UGA statement
In separate statements on Sept. 21 and Sept. 28, both Institute President G.P. “Bud” Peterson and the Undergraduate SGA Executive Board released opinions regarding UGA’s proposed mechanical, electrical and civil engineering program. These came after the Board of Regents agreed to vote on UGA’s proposal to add these majors to its curriculum.
In his statement posted on the Tech website, Peterson came out against the measure, saying that starting the program in light of recent budget cuts is “not the best use of scarce resources.” He expressed his confidence that Tech can meet the state’s need for engineers and promised to represent Tech’s interests.
Brooke McDaniel, Vice President of Communications for Undergraduate SGA, released a statement taking a more direct tone, asking that the Board of Regents to invest the money into Tech instead. “We suggest considering methods to expand one of the best programs in the country instead of allocating funds to creating new ones…” she wrote.
The Board of Regents will discuss UGA’s proposal in its Oct. meeting.
JFC collaboration policy
UHR passed an amendment to JFC policy 41-1 promoting collaboration among student organizations by giving increased funding to collaborative events. Such events would need to be equally organized and run by three or more organizations and have drawn 500 attendees in years past. Incentives included funding for t-shirts and food, as well as increased funding for publicity and speaker fees.
The bill also allowed for service groups to seek funding for travel within the Atlanta area that happens on a weekly basis.
Although GSS failed to meet quorum so that it may vote on the bill, Senators debated the cost of upper-tier speakers, potentially reaching 15 percent of the budget in SGA’s Prior Year account. The bill will be rediscussed next week by the graduates.
SOS
Both houses of SGA discussed a bill from Students Organizing for Sustainability (SOS) asking for funding for an exhibition about the Gulf of Mexico oil spill from this past summer. GSS passed the bill by a narrow margin of 21-13, taking issue with evidence that SOS would be serving wine at the event. Senators also expressed concern over the $5000 requested for speakers.
Although there was no debate in UHR on the motion to waive procedure and consider the bill immediately, representatives took immediate issue with the cost of speakers.
Sophomore Rep. Mike Mosgrove moved to cut the speaker fees to $2000 but the motion failed. As representatives prepared to vote on the version passed by GSS, Graduate President Anthony Baldridge adressed the House.
Reminding representatives of his ability to veto a bill, Baldridge suggested that they fail the bill so it may be reconsidered next week and given better consideration. After a short discussion, the House did just that, voting 9-29-2.
At the end of the meeting JFC Chairman Brad Bauerkemper warned representatives from moving bills up on the agenda without good cause since it prevents his committee from issuing a recommendation on bills’ adherence to JFC Policy.