The Student Government Association’s General Board Meeting began at 8:05 PM on Wednesday, March 2nd.
Student Body Comments
Katie Campbell, the Activities Coordinator, spoke to the student body informing them that all club finances will be approved through her. Any club looking to make purchases should go through Campbell for the remainder of the semester. There has been some confusion with her email, as there are several people named “Katie Campbell” in the system. Her direct email is kcc00124@nvu.vsc.edu. Clubs are encouraged to either email her or visit Campbell’s office on the second floor of Rita Bole.
Reports & Presentations
Student Trustee, Ryan Cooney, gave an update on the transformation. After the Spring 2023 semester, Northern Vermont University, Castleton University, and Vermont Technical College will combine to become Vermont State University. Cooney stated that the transformed university will be “very well suited for the next decades of students coming in.” A student asked if it would be “VSU” across the board or if each campus would be able to identify as “VSU-Lyndon,” “VSU-Castleton,” etc. Cooney said specific marketing tactics around the new brand are still being discussed. However, the branding team and Board of Trustees are prioritizing the identities of the campuses and they recognize the value of their cultures and histories.
Cooney informed the student body that they will be combining the academic schedule across the system campuses next semester. He also mentioned that as a part of the accessibility and affordability component of the merger, the universities will use Zoom more often. The Board of Trustees currently has a search and screen committee for a new president of the unified university, and they are currently looking at candidates from across the country. The BOT is in close contact with the legislature regarding the funding the system needs to survive. Governor Scott has already proposed an additional 5 million dollars in his latest budget.
Cooney also mentioned that he will be graduating this year, opening the door for a new Studnet Trustee. There will be an open application process rolling out soon. It is a one-year position with an optional second year following.
Financial Update
The SGA has $42,226.71 available for spending, with a total of $72,916.95 in the account. In the 49900 parent account, there is a balance of $91,525.69.
Discussion & Action Items
Gabrielle Brown, the NVU-Lyndon Representative for the Climate Consensus, presented to the SGA asking for $1,503 to take students to the Shelburne Races.
The Climate Consensus is a group based out of the atmospheric sciences department. Since 2014 they have created a non-profit, 501c3, and have combined with 10 other universities. Brown stated “Our mission is to empower scientists to get involved in climate outreach.”
To build team bonding amongst students that are excited to work with the Climate Consensus, they sought funding for 20 students to participate in the Shelburne 5k, 10k, and half marathon on May 7th. The $1,503 would support the students’ admission fees, three school vans, lunch, and breakfast. The funding was approved by the SGA.
Next, the Twilight Players President Curtis Bates and Secretary Jasmyn Wilkinson presented some changes to their constitution. The last time the constitution was updated was in 2013. Amongst grammar and word changes, they removed the “Historian” and “Head of Dance” positions from their executive team. Wilkinson explained that the advisor of the club already handled what the Historian was supposed to do. Also, after the Dance Ensemble club was formed separately of the Twilight Players, the theatre troupe stopped dancing. A motion to approve the Twilight Players constitution was taken and approved.
The SGA also presented changes to their constitution, along with a new Policies and Procedures document. Along with basic changes to wording and language for the future of the school, they changed the timing of the compensation SGA executive board members and class representatives receive. As opposed to receiving it in sum at the end of the year, the compensation will be split between the fall and spring semesters. These changes were approved by the SGA General Board and went to the student body Thursday night during BINGO for approval.
The SGA also approved a new firepit, which would cost $36,600 and also required the student body’s vote. The current firepit on campus is downhill in a wetland and it is not accessible to some community members. SGA got a quote for a new firepit across from the gazebo outside Hornet’s Nest. Maintenance has approved this location. The fire pit has a 20ft outside diameter and a 16ft inside diameter.
The firepit would be made of stone and brick, and is projected to last 30 years. It would be open for anyone to use with the approval of Student Affairs. It would be plowed for use over the winter, as well. If approved by the student body, construction would take place later this spring when the ground thaws. Financial Controller Patrick Wickstrom projected the project to be done by the fall semester.
The quote for the firepit is $36,600 total for supplies and labor. The cost is for a projected 3-4 week time frame. $18,700 is going towards materials fees, and the rest is going towards labor.
The firepit and SGA constitution results will be announced at the next SGA meeting on Wednesday, March 16.
The SGA has been working on a mural project to be painted in the Student Center next to the Hornet’s Nest. The mural concept is meant to tell the story of the school–from Lyndon Teachers College to Vermont State University. They have commissioned five students in the Visual Arts Department for the project: Erics Shea, Sebastian Siegfried, Sarah Fickes, Amanda Adams, Ben Holman, and Nat Julow. Siegfried is heading the team.
The SGA executive board asked for $2,000 to cover commission and materials costs. This funding was approved by the general board.
Several design options will be presented at next week’s general board meeting. The physical painting of the mural is expected to kickoff Spring Day Weekend on Thursday, April 21st.
With the 49900 account funds, another proposal was made to set aside $10,000 toward academic programming. It will provide professors with funds to put on additional events for classes that may not be in the department’s budget. There will be grants up to $1,000 that professors and department chairs can apply for. All applications will be reviewed by a member of the Provost’s Office along with the SGA executive board to ensure proper allocation of the funds. This idea was also approved by the general board.
Club & Committee Updates
The Critic is taking t-shirt orders for their club members, due Wednesday, and is working on the NVU-Lyndon Bucket List.
Model UN is hosting a Zoom presentation on Wednesday, April 20th with Dr. Norman Finkelstein, who will be speaking on international conflicts.
MEISA is having another Showcase Series performance on March 31st.
Dance Ensemble is hosting Dancing with the Presidents on March 23rd at 8 pm in the Alexander Twilight Theater.
Twilight Players’ spring musical, Zombie Prom, will be performed from Thursday, April 14 to Sunday, April 17.