By Kelsi Peace, Features Editor
The Students’ Association considered a resolution to support the installation of a microphone in the Bean Sprout for announcing orders Wednesday.
The resolution, written by Katherine Lee Young, University Park representative and junior families studies major from Dallas, and Kyle Pickens, Foster Science Building representative and sophomore biology major from Garland, was postponed until Wednesday to allow time to poll students.
Brandon Smith, junior political science major from Keller, called for a division after both sides had presented their argument. The informal vote found SA split almost evenly, with 14 supporting, 16 opposing and 12 abstaining.
Smith said SA should take an “active part of seeking student opinion,” and he said he thought the student body needed to be polled.
Pickens said before writing the resolution, he and Young spoke with Andre Allen and five Bean Sprout employees, all in support of the resolution.
The resolution calls for support from SA-not money.
“This is not something SA has to finance,” Young said.
Opponents of the resolution said orders are often not heard because students aren’t listening.
Tyler Cosgrove, treasurer and senior management and finance major from Amarillo, voiced concern for noise issues a microphone would create in offices surrounding the Bean Sprout.
Cosgrove also suggested tabling the resolution until any changes with the new soda machines in the Bean Sprout are made. He said the machines will help stop congestion that occurs around the soda bar and may help reduce noise.
Valerie Hanneken, junior integrated marketing communication major from Garland and class senator, said students should not have to listen for their orders.
“I think the point is to eat meals with your friends,” she said.
Pickens said he and Young will print polls to distribute in buildings around campus this week.
The SA Five Year Plan was distributed at the meeting as well and will be discussed at the next meeting. The plan covers fiscal year 2006 to 2011 and summarizes SA’s goals for improving student life.
Also at the meeting, Tim Thyne, freshman management and communication major from Naperville, Ill., was elected as an off-campus representative with 41 votes supporting and two abstaining.
