IUSA Congress convenes

The IU Student Association Congress convened as a whole for the second time this month Tuesday night with 33 of 47 members present.

Presidential report

President Justin Kingsolver addressed Congress about progress made by executives on various initiatives.

Kingsolver recently spoke to the Bloomington Faculty Council against a new proposal to increase the number of Friday classes for IU students in an effort to curb weekend drinking and better utilize classroom space.

Kingsolver argued changing the academic calendar would not curb drinking and could in fact be detrimental to students who use Fridays to work, travel for interviews or do field work outside of the classroom. He encouraged Congress members to speak against the proposal to their professors and teachers and for Congress to draft a resolution on the topic.

The president also announced a new initiative concerning student tuition. In 1988, IUSA supported a tuition hike to support building the Student Recreational Sports Center. Approximately $400,000 per year went toward the construction; however, everything has been paid off, and Kingsolver said he views the present time as a “small window” to get that money back for students.

Resolutions

The first resolution of the night proposed more effective marketing of the IU Safety Escort program at a maximum cost of $200. The Congressional Affairs Committee noted that current marketing is lacking and affirmed the resolution to explore more effective and realistic promotion of the program. It passed by a majority vote.

The second resolution encouraged the IU Transportation Department and the City of Bloomington to look into the advantages of installing four digital walking signs at the intersection of North Jordan Avenue and Law Lane as a preventative measure. The University Affairs Committee stressed in the resolution the potentially unsafe nature of the intersection to both pedestrians and drivers. The resolution passed with 75 percent of Congress members in favor.

Another resolution suggested adding a crosswalk at the exit of a path located 100 yards west North Jordan Avenue and Law Lane. According to the resolution, this is another potentially dangerous intersection for pedestrians due to low driver visibility. It passed with 67 percent of members in favor.

The final resolution condemned the tuition increases that were implemented this summer for in-state students. The resolution called for the creation of a committee that would explore alternatives to future increases. Such a committee would create a report that would be sent to the Board of Trustees. Kingsolver pleaded to Congress, saying it would look best for all of Congress to vote unanimously on the matter, which it did.

New Business

Tuesday’s meeting marked the first time Congress members officially used newly purchased electronic clickers. Working through some initial hiccups, Congress members were able to master the use of the clickers by the end of the evening.

Sophomore Sidney Fletcher, an IDS columnist, filled the vacated position of grammarian. This position was formerly held by sophomore Derrick Wade, who resigned due to other personal commitments. After a few moments of silence, Fletcher volunteered for the position and was confirmed by majority hand count.