In its final meeting of the 2022-23 academic year, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Senate passed three new bills before swearing in a new batch of student representatives.
First on the agenda was Bill 75, authored by incoming President MJ Hyde and outgoing On-Campus Senator Tyler Miller, which will use USG rollover funds for a new cable machine in the Ritchie Center gym. Justifying the $34,000 purchase, President Hyde argued the old cable machine in the gym is three years overdue replacement. Due to pandemic funding cuts, not only has the current equipment not been replaced, but spare parts are hard to come by.
Speaking in favor of the bill was incoming Vice-President Zach Headley. Explaining how he pays for an off-campus gym membership due to limited or broken equipment in the Ritchie Center, Headley plainly stated students deserve to have a functioning space which enhances their mental and physical health. The bill passed unanimously.
Outgoing Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Senator Lindsay Baker then presented a funding proposal for DU Pollination Society. The $10,000 funding request was made in support of beehive maintenance. Both hives are located next to JMAC in the community gardens.
Senator Baker explained the funds would be used for monthly health check-ins on the hives, as well as honey harvesting. Senator Baker stressed the importance of hive maintenance given concerns of mite treatment which, without such checks, could completely wipe out a hive.
Outgoing Sustainability Chair and Sophomore Senator Rachel Beinstock recommended her fellow senators fully support the request. In debate, Outgoing Senior Senator Eli Rocke inquired as to whether the honey could be sold in the dining hall. In response, Senator Baker stated the matter would have to be discussed with Sodexo, but that in future years, the DUPB Farmer’s Market — taking place this year on May 25th from 1-5pm — could be a great place to sell such student-made products. The funding proposal passed with 21 yeas and one abstention.
The final bill proposed was Bill 76. Authored by outgoing Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Senator Kenna Stephen, Bill 76 mandates all Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) have at least 25% membership participation in harm reduction training per year. Senator Stephen explained a 2018 USG resolution already requires RSOs partake in such training, however a resolution is nonbinding.
On-Campus Senator Luke Miller began the questioning period by asking who determines what harm prevention training topics are addressed. Senator Stephen responded by explaining such topics are not explicitly defined in the bill’s language for a reason. Rather, USG harm reduction partners on campus, such as the cultural center and the Office of Student Engagement, have the power to determine which topics are available and when.
Senators subsequently engaged in a contentious debate regarding the added pressure on RSO’s to partake in harm reduction training. Some Senators argued harm reduction was an added burden given freshman already participate in DU Intervene training.
Others, such as Senator Stephen, pointed out most freshmen forget DU Intervene lessons and simply need reminders of what microaggressions look like on a college campus. After the debate, Bill 76 passed with 16 yeas, 1 abstention, and 4 nays.
Outgoing President Abbie McAdams then presented her 2022-23 USG Impact Report to the senate. Highlighting the important work of her senators for the past year, President McAdams featured keynote projects such as THRIVE Sex Education events, creation of the first ever USG newsletter, increased FSL on-campus visibility, and ongoing DivestDU meetings.
McAdams also featured Legislative outreach efforts with 60 tabling events which reached over 3000 students. Of particular note were Freshmen and Senior Senator efforts to understand student needs. Outgoing Freshmen Senators Dylan Lindsay and Andrew Erickson were able to create feedback channels with Sodexo to counteract student discontent with dining hall food while concurrently working with Facilities to report ice patches on campus.
Outgoing Senior Senators Matthew Logan and Eli Rocke tabled at the Commons and the Daniels College of Business throughout the year. By doing so, the senators found 75% of business students felt prepared for post-graduation life whereas only 44% of the general senior population felt equally prepared.
President McAdams also encouraged incoming senators to take inspiration from the noteworthy pilot programs created this year. Her report featured the Burwell Center Headshot Machine project spearheaded by Senator Rocke which will be available at the end of Fall Quarter 2023. The Impact Report also pinpointed the Lyft Project, expanded Ritchie Gym Hours, and Legislative Resolutions in support of Radio Club and Clarion Media Lounges as examples of the extraordinary work student senators can do.
The meeting ended with a new batch of senators elected for the 2023-24 academic year sworn in by their outgoing counterparts.
