By By: RYAN LOHMAN
Staff Writer
ryanlohman@gmail.com
Silence fell over the Student Government Association (SGA) meeting after a funding request from Hoosier Hygienists, Friday.
After four weeks on the agenda, no action was taken on the amended request for funds from the student activity fees for the Access to Care Day charitable event hosted by the IU South Bend Dental Hygiene Program.
Erin Cantu and Janee Bryant, two organizers from the Dental Hygiene Program had a pending funding request since early March when it was tabled for further discussion. That request included $7,000 for food for the event.
Since that initial request, either Cantu or Bryant attended each weekly meeting with an amended request at the instruction of the SGA.
Cantu delivered the final request for $1,500, Friday. She said the organization would seek the remaining funds required from other charitable organizations.
The senators present declined to make a motion for a vote on the request. It is unclear whether any action will be taken in the future. Access to Care Day is Saturday, April 18.
Grace Ball and Sirena Barrell of Titan Productions requested additional funds for River Fest, an annual event to celebrate the end of the school year. The funds, Barrell said, would be applied to the rental of giant hamster balls.
Barrell said River Fest usually has one “spectacle,” or main attraction, for students. That main attraction this year will be laser tag. The hamster balls, Barrell said, would be an additional, second attraction.
Senator Jessica Williams made a motion to fund up to $750 for the second attraction. Senator Jared Larue seconded the motion. All senators present voted in favor of the funding request.
“This is what the student activity fund is for,” Williams said.
Two students from the Indiana University South Bend Honors Program requested $4,800 to pay for a trip to Washington D.C. in May.
Senator Jared Larue made a motion to fund the Honors Program $4,800 for the trip. Senator Williams seconded that motion.
“These are the top students at our university,” Larue said. “I think we should help them.”
Concerned about the distance of the trip and the fact that it would not be open to all students, Senator Shawn Wagner offered an amendment to reduce the funds to $2,400.
Senator Rachel Santos agreed.
“We just let a bill die for not including all students,” she said in reference to Access to Care Day.
After two abstentions from senators who plan to attend the trip, a quorum could not be reached for a vote.
