By Kara McGrath, Staff Writer
A proposed resolution to attempt to lift the band on one-cup coffee makers in the Hofstra University Residence Halls was at the center of an intense debate during the Student Government Association’s (SGA) weekly senate meeting on Tuesday night. The resolution, which was proposed by Senator Bryan Chess, stated that one-cup coffee makers, such as Keurig, Tassimo and Senseo do not have exposed heating elements and do not use excessive amounts of water. In addition, according to the resolution, the New York State fire code states that one-cup coffee makers do not pose a threat to fire safety.
Currently, the fine for having a one-cup coffee maker in the dorms is $100, according to Chess. Although it appeared none of the senators were against the ban being lifted, a few who are in close contact with the Office of Residential Programs believed that the resolution should not be brought to the Office because they are already attempting to lift the ban. These senators stated that this resolution could be taken negatively by the Office of Residential Programs, and suggested that SGA just let the Office resolve the issue. Other senators believed that the resolution would not insult Residential Programs, but instead encourage them to continue working to lift the ban. The resolution was passed 34-3-5.
Also during the meeting, a new club, All-In Poker, was passed. The club will aim to create a positive social atmosphere for University students interested in playing poker. They intend to have a weekly free tournament, with any entry fees being donated to the Boys and Girls Club of America.
Max Greenfield, a freshman, was sworn into the Senate. He intends to continue working on the Spirit committee of SGA.
SGA’s president, Sean Hutchinson, presented the invitations for the Take Back the Night Ball, which is to be held February 10 at 7 P.M. in the University Club. Hutchinson estimated that the event will raise almost $3,000 for a leading shelter in New York for girls who have been subjected to human trafficking. The price to attend the event, which will include a live band, a three course meal and performances, is $10 for students and $20 for alumni. Entire tables may also be purchased at $100 for students and $200 for alumni and faculty.
SGA Comptroller Brian Marquis spoke about Budget Weekend. This will take place on a weekend in April and is an opportunity for clubs to have their budget proposals for the 2010-2011 school year approved by the appropriations committee. Budget proposals must be submitted in March, and this year SGA plans to make the process completely digital. There will be a budget weekend club congress on February 24 at 6:30pm in the Student Center Theater. This meeting will be mandatory for any clubs who wish to submit a budget proposal during Budget Weekend.
On February 9 and 10, SGA will have atrium tables for the “Tell Us How You Really Feel” campaign, according to Chairman Luke Miedreich’s report. This will be an opportunity for students to express any issues they have with Hofstra that they wish the SGA to address. Miedreich also said that he is looking for Senate members to represent the clubs who do not already have anyone representing them in SGA. This way these clubs can be updating on changes in policies such as appropriations or rules.
