DANIEL KIM and KASSY LOCHHEAD
STAFF WRITERS
Franciscan University’s Student Government resumed session Wednesday, Jan. 27 with its first spring semester meeting during which five bills were discussed.
One of the bills was tabled for a later date and the others were passed.
Spring Semester Bill #1, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Smith, suggested establishment of an emergency fund for the March for Life Ad Perpetuum, which is to be used by Franciscan during the March for Life in Washington, D.C., in the case of a hazardous situation.
This bill was written after all eight buses of students became stuck on the Pennsylvania Turnpike while returning from the 2016 March for Life. The emergency fund would be used to provide food and water if the need arises. This bill was tabled for a later date in order that the Student Government can have more time to discuss the issue with other parties involved.
The second bill moved to recognize the Franciscan University St. Vitus Social Dance club. Many students have had an interest and enthusiasm for the club’s traditional styles of dancing. The club would provide students with a wholesome, fun environment to learn about different dances.
Spring Bills #3, #4 and #5, sponsored by President Ben Stroka, moved to confirm three people in Student Government positions.
Katie Irvin, a sophomore English major, was confirmed as Austrian Consul for the 2016 spring semester. She has served her class as one of its senators last semester.
Samantha Martinez, a business management major, was also confirmed as the Austrian Ambassador for the spring semester. She served as senator for three consecutive semesters and ran the Midnight Madness event in October.
Lastly, Victoria Schimmer, who previously served as a Supreme Court justice, will continue being secretary for the semester. The Student Government body recognized Schimmer’s hard work in the past.
Student Government’s office hours will be available starting Monday, Feb. 1, and there will be a special election for empty senate seats Wednesday, Feb. 3.
Editor’s note: Student Government stipends provided out of their semester budget is as follows: president, $1,000; vice president, $900; treasurer, $850; secretary, $800; internal auditor, $500; executive assistant, $350; public relations liaison, $200; Austrian ambassador, $200; and Austrian consul, $100.