Michigan Tech’s Undergraduate Student Government (USG) met in the MUB Alumni Lounge last Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 7 to 9 p.m.
One of the first things discussed was the member of the week, which was awarded to Tahera Salman Almugabgab, a First-Year Representative, for going the extra mile with Break Bus advertising. Her hard work raised awareness for the buses, which are now full and have a waitlist. Waitlists are expected to lower as winter break approaches.
Another thing discussed was Mont Ripley. David Reevers, USG treasurer, announced that ski passes are now available. These passes grant students tap access with their Husky Cards, so they can hit the hill for free. Equipment rentals are not included; however, daily or seasonal rentals are available on Mont Ripley’s website. Anyone planning to hit the slopes must fill out a form that Mont Ripley emailed to students on Nov. 12. Students who want to use a physical season pass instead of their HuskyCard can buy one at the Mont Ripley office for $20.
Three Ways and Means (WAM) requests were accepted during this meeting. The Mushing Club received $1,800 for new dog harnesses. The harnesses will be used for up to 50 dogs and are expected to last five years. The InterVarsity Christian Fellowship received $5,500 for Husky Motor and gas costs for a triennial conference in Phoenix, AZ. The last WAM recommendation passed was $1,844 to the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers for lab equipment and a portable eyewash station. These will go to an after-school lab that assists students with homework. Next week, USG members will vote on requests from the Mahjong Club, Club Roller Hockey, and the Keweenaw Rocket Range.
Ford Schoonover, USG president, proposed a motion for the creation of the “Barriers Ad-Hoc Committee,” which was passed. This will be a subgroup that works with student affairs to help communicate and interpret university policy for USG.
Resident Assistant (RA) applications were also briefly discussed. They opened up on Nov. 10 and will remain open until 5 p.m, Jan 7. The last informational session is on Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. All applicants must attend one of the two informational sessions. RA’s receive compensation of a single room, 19 meal swipes per week, and a membership to the Quad Core Fitness Center. They are responsible for building and maintaining a resident hall community, ensuring safety measures are followed, and communicating with residents, staff, and supervisors. For more information, visit mtu.edu/residential-living/department-info/employment/selection
Other things briefly mentioned were the increase of housing and dining rates by 4 to 4.5 percent, which is consistent with the national average. This places MTU as the sixth most expensive university across Michigan. Ryan Kelly was also discussed, as his comedy show was rescheduled due to flight complications. He was supposed to perform on Nov 14, however that date has been pushed back to Spring Fling.
