At last Tuesday’s meeting, the USG Senate passed Resolution 3 in support of finding a permanent operating space for the DU Clarion and DU Radio (KXDU). The Senate also confirmed Sidney Barbier as Executive Chair of the Sustainability Committee after voting in favor to fund Exit 205 A Cappella for their international competition.
The meeting started with a funding request presentation by Exit 205 A Cappella. The funding would be used for accommodation and travel to Arizona for the International Collegiate A Cappella Semifinals, which President Scott Simpson likened to the competitions in the Pitch Perfect film series. Exit 205 will compete in regional quarterfinals on March 11 in Denver against nine other teams. If they secure a first or second-place finish, they are guaranteed a spot in the semifinals on March 25 in Phoenix.
Senators were largely receptive to the funding request. Exit 205 was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, only returning to in-person rehearsals during Spring 2021. Since then, as explained by President Simpson, the group has worked hard to “create a thriving a cappella community on campus.”
While USG was unable to fund the charter bus travel costs for the group, they did authorize $2,600 for accommodations to house the 13-member team.
The Senate then voted in support of Amendment 24, which had been tabled, as per USG regulations, from the Jan. 31 meeting. Presented by Senator Lindsay Baker, the amendment authorizes use of rollover funds accumulated from the pandemic while providing transparency on how registered student organizations (RSOs) can use such funds.
The most lively debate of the evening was spurred by Resolution 3, authored by Senators Kenna Stephen, Adrianna Turcinovic and Lindsay Baker. The resolution confirms USG’s commitment to advocating for a permanent student-led media space on campus for the DU Clarion and DU Radio Club (KXDU).
Historically, student media had a permanent space on campus in the former Driscoll Commons basement. Since the commons’ demolition, however, student media has yet to receive a space in the new Community Commons. This unresolved issue has placed production and distribution of Clarion print copies on hold, and inhibits DU Radio from establishing 24/7 broadcasting capabilities.
The resolution not only confirms USG support but also calls for the Office of Student Engagement and Facilities Management & Planning to respond to the room request by the end of Winter Quarter. DU Clarion and DU Radio representatives have appealed to relevant offices for a permanent space in the last year, however, the USG resolution builds upon this by recognizing the need for student government engagement with the situation.
The resolution created some initial disagreement between President Abbie McAdams and Senators Mitchell Thompson and Colton Arciniaga. While McAdams indicated her support for the legislation, she also argued the resolution was not completely necessary as she is currently working with the administration to solve the issue.
Senators Thompson and Arciniaga pushed back against this claim with Thompson indicating continued attempts to establish a media room have been met with reluctance by the administration, so USG legislation could make a powerful statement to the university. Senator Arciniaga agreed, also indicating it is important for USG to take a stand as they represent all student voices on campus.
Debate concluded after Senator Thompson referenced his own experience with student media at his prior university where he participated in the radio room. After highlighting the meaningful professional and educational opportunities student media provides for all majors, Thompson stated he “could not be more supportive of the amendment.” Resolution 3 passed with near unanimous support.
Sidney Barbier was then confirmed for her new position as Executive Chair of Sustainability. Vice-President Shreya Surendra endorsed Barbier, speaking to her historical commitment to green initiatives in Steamboat Springs which earned her a Girl Scout Sustainability award. Sustainability Chair Rachel Bienstock also spoke to Barbier’s organizational skills and expressed her excitement to have a helping hand in furthering sustainability initiatives across campus.
Senator Baker began internal proceedings for senator reports with an update on “Love, Sex and Health Week” which will take place Feb. 13 through 16. Throughout the week, students will be able to attend a Sex Ed-Stravaganza reproductive health fair and receive free and confidential STI testing. At the Sex Ed-Stravaganza, the HCC will have a table to share information about emergency contraception and PrEP availability on campus.
Senator Tyler Miller also updated the Senate as to the ongoing gym hours extension project. Starting Spring Quarter, the Ritchie Center will be open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. for a 5-week trial period. The Senate was also updated on the food pantry move from Towers to the Bridge next to the bookstore.
