By Matthew Clyburn
The first SGA Senate meeting of the fall 2011 academic semester was brief and to-the-point.
Officials presented reports and voted on various motions to begin the school year.
Vice President of Student Affairs Laura Tordenti took the floor to extend a greeting to the returning senators.
“I’d just like to say welcome back,” Tordenti said. “This was probably the most interesting opening to the academic year that I’ve ever experienced, and I’ve been in this business for an awfully long time.”
Tordenti reported on the affects of the large storm that passed over Connecticut last week and shared information about students’ decisions to stay on campus.
“Much to my surprise, we had over the weekend something like 500 students who stayed in the residence halls during Tropical Storm Irene. That included new students, athletes, international students and RAs [Resident Assistants].”
“I had a meeting with [SGA] President Bergenn over the summer and I know that the group intends to be very productive this year,” Tordenti said. “I look forward to working with you all.”
Bergenn reported on the release of the organization’s first newsletter to students that was released early last week.
“If you have any suggestions, I’d be more than open to taking those,” Bergenn said.
SGA Vice President Liz Braun reviewed stipend contract changes to reflect the SGA’s new meeting time, Wednesdays at 3:05 p.m. in the Bellin Gallery of the Student Center.
Nick Alaimo, treasurer of the SGA, announced that Finance Committee meetings will take place each Monday at 3:30 p.m. following the Labor Day holiday.
In addition to approving minutes from the final SGA meeting of last semester, the senators were given contracts to sign that outline the responsibilities of their positions in student government.
The SGA Senate allocates a portion of the Student Activity Fund that is paid by all full-time undergraduate students. The funds granted by the SGA Senate are used by clubs for general operations, promotions, services and other activities.
