The Observer, February 2, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 15
USG Briefs
President Neil Ursic reported that he was working on a code of ethics for USG.
Myles Nickolich, VP of Student Affairs, reported that the New York Times and USA Today will begin a pilot program that offers free newspapers to all Case undergraduates.
Nickolich also reported that the results of the Smoking Referendum were "very, very close." Resolution A passed, while Resolutions B and C failed. The total amount of votes was 1109. The results are to be sent to Case administrators for further action.
VP of Academic Affairs, Dustin Fisher, yielded to Representative Jeff Zabinski who reported that starting this semester course evaluations will be completed online. Saving money and class time are among the anticipated benefits of this change.
Adam Rupe, VP of Public Relations, reported the dates of two USG open forums: Feb. 13 and March 20. The Feb. 13 open forum will held on Southside. The March 20 open forum will be held at Thwing. The March 20 open forum is a candidate debate for the USG elections. Elections will be held on March 22 and 23.
The USG spring retreat will be Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rupe is working on answering all the feedback from the Smoking Referendum.
During the open forum Nick Noble, UPB Director of Public Relations, voiced his concern regarding a Letter to the Editor from two USG members in the Jan. 26 Observer. The letter titled "Changes in student leadership needed" called for University administration intervention in restructuring the Student Executive Council (SEC).
USG representatives, including one of the letter's authors, Andrew Witte, said that the opinions expressed did not represent USG as a whole.
Noble as well as members of USG took issue with the tone of the letter. "I really do think that the tone was horrible," said David Gasser, VP of Finance. "If you do have something to say, say it respectfully," he advised student leaders.
However, the consensus of those speaking was that issues regarding the SEC brought up in the letter needed to be discussed.
Rupe announced the creation of the People Soft Student Liaison Committee. The university is looking for five "reliable" undergraduates to test a new student module on the Case website.
The Spring 2007 Finance Bill (tabled last week) was passed 35-0.
Bill B16-10 was passed 35-0. The bill stated that USG officially recognized Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) as a student organization. The bill also allocated $1650 to the Case Ski and Snowboard Club, and $50 to the CAC.
USG passed an Alcohol Amnesty Resolution proposed by the Student Judicial Representative Committee. (The vote was 30-0 with one abstention.)
Before the resolution was created, a survey was sent to all Case undergraduates regarding the university's judicial process.
One comment stood out. "My friend was raped and when we went to report the rape she and I were written up for drinking because we admitted to being at an off -campus party. Even though we were never drinking or drunk on campus or while we were reporting the rape."
With the results of the survey the Student Judicial Representative Committee authored the resolution.
The resolution recommends the "institution of a medical amnesty policy" at Case. The resolution states that "the potential for judicial action may act as a barrier to students seeking medical assistance…"
If the resolution is implemented, students who asked for medical assistance either themselves or others in alcohol related-emergencies would not be subject to judicial action from the University.
An Alcohol Amnesty policy would be sponsored by The Office of Student Affairs, Case EMS, and The Office of Housing and Residence Life.
Philip Niles, a co-author of the resolution, said that the policy has been supported by some of the university's administration. He believes that Case will enact the policy by next semester.
"I really hope this policy promotes safety while drinking. Of course safety is always encouraged," said Niles.
