bookstore on campus again. MacDonald could not confirm whether that petition was successful but said the university administration is not working towards getting a bookstore back.
Reports & Presentations
Lyndon Day was postponed until Friday, February 4th. The celebration will include an Involvement Fair held from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm in the Moore Community Room. Clubs participating include The Critic, Film Appreciate Club, Dance Ensemble, WWLR, CAB, Ultimate Frisbee, MEISA, the Twilight Players, the Peer Leaders, and other campus-based groups. SGA will be handing out shirts at their table featuring students’ individual schools and majors.
There will be a Winter Ball on March 4th at Burke Mountain from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. There will be food and drinks available. Designated drivers will also be available to drive students back to campus.
Financial Update
There is $44,552.76 available to spend in the SGA financial account, the total amount being $78,156.76.
Discussion & Action Items
Mann requested funding for a trip to the Jay Peak Pump House Indoor Waterpark for the Outing Club. The club collaborates with the Campus Activities Board to bring 45 students on the trip. CAB agreed to cover 70% of the trip, but Outing Club never budgeted to fund a trip to the indoor water park. The Outing Club asked for $880.50 to cover the remaining 30% of transportation and tickets. A motion to vote was taken and funding for the Jay Peak trip was approved.
The annual Spring Day Weekend celebration, this year, will be held from April 21st to April 24th. The traditionally 3-day event was expanded after a suggestion from NVU President John Mills. SGA Executive Vice President Kaitlin Flannigan, who heads the SGA’s Spring Day Planning Committee, asked the general board for $1,500.00 to fund activities for this additional day that was not originally budgeted. Some of last year’s Spring Day activities included a photo booth, a virtual roller coaster, an ax-throwing station, an involvement fair, and human foosball. Although nothing has been announced, Flannigan teased potential events to include a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream truck, a “wreck room,” inflatable obstacle courses, and a campus-wide art event. The general board approved the complete funding request.
The Student Government also finalized funding for the new Buzz the Hornet mascot costume. Last semester, the SGA executive board proposed buying a new mascot costume as the current one is falling apart. The Buzz costume would be the same basic design, ensuring students would not have to familiarize themselves with a new mascot. Buzz’s cosmetic update was priced at $2,499 with a shipping fee of $150. A motion to fund $2,649 for the costume was taken and approved. It takes two weeks for the company to produce a mascot. The SGA hopes to have the new Buzz by Spring Day.
Club & Committee Updates
On March 23rd, the Dance Ensemble will hold the third annual Dancing With the Presidents competition.
MEISA canceled their Battle of Bands event due to COVID-19 concerns. However, the club is moving forward with Greggfest plans.
The NVU Gardening Club is partnering with CAB on Saturday, February 12th, to host a Paint ‘n’ Plant event, a spin on the usual Paint ‘n’ Sip.
Ski & Ride is working on an event with Burke Mountain, which might require funding in the coming weeks.
The Sports Medicine club will be hosting a blood drive on Thursday, February 10th, in the Bole Gym. The drive will start just before noon and last into the late afternoon. Any interested donors are encouraged to sign-up online on the Red Cross’s website.
The Twilight Players will be performing a spring musical. This year, the musical of choice is Zombie Prom. Auditions will be held on February 8th at 6 pm in the Alexander Twilight Theater.