The senate body hears presentation for a university planner about the campus master plan.
On Nov. 12 three members of Student Senate will attend The National Women’s Studies Association Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
But it's costing senate more than $1,000 to send them.
A resolution was proposed at Wednesday's Student Senate meeting for senate to fund these students’ trip for $1,301. When voting to pass the resolution, the body was divided. It eventually passed with 36 members in favor and 17 opposed, Landen Lama, lead parliamentarian, said.
The students opposed were questioning if senate should pay for the expensive trip, especially with big events, such as Pride Week and Take Back the Night, coming up in the future.
Jessica Arnold, women’s affairs commissioner, said she understood why there was division in voting.
“It was very expensive and it was very short notice,” she said. “So there was really no time to adjust the budget for the proposed amount we were giving for the conference.”
Arnold added that she was happy it passed and that sending students to the conference is beneficial.
“I think the conference is going to be a great opportunity for Women’s Affairs, Minority Affairs and LGBTQA Affairs to further develop their programing and bring some really good programs to OU in the spring,” she said.
Hannah Clouser, senate treasurer, said the future, large programs are not at risk even with senate funding the trip.
“It’s actually in the rules that (large events) are guaranteed a certain percentage of senate’s budget.” she said.
Jacob Haskins, a sponsor of the resolution and the budget committee chair, said he is also not worried about future programing.
“We’ve already allocated money to the larger events.” he said. “So money’s already set aside for that.”
Beyond passing the resolution supporting members to attend the women’s affairs conference, the body heard a presentation from Shawna Bolin, director of university planning and space management.
Bolin presented on the Campus Master Plan that was recently created about the future set up of campus.
The master plan proposes many changes to campus including making it more pedestrian friendly by limiting vehicular traffic, creating more green space, and renovating The Ridges, as well as many other building on campus.
“My goal is that (the student body member) are proud of the master plan.” Bolin said. “I love Ohio University. I love this place and I can’t wait for future students to come here and love it too.”
Furthermore, the body passed three additional resolutions.
The members voted to fund two tables at the International Dinner, costing the body $128.
They also voted to fund a showing of the documentary, My Masculinity Helps, at the Athena Cinema on Nov. 19.
The film emphasizes how black men can use their masculinity to fight rape culture and be active bystanders, according to a previous Post report.
Additionally, members of senate vote passed a resolution appointing Najah Braswell as the delegate for the Minority Affairs Commission.
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