Notes from UMSU council

Chelsea Moore Staff

After an exhausting election, the University of Manitoba’s student union (UMSU) met with renewed fervour in their council chambers on March 9 to discuss the provincial budget, universal bus passes and upcoming events.

UMSU council meets every second Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in 176 Helen Glass, and students are encouraged to attend.

Executive news

UMSU president Amanda Aziz opened the meeting by congratulating the election winners and going over exciting new plans that will finish off this semester.

The 2006-07 provincial budget has been released, and Aziz sighed with relief to tell the council that U of M’s tuition fee freeze has been renewed for another year. The operating grant provided to provincial universities increased by 5.8 per cent, over 3 per cent higher than last year. However, she warned that it is only good news as long as the money is spent in the right places.

Soon, the budget advisory committee of the university, of which Aziz is a member, will be meeting to discuss the funding allocation. Aziz also noted that on March 10, surveys regarding food services on campus will be available on the UMSU website.

Vice-president Cathy Van De Kerckhove discussed a forum that was held at the University of Winnipeg in regard to proposals for a universal buss pass (UPass). According to Winnipeg transit, it would cost $250 per student for the pass if it were adopted — what Van De Kerckhove said is “too much.” The fee for a universal bus pass cannot be imposed on students without first being passed in a referendum, and Van De Kerckhove said the minimum amount that UMSU would bring to the table is $150 per student.

160 surveys have been received from students regarding how UMSU should spend their budget, Rachel Gotthilf, the director of internal administration reported. She said the top priorities for spending are student groups, services, campaigns to lobby the government for lower tuition fees, and community initiatives.

Standing and ad-hoc committee reports

The policy and bylaws committee is considering a suggestion made to adopt an electronic voting system for the next UMSU election; however, a brief discussion followed on whether paper ballots are more secure. The student affairs committee noted that an accessibility audit is underway to assess UMSU space.

Announcements

There will not be a formal changeover plan for the UMSU executive as there has been in past years; with the new executive format, the changeover will not be needed. Instead, an informal one will be scheduled in its place, for April 6, according to Aziz.

The next UMSU council meeting will be held on Thursday, March 22.





Volume 93 • Issue 25	The Official University of Manitoba Students' Newspaper Website	March 15, 2006

Home About Us Advertise Contact Staff Current Issue PDF Employment Letters to the Editor Meet the Staff Online Archives Personals Volunteer	Font Size Respond Email Print-Friendly Notes from UMSU council Chelsea Moore Staff After an exhausting election, the University of Manitoba’s student union (UMSU) met with renewed fervour in their council chambers on March 9 to discuss the provincial budget, universal bus passes and upcoming events. UMSU council meets every second Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in 176 Helen Glass, and students are encouraged to attend. Executive news UMSU president Amanda Aziz opened the meeting by congratulating the election winners and going over exciting new plans that will finish off this semester. The 2006-07 provincial budget has been released, and Aziz sighed with relief to tell the council that U of M’s tuition fee freeze has been renewed for another year. The operating grant provided to provincial universities increased by 5.8 per cent, over 3 per cent higher than last year. However, she warned that it is only good news as long as the money is spent in the right places. Soon, the budget advisory committee of the university, of which Aziz is a member, will be meeting to discuss the funding allocation. Aziz also noted that on March 10, surveys regarding food services on campus will be available on the UMSU website. Vice-president Cathy Van De Kerckhove discussed a forum that was held at the University of Winnipeg in regard to proposals for a universal buss pass (UPass). According to Winnipeg transit, it would cost $250 per student for the pass if it were adopted — what Van De Kerckhove said is “too much.” The fee for a universal bus pass cannot be imposed on students without first being passed in a referendum, and Van De Kerckhove said the minimum amount that UMSU would bring to the table is $150 per student. 160 surveys have been received from students regarding how UMSU should spend their budget, Rachel Gotthilf, the director of internal administration reported. She said the top priorities for spending are student groups, services, campaigns to lobby the government for lower tuition fees, and community initiatives. Standing and ad-hoc committee reports The policy and bylaws committee is considering a suggestion made to adopt an electronic voting system for the next UMSU election; however, a brief discussion followed on whether paper ballots are more secure. The student affairs committee noted that an accessibility audit is underway to assess UMSU space. Announcements There will not be a formal changeover plan for the UMSU executive as there has been in past years; with the new executive format, the changeover will not be needed. Instead, an informal one will be scheduled in its place, for April 6, according to Aziz. The next UMSU council meeting will be held on Thursday, March 22.


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