IUSA Congress meets for first October session

The IU Student Association Congress met Tuesday with 28 of 53 members present.

Presidential remarks
IUSA President Justin Kingsolver addressed Congress to express sadness regarding recent student tragedies. He announced plans to form a “culture of care” committee, comprised of leaders from across campus, which would address issues of inclusion and student response to peers’ needs.

IUSA plans to promote a psychological awareness week, scheduled for Nov. 14 to 19, that would equip students with knowledge on the various resources IU provides to those in need of psychological services.

Resolutions
Congress’s first resolution proposed that all IU professors provide class syllabi to students prior to enrollment. This would reduce the number of add/drops, which are often due to exam and midterm schedule conflicts, according to the resolution. It passed by a unanimous 27-0 vote, though there was debate on the feasibility of the resolution’s implementation and enforcement. Congress’s wishes will be passed on to Office of the Provost for further consideration, after which they may or may not be implemented.

Another resolution, passed unanimously 27-0, promoted the removal of certain “unfair” University fees regarding class scheduling. “Unfair” fees include those given to students who add classes within their credit limit, students who add a class after dropping a wait-listed  class and students who are forced to pay a fee due to University changes to classes.

The final resolution supported the creation of laminated posters promoting conservation. It was passed by a vote of 26-1 after a few members debated the use of non-recyclable products to promote recycling. Congress allocated $395 for 500 half-sheet advertisements that will be placed across campus.