By Peter Baugher
Distribution Manager
Franciscan University Student Government (FUSG) passed funding for a club event, swore in the executive staff and discussed the renovations of Christ the King Chapel at a meeting on Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. in the St. Leo Room in the J.C. Williams Center.
Chief Justice junior Faith Sirilla administered the oath of office to the executive staff, who were confirmed last week.
The Senate passed Fall Bill 16, which allocated $800 for the Trinity Hall Resident Director to lead a men’s retreat in St. Junipero Serra Hall.
The bill originally allocated $1,000 for the event, but the senators objected to the high amount.
Sophomore Sen. Veronica MacDonald motioned to amend the bill to $800.
The Senate approved the amendment, and the bill passed unanimously after the approval of the amendment.
The Senate also passed Fall Bill 17 to allocate $1,400 to the carpentry club for the cost of using a local workshop and paying for the cost of lumber.
Senior Sen. Pendergast said, “I think we have to do a cost-benefit. One thousand four hundred dollars is a lot … on the other hand, this club could provide valuable skills. If not, even people become master carpenters just working with their hands, and making things themselves … I think that it might be worth it.”
“I think we should really consider providing, if not the full $1,400, not too much of a significant reduction,” Pendergast continued.
The bill passed without opposition.
Fall Bill 18 allocated $147.32 to the Knights of Columbus to provide pizza for their upcoming movie night.
Senators raised objections to the number of pizzas the club plans to purchase. Weist said the 14 pizzas are based on the number of pizzas eaten the last time, and that they expect the same turnout.
Objections were raised in regards to the “free food at Franciscan” group chat, but the bill passed with an amendment that reduced the cost of the bill by $20.
During the president’s comments, Pres. senior Gabe Denley encouraged FUSG members to advertise any student government-funded events as much as possible to the student body.
Denley also said that he met with Rev. Jonathan St. Andre, TOR, FUSG Advisor David Schmiesing and Vice President Nick Patryn to discuss the chapel renovation. Denley said that St. Andre is open to coming to a FUSG meeting to answer questions.
Denley said, “He was pretty adamant that if we had the information he has, we would be in support of the expansion of Christ the King Chapel as well.”
Schmiesing said, “I don’t think he was saying that if everyone had the information that he had they would agree that the renovations are the way to go, I think he was saying that people might see that as a reasonable option.”
Director of Ministries Chris Karroum said that about 400 people responded to a FUSG survey and that, for the most part, the respondents liked the traditional chapel design over the renovations.
Sirilla said that executive staff need to have office hours, and senators need to reach out to the clubs that they represent. Sirilla also said that members must stand when they speak during formal meetings.
Sirilla also recommended that the Senate amend the by-laws so that executive staff can lobby during formal deliberations on policy.
The meeting adjourned at about 11:55 a.m.