ELIJAH SIMON AND DANIEL KIM
STAFF WRITERS
Franciscan University Student Government passed three bills, including last semester’s controversial stipend decision, as well as hosted a guest speaker at their weekly meeting Wednesday.
The most debated bill of the meeting was Spring 2015 Bill 11. This bill allocated $900 to Students for Life for stipends for the president and vice president. This bill finalized what turned out to be a controversial topic last semester when Student Government was modifying the spring 2015 budget.
There was much contention as to whether Students for Life should receive money for stipends when no other clubs receive such funds. However, during the debate time for Bill 11, it was made clear that the Student Government constitution does allow for such funds to be afforded to clubs.
“Students for Life should not be denied these funds for the sole reason that no other clubs have requested such funds,” said Sen. Ben Idzik during the debate.
The bill passed with two nay votes and one abstain.
Spring 2015 Bill 12 apportioned $500 for Students for Life. This money would go toward the creation and publication of the Students for Life magazine.
The fact that this magazine is well-accepted by readers and has an upstanding reputation was recognized. The bill passed unanimously.
Senate Spring 2015 Bill 13 was presented on behalf of the new men’s volleyball club, founded by Stephen Hostutler. The club requested $252 to purchase league-regulated athletic shorts.
This bill also passed unanimously.
During the meeting, Nancy Ronevich, director of Career Services, spoke to Student Government on the importance of professionalism when making the transition from college life into the career world.
In her presentation, Ronevich spoke about what employers look for in a prospective employee and how the environmental transition from college to the workplace can be overwhelming if one is not prepared. She also gave a few practical tips, such as researching a company and its culture before being hired, and improving practical skills in matters like budgeting and time management.
Ronevich was excited to be able to speak to the members of Student Government because of the large role they play on campus and urged them to maintain their standards of professionalism and leadership when they leave Franciscan.
“A first impression is hard to overturn,” Ronevich said. “So make sure that you are polite and continue growing in your relationship skills.”
Ronevich was very well-received and appreciated by Student Government for the time she took to speak.
The meeting ended with President Brian Kirby urging the senators to be transparent about change of their opinions. He also disclosed two new possibilities to be discussed at the next meeting, namely, a suggestion box that would be available to students and faculty to critique and support Student Government as well as a possible extension of library hours to 1 a.m. on weekdays.