To begin the spring 2026 semester, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) met in the MUB Alumni Lounge on Wednesday, Jan. 7, for its first meeting of the term. The primary topics of discussion included upcoming Registered Student Organization (RSO) budget allocations and hearings, changes to the Break Bus ticketing system, an upcoming Ways and Means (WAM) request, and several resignations.
As of Wednesday, Jan. 7, the remaining RSO budget allocations totaled 58.1 percent of the total budget. According to USG Treasurer David Reeves, there is currently a deficit in this year’s Student Activity Fee (SAF) income, which could result in underallocation during the next fiscal year. Reeves also reported that the first night of the budget hearing information sessions was successful, with 82 organizations receiving the necessary information. Additionally, ten organizations have already scheduled their budget hearing sessions.
Another major topic discussed during the meeting was the change to the Break Bus ticketing system. The new system, called TouchNet, will be implemented for the upcoming Spring Break Bus. USG emphasized that its no-refund policy will be clearly displayed in bold at the top of the ticketing page to avoid confusion.
The meeting also included an update on an upcoming WAM request from Ridge Roamers for a new bouldering wall near the climbing area in the multipurpose room of the SDC. The organization originally requested $5,000, but the current WAM recommendation is $4,500. It was also determined that this project does not qualify as a campus improvement project. The request will be voted on at the next meeting.
Lastly, several USG members resigned, including: College of Engineering representative Olivia Scheinker, second-year representative Isaac Zull, and associate member Ellie Rigling. Following the resignations, there will be additional nominations to fill the vacant positions.
For additional questions regarding USG budget-related matters, students are encouraged to contact USG Treasurer David Reeves at usg-treasurer@mtu.edu.
