Senate recognized one new organization, passed an updated version of the Election Commission rules and also passed a resolution in support of the proposed January academic term.

Controversy arose over a funding allocation for the Men’s Lacrosse Club. Debate sparked over the club’s request of $1,250 to purchase 25 jerseys. Some senators spoke against the allocation citing precedence relating to a vote last year against funding shirts for the Triathlon Club.

“I have a problem with this,” Sen. Laura Menendez argued. “I think it’s opening a can of worms.”

Menendez and other senators went on to argue that by allowing the Men’s Lacrosse Club to purchase jerseys with Senate funds, it would be unfair to other organizations, such as club sports, that have been denied funding in the past. Or it would cause a whole new group of organizations to request funds.

However, other senators felt that the jerseys fell under the category of equipment since they are required in order to compete.

Treasurer Nate Bleadorn argued that the Men’s Lacrosse Club came to the Student Fees Allocation Committee well prepared and had done some fundraising.
Sen. Kayleigh Koester added that the club had previously spent its own money on other equipment.

“They’ve footed equipment costs and we can perhaps foot T-shirt or clothing costs because they have covered their own equipment costs,” Koester said.

The funding allocation passed with 17 senators in support of the allocation while six opposed it.

Senate voted unanimously to pass two other funding allocations. The largest allocation was $2,146.50 for La Fuerza Latina to attend the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute on in Chicago from Feb. 17-20. And Honors Student Council was allocated $1,343.37 to attend the Upper Midwest Regional Honors Conference, which will take place from March 31 to April 2 in Grand Forks, N.D.

Additionally, senators discussed the possible January term, or J-Term, which is being discussed by the Faculty Senate. A separate committee of professors was set up to look in to the possible incentives and conflicts that would arise from adding it as an option to Drake students. The J-Term would offer students the option of taking one three-credit hour class in between the fall and spring semesters.

The report written by members of Faculty Senate explained that J-Terms are popular at other schools and offer an opportunity for students to earn credit during their winter breaks. On the other hand, special consideration would have to be given to additional costs for the classes, residence halls and professor salaries.

Sen. Ben Cooper proposed the resolution to show Senate’s support for the J-Term, which after passage would be passed on to Faculty Senate.

“I believe this is a work in progress and we need to show our support to further unify Drake’s campus,” Sen. Amanda Laurent said.

The resolution passed unanimously.

Senate also approved the Election Commission rules unanimously in their original format, which were proposed and widely debated last week. The Drake Running Club also was unanimously recognized as a student organization with all senators in support of the new club.