FeelGood withdraws SGB allocations request

Pitt FeelGood’s attendance at its annual New York City conference is still up in the… Pitt FeelGood’s attendance at its annual New York City conference is still up in the air.

After a proposal to extend time regarding a FeelGood allocation request at the Student Government Board meeting Tuesday night at Nordy’s Place, board member Alex Zimmerman said he was still unclear on the conference’s purpose.

“You had plenty of time to make this request,” Zimmerman said before urging the group to withdraw its request and meet with the Allocations Committee again.  

Initially, the Allocations Committee moved to deny the $3,432 request in full and said that the event that FeelGood wished to send nine members to seemed to focus too much on social development. This does not coincide with the allocation policies to deny funding for any social or recruting events.

Representatives from the student group known for selling grilled cheese at Nordy’s Place said that the conference taught them about current events worldwide, information they brought back to share at their weekly meetings.

After hearing FeelGood plead its case, the board decided to reject the initial recommendation of the allocations board. Board member James Landreneau voted in favor of rejecting the request in full and Emily Hoover abstained from the vote.

Board member John Hasley put a new motion on the table to send two delegates to the conference, but was unsure about whether the board would fund airfare or gas expenses.

“We can figure out numbers later, we should decide what you’re making a motion for,” SGB President Molly Stieber said.

The Board will hear the request again at a later meeting.

“It’s not as clear to me that funding this program would lead to advance programming,” Zimmerman said before ending discussion.

Earlier in the meeting, SGB released information regarding the Nov. 17 board elections. The election packets will be available on Oct. 3 and are due Oct. 17. Slate forms will be released on Oct 21. A mandatory meeting for all interested candidates will be on Oct. 21.

Emily Hoover spoke on her Food Committee initiative, which aims to increase student participation in improving campus dining.

She announced plans for a meeting with Sodexo representatives next Friday at 1 p.m. and welcomed all students with visions for the dining halls.

“All of your ideas for how Sodexo can make it the best eating experience in the world are welcome,” Hoover said.  

She also asked the audience to participate in the Notre Dame football tailgate that will take place over dinner Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Market Central. Popcorn and cotton candy will be served and the Pitt Band, cheerleaders and Roc the Panther will be in attendance

Allocations:

SGB approved STAND’s request of $603.90 in full to fund transportation for an upcoming conference.

Lady Panther Club Soccer was allotted $3,829.45 to enable the team to participate in three tournaments as part of their competitive season.

Pitt Club Tennis received $10,800 for the cost of two practices a week, equipment and gas money to and from practice. The team was denied $5,400.

The Board approved $888 in full for International Students for Social Equality.

The Chabad House received $2,394.10 for the event “Ask a Rabbi” but was denied $175 for the cost of food.

Engineering World Health was allotted $2,121.90 to send three members to a national conference in Seattle. The board denied $169.10 of the request.

The Pittsburgh Intercollegiate Snowboard Team was awarded $2,194.52 for their Annual Rail Jam Competition but was denied $222.24 for taxes and shipping.

SGB approved $728.20 for lanterns and fans for the Chinese American Students Association’s upcoming Moon Festival.

Pitt Mock Trial requested $2,024.68 in budget modifications. The request was approved in full.