SGA denies, approves funding requests

Student Government Association representatives voted against giving $1500 to four students seeking airfare for a service trip to Honduras during this week's meeting.

"It's our biggest cost and our most timely cost, depending on how flight costs go up and down," Madeline Champlin, a student participating in the trip said.

The students, as well as mathematics professor Daisy McCoy, will travel to Honduras during the April break to paint and build a gymnasium for underprivileged children.

Members of the SGA said the group of students was asking for too much, and that they should look into fundraising more money for the trip.

Adventure Program Coordinator Jamie Struck requested $4680 from the SGA toward cement tee-boxes on the Frisbee golf course. His request also included laser-etching that would mark the boxes with the hole number and college logo.

According to Struck, the lifespan of the cement blocks is between 30 and 40 years. The SGA voted to give him half his request, $2340.

Two other clubs also received funding during Wednesday's meeting.

The Critic requested and received $1794 for a three-day media conference in New York City. The money will be put toward hotel costs.

The Strikers received $1000 to help with the cost of bowling for the rest of the semester. With 55 active members, the club spends nearly $200 each week.

Students trying to request money for the Vagina Monologues buttons were instead given the option to receive a loan through the SGA because they are not technically a club.

"SGA funds may not be used for fundraising supplies," President John Kleinhans read from the constitution. Because the group is also not a club, Kleinhans explained that both he and adviser Shannon Healy may approve a loan under $250 for the students, and that Jonathan Davis pledged to help find ways to fund the rest.

Two new clubs were also added to the SGA roster: MEISA (Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association) and the LSC Veterans Club, which is meant to support and provide resources for veterans and families in the area.

Vice President of Residential and Commuter Affairs Mike Michaud also requested the SGA pass a resolution supporting the idea of putting course evaluations online instead of printing them. The SGA voted to support it.