Student governments unanimously pass two bills

The organizations also gave updates on their activities.

By Grace Meiners

Published Oct. 3, 2008

Two bills, including one changing the way students fund campus renovation and construction, passed unanimously during the second meeting of the four largest MU student governments.

The Graduate Professional Council, Legion of Black Collegians Senate, Missouri Students Association Senate and Residence Halls Association Congress met Wednesday in Stotler Lounge.

According to the second bill discussed, new or increased student fees for construction or renovation of a campus facility will be proposed as a phased-in fee starting with no less than 25 percent of the fee assessed in the fiscal years following the passage of the referendum.

Previously, fees could be assessed at the time when construction begins or when a facility is open for use. The change in wording will require students to pay at least part of the fees each year after approving a fee increase.

"This is a significant change to the way new facilities are assessed," said Jonathan Mays, MSA Senate speaker and bill author. "We need some accountability."

Along with passing the student fees bill, MSA granted $250 to Chi Omega sorority to purchase storage bins for predatory drug testing kits that will be placed in all of the fraternity houses on campus.

Chi Omega member Lindsay Toler, a senior, said she has been working on the measure for more than a year. Toler has written for The Maneater.

Quick access to the kits is necessary to collect a urine sample because many predatory drugs cannot be traced after the first time someone urinates after they suspect they've ingested the drug.

After discussing the bills, all four governments gave reports on their activities.

RHA Congress Speaker Blake Lawrence said along with enacting a new attendance policy, the association would like to work on opening up residence halls during breaks to students for a fee.

Lawrence said the Paint it Pink campaign, which benefits the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, will continue this year. RHA will hold a T-shirt design contest, with the winning design to be sold during Homecoming week in Brady Commons.

Lawrence said RHA would like to have a closer working relationship with Campus Dining Services and the MU Police Department, especially regarding crime scene security concerns.

LBC Vice President Jerusha Wells said the organization will be celebrating its 40th anniversary next spring and will host a celebration.

LBC Political Chairman Kevin Anderson said the organization hosted a discussion on the different platforms of the presidential candidates Tuesday. The organization's next political discussion will happen next Tuesday and will focus on the nation's economic status.

Anderson said he would also like the LBC to host a debate between the College Democrats and the MU College Republicans.

Chancellor Brady Deaton greeted the group and praised the group's enthusiasm and leadership. He called the current financial situation one of the three critical challenges to the country in the past 100 years along with the Great Depression and the recovery after World War II.

Deaton called on students to hold each other accountable and to draw on their strength of character in the future.