2008 Woodie Awards
GSS back to business
Lyons roars into the vice presidency
Jess Fish
Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: News
The General Student Senate began its spring session Jan. 15 by instating Senator James Lyons as Vice President of the Student Senate.
President Moran's nomination of Lyons was passed unanimously by the Senate.
Since the position was vacated late last semester following the impeachment of former President Pomerleau, the Senate has been without a vice president.
"He has a good grasp of the procedures and will serve as an unbiased moderator," Moran said of Lyons.
Since he was chosen by the presidential cabinet and not elected, Lyons said he has no platform. "My job is to try and help the Senate maximize efficiency." He explained that coordinating the efforts of the numerous committees and groups within the senate is his primary goal.
"He spends a great deal of time considering decisions and evaluating opportunities and outcomes - he's demonstrated that in many Senate meetings. He will be a great vice president," said Vice President of Student Entertainment, Derek Mitchell.
Lyons was a senator for two semesters and served on several committees. This past semester he was also a member of the Presidential Cabinets.
Gustavo Burkett, of Campus Activities and Events, introduced Black Bear Link, an online program similar to Facebook. It will allow student groups at UMaine to communicate easily with their members and can also be used individually to record extra-curricular activities. Burkett said the program should be ready for student use by the end of the month.
Tara Loomis, Director of Residence Life, announced plans to change the way student housing is distributed. Starting this year, students will choose their on-campus housing through a lottery system based on credit hours.
Mitchell presented an addendum to next semester's Student Legal Service contract. The current contract expires at the end of the spring semester. Presently students can receive legal advice from the department, but Mitchell is looking for a company that would also represent UMaine students in their legal disputes. Mitchell said he hopes to find a company with an annual price range of $45,000 to $80,000.
Mitchell also announced the purchase of an ice rink for Lengyl Field. In past years, part of the field has been sectioned off and doused with water to provide a makeshift surface for skaters. The bumpy surface dulled skates and Mitchell said the new rink will come with a miniature Zamboni machine to keep the ice smooth. The rink, which costs between $2,000 and $3,000, will be installed Friday and should be ready for use Saturday morning.
Senator Rolando Barrazza resigned from his position. Dillon Bates was appointed as the final member of the Presidential Cabinet. Christina Soyden was elected to the Executive Budgetary Committee.
A resolution passed unanimously to allocate $1,105 to the International Students Association which will be used to fund the coffee hour for this semester. An allocation of $650 to fund "Meet Your Student Government" breakfasts was sent to Executive Budgetary Committee. A resolution concerning the Student Government Web site passed with a voice vote. Other allocations included $850 to Maine Peace Action Committee, $339 to Alpha Kappa Psi and $1,200 to Rotaract.
Editors' Note: In the print edition of this story, we falsely reported that William Pomerleau had been impeached. Pomerleau had not been impeached, but had resigned.
President Moran's nomination of Lyons was passed unanimously by the Senate.
Since the position was vacated late last semester following the impeachment of former President Pomerleau, the Senate has been without a vice president.
"He has a good grasp of the procedures and will serve as an unbiased moderator," Moran said of Lyons.
Since he was chosen by the presidential cabinet and not elected, Lyons said he has no platform. "My job is to try and help the Senate maximize efficiency." He explained that coordinating the efforts of the numerous committees and groups within the senate is his primary goal.
"He spends a great deal of time considering decisions and evaluating opportunities and outcomes - he's demonstrated that in many Senate meetings. He will be a great vice president," said Vice President of Student Entertainment, Derek Mitchell.
Lyons was a senator for two semesters and served on several committees. This past semester he was also a member of the Presidential Cabinets.
Gustavo Burkett, of Campus Activities and Events, introduced Black Bear Link, an online program similar to Facebook. It will allow student groups at UMaine to communicate easily with their members and can also be used individually to record extra-curricular activities. Burkett said the program should be ready for student use by the end of the month.
Tara Loomis, Director of Residence Life, announced plans to change the way student housing is distributed. Starting this year, students will choose their on-campus housing through a lottery system based on credit hours.
Mitchell presented an addendum to next semester's Student Legal Service contract. The current contract expires at the end of the spring semester. Presently students can receive legal advice from the department, but Mitchell is looking for a company that would also represent UMaine students in their legal disputes. Mitchell said he hopes to find a company with an annual price range of $45,000 to $80,000.
Mitchell also announced the purchase of an ice rink for Lengyl Field. In past years, part of the field has been sectioned off and doused with water to provide a makeshift surface for skaters. The bumpy surface dulled skates and Mitchell said the new rink will come with a miniature Zamboni machine to keep the ice smooth. The rink, which costs between $2,000 and $3,000, will be installed Friday and should be ready for use Saturday morning.
Senator Rolando Barrazza resigned from his position. Dillon Bates was appointed as the final member of the Presidential Cabinet. Christina Soyden was elected to the Executive Budgetary Committee.
A resolution passed unanimously to allocate $1,105 to the International Students Association which will be used to fund the coffee hour for this semester. An allocation of $650 to fund "Meet Your Student Government" breakfasts was sent to Executive Budgetary Committee. A resolution concerning the Student Government Web site passed with a voice vote. Other allocations included $850 to Maine Peace Action Committee, $339 to Alpha Kappa Psi and $1,200 to Rotaract.
Editors' Note: In the print edition of this story, we falsely reported that William Pomerleau had been impeached. Pomerleau had not been impeached, but had resigned.
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