The Observer, March 2, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 19
USG Briefs
President Neil Ursic reported that progress is being made on the USG office renovations. Old equipment has been removed and the carpets are ready for removal. New cabinets, sofas, and chairs have been ordered.
Myles Nickolich, VP of Student Life, reported that his committee will be working on improving Greenie services. Nickolich said that he has contacted 1-2-1 Fitness Center with the possibility of starting a program similar to the RTA U-pass. He also reported that the Graduate Student Senate will be conducting a smoking referendum.
Dustin Fisher, VP of Academic Affairs, reported that midterm course evaluations will be available online as a test run for the end of the semester evaluations. Starting this semester, course evaluations will be completed over the Internet.
Fisher also stated that Bill B. 16-13 has been implemented by the university. Bill B. 16-13 (passed last week) amended the requirements to walk in the May Commencement ceremonies. Students short 12 hours of requirements or less that can be completed by the end of the summer term are eligible to walk in the preceding May Commencement ceremony.
Adam Rupe, VP of Public Relations, yielded to Representative Kahveci who reported that the Public Relations Committee is continuing its work of updating the Student Guide.
IT Director Matt Crowley stepped down last week. Nickolich and Rupe are acting as interim directors.
The First Year Caucus reported that they are planning a "We Survived Freshman Year" party which will take place after Easter. The event will be held outside if weather permits and will include field games such as tug of war and tag.
Nicole Hofert, Election Commissioner, said that the election committee will be formed on March 5. The deadline for candidates' letters of intent will be March 15 and a meeting for the candidates will be held the evening of March 18.
A finance bill was introduced and passed by the General Assembly 40 to 0. The bill recognized the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, Students for Justice in Palestine, and the LAN Party Club as student organizations, and provided $4471 to various student organizations.
During Open Forum the topic of the university's logo and name change was discussed. Case will be called Case Western Reserve University once again. Rupe sat on the committee which made this decision. He said that the loss of alumni's financial support was a contributing factor to the decision.
During Open Forum some representatives said that they felt the Residence Hall Association (RHA) was "stepping on our (USG's) toes" by holding an open forum about the smoking policy at Case, because the USG referendum received over 1100 votes and RHA did not represent as many students as USG. One representative felt that an open forum by RHA would cause confusion among the student body about the actual smoking policy.
Others said that more discussion about the smoking policy at Case was a good idea, citing how close the vote for the referendum had been and calling for more voices to be heard. "We are not battling RHA on this by any means," said Nickolich. "We should try to work together on this."
