GSU approves charity event
By ANDREW THAGARD
News Writer
The Graduate Student Union passed a motion in support of sponsoring an end-of-the-semester social event that would raise money for a local charity during their meeting on Tuesday.
The proposal suggested by GSU President Tim Dale calls for the $4,000 GSU budget surplus to be allocated for the event.
Dale envisions the benefit taking place at an off-campus banquet hall at the end of April and featuring a cash bar, hors d'oeuvres and a raffle that would raise money for a charity selected based on graduate student input. The surplus would go toward funding the event and money would be raised by charging participants a nominal fee.
"I think one of the things that we can do as a graduate student organization is more community outreach," Dale said.
Dale's desire to use GSU funds to help a charity sparked debate among some members.
"In a sense this amounts to compelling graduate students to make a charitable donation," said GSU Physics Representative Doran Race. "The question is, `Do graduate students want to be compelled to support a charity?"
Most members supported the idea.
"Technically the money will be used for a student activity," said co-Vice President Misty Schieberle. "The ticket fees will go to the charity."
The motion to approve the event and begin tentative planning passed despite two opposing votes. Dale plans to send out an email to all graduate students asking for input in choosing the charity in the coming weeks.
In Other GSU News:
u Representatives discussed student reaction to the University's January decision to delay subsidization of graduate student healthcare. Biology graduate student Jim Hogan attended the meeting to encourage fellow students to write to their local dioceses and newspapers to increase publicity.
"I believe this University places a high degree on its reputation," Hogan said. "This is a national university that should be known for its embarrassing actions."
Schieberle, however, urged graduate students to be adamant in their plea but also respectful.
u GSU continued to lay the foundation for the establishment of graduate student departmental organizations. Members passed a motion requiring potential organizations to receive a financial commitment of $100 from their department, draft a constitution, elect leadership and present a petition with at least half of the graduate student population in the department supporting the organization's establishment.
All News Stories for Wednesday, February 5, 2003
