USG held their weekly meeting on Wednesday, Mar. 25, in the MUB Alumni Lounge. They discussed bylaw amendments to their constitution, Ways and Means (WAM) committee suggestions, lowering the Special Budgetary Groups (SBGs) budgets, and achievements they accomplished over the past year.
USG moved through their agenda, which included discussion on their internal logistics on how they were operating, and project timelines. Their first motion of the meeting was to finalize the recommended budgets for the SBGs. Similar to other student organizations, many SBGs received reduced allocations due to a decrease in funds and an increase in the number of SBGs. There was not much discussion and it was quick to pass, with a vote of 23-0-3. Their second motion was to set a general SBG procedure and amend it to their bylaws in their constitution. This motion passed 24-0-2. The final motion for that evening was to redefine the reserve fund minimum. In brief, if the USG reserve fund falls below $50,000, the funds shall only be used for essential club equipment or a campus or financial emergency as declared by USG. This motion passed 24-0-2.
USG President Ford Schoonover was elected the interim chair of the United Student Government Conference (USGC), which brings collegiate student governments across Michigan together for discussions and collaboration. Schoonover said, “It’s a huge opportunity for Michigan Tech and the students of Tech to represent our voices at the highest stage, to show off our logistical capabilities to the whole state, and to unite students across all of Michigan.”
Cole Pierucki, USG Advisor and past USG member, said, “This year has had a lot of firsts that I haven’t seen in my time [in the past four years]… We haven’t had any turnover on the E-board or with chairs…we had a full USG body for several months…We had the most [USG representatives]… We had the most rides given out on the break bus, heard the most RSOs for budget hearings, and we also passed a brand new constitution.” With celebratory knocks on the table, laughs, and smiling faces, USG members reflected on their accomplishments in the 2025-2026 academic year.
The next USG meeting will be held on Apr. 1 at 7 p.m. in the MUB Alumni Lounge. To access USG’s meeting minutes, visit their website at usg.mtu.edu/documents/.
