The Student Congress still has more money to spend even after granting funds Wednesday to two student groups, so it extended the deadline for conference requests.
The Students’ Association distributed $1,600 to fully grant the money requested by Swing Cats and the Society of Physics Students for travel to out-of-town events. SA executive treasurer Carson Henley, senior pre-dental major from Colleyville, said about $1500 is still in the conference request budget.
“Because that money was allocated to conferences, we should open it up longer,” Henley said.
The deadline for students to submit money for out-of-town conferences extended to Oct. 12 from Sept. 30.
The conference requests budget isn’t the only fund SA is slow to spend. Each class was allocated $1,000 for the class officers to manage, none of which has been spent yet.
A special meeting was held after the general SA meeting for only the class officers and executive cabinet members.
“Spend the money,” Henley urged the officers. “Come on. Try to find ways, talk to more people.”
SA executive president Connor Best said homecoming festivities were swiftly approaching and officers are responsible for securing class float in the parade. This would serve as an easy opportunity to spend the money, he said.
Best also told the officers about a recent partnering with Mark Lewis, assistant dean for spiritual life and Chapel programs, to institute a class chapel next semester. Class officers will organize a one-time class chapel where students will receive credit the third Tuesday of the spring semester.
“I think there’s a lot of value in it,” Best said. “Now that there’s more leadership responsibility, [class officers] can handle it.”
Best also told the officers they could organize a chapel this semester as a precursor to get students to attend next semester but Chapel credit would not be offered. He warned them that if they should attempt to do one, they should make it good.
Anthony Williams from business services spoke about the ongoing search for the perfect meal plan for the student body.
“I feel very good about the meal plan for underclassmen,” Williams said. “I will admit the meal plan for upper classmen is not all it needs to be.”
Williams told congress about his goal to have a premier dining program. Members of congress expressed their concern about the quality of food at the Bean throughout the day and Williams said Student Life will send a survey to students about the meal plan this semester.
Andres Saucedo, Bible building representative, introduced the first resolution of the semester. His bill to allocate $30 of the budget for a hoodie as an incentive to participate in a survey he would distribute to those in the bible building was passed with overwhelming support.
