PSGA Blog Number 14: CoHaD Sabel and Commuter Senator Heberling Resign

On Wednesday, Feb. 3, the PSGA met to discuss the security issues at the Stood and financial matters. It was announced that Coordinator of Histories and Documents Steve Sabel and Commuter Senator Courtney Heberling have resigned and guest speakers from NYPIRG and the class of 2010 senior gift committee asked the PSGA for support on various projects.

Chair of the Senate Brittany Mayes said she is dissatisfied with the attitude of the PSGA and lack of accomplishments so far this year. Mayes said she feels like the senators are focusing on themselves and not looking after the student body.

“I came in wanting to make changes,” she said. “The Senate should show the student body that we’re there for them.”

NYPIRG Project Coordinator Roger Drew talked to the Senate about budget cuts and asked for their help with informing the student body. According to Drew, proposals for cuts that came out of this year’s executive budget were $150 million for CUNY schools and $80 million for SUNY schools. There is also a pending $100 tuition hike, he said.

Drew said that there is a meeting to discuss a national day of action against these tuition hikes and cuts scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9. He also said that on March 4, dozens of schools will be protesting. “We’re going to decide next week what our specific action will be,” said Drew.

Coordinator of Finance Nico Marceca proposed that $2,920 be taken from a secondary account to create a security fund, and his motion was passed. The money in this fund would be used to pay UPD for large events at the Stood.

According to Marceca, it is required to have the University Police Department at every big event on campus, such as Zombie Prom. UPD said they agreed to let the Res Life staff take care of medium-sized events like weekend shows at The Stood.

Guest speaker Christina Necula from the Alumni Association spoke to the PSGA about the senior gift for the class of 2010. Necula encouraged students to “leave your legacy” by volunteering to help out with this project.

As of now, the association has over $400 from seniors, but needs more help. They plan on selling neon necklaces and bracelets at Culture Shock, and making class of 2010 tee shirts.

According to this week’s executive report, President of the PSGA Kevin Collymore has been working with the college administration regarding this Saturday’s Project Haiti event. UPD said they cover all overtime charges for the event. He is also working with Donna Salter to accommodate students’ complaints regarding the “No Standing Policy” on the Purchase Loop.

Mayes’ executive report said she met with Head Justice Kenneth Sickler to write up a proper way to impeach any Senate member or executive. She also found out the number of athletes on campus and determined that two senators are needed to represent the athletic department.