The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) had their weekly meeting in the MUB Alumni Lounge on Wednesday, Jan. 21. The meeting began with guest speakers Theresa Coleman-Kaiser, Associate Vice President of Auxiliary and Business Services, and Sean Connors, General Manager of Transportation Services.
Rising costs and service expansions have increased pressure on the transportation budget with Shuttle routes, parking maintenance, and vehicle programs identified as key expense areas. “It costs more every year to provide this service and expand it,” said Coleman-Kaiser. Recent shuttle expansions, including service to Hancock, were cited as contributing factors, and the maintenance of these services are self-funded. The Green Campus Enterprise currently surveys open, asking for student input on potential new routes for the 2026-27 school year. The surveys can be found by scanning the various posters located around campus. There is discussion about adding an additional fee in Fall 2027 to cover the increasing cost and expansion of transportation.
Recently, the Special Budget Group (SBG) Review Committee had voted on their final recommendations for consideration. It was recommended that the Film Board, MUB Board, Sound and Lighting Services, The Lode, USG, and WMTU 91.9FM all retain their SBG statuses. The SBG Review Committee did not recommend that the Mont Ripley Ski Patrol Student Organization become a SBG during this review period. There were questions about the campus impact due to the limited amount of involvement of the Fall semester. On the other hand, the SBG Review Committee did recommend that the Huskies Pep Band acquire SBG status. It was demonstrated that large purchases of instruments or repairs are unavoidable, leading to other purchases being delayed, and that there is a need to give away materials that are essential to participating in the band, such as earplugs for members. The USG body will vote to finalize these recommendations at their next general body meeting on Jan. 28.
USG voted on a Ways and Means Committee (WAM) request of $1,000 from the Reserve Fund towards the Geology Club. The fund is to replace the cab machine wheels for club-owned equipment in the rock lab. The WAM recommendation was voted on and approved 20-0-3.
There is a WAM recommendation of $782 to the Women’s Volleyball Club. The Women’s Volleyball Club is required to participate in another tournament to qualify for national competitions. The competition will be held Valentine’s day weekend in Oshkosh, WI, and would allow them to qualify for state and national championships. The recommendation will be voted on next week.
For more information and access to USG’s meeting minutes, visit their website at usg.mtu.edu
