SGB grants, denies money at meeting

Pitt musicians are looking forward to teaching students in a different country, though the… Pitt musicians are looking forward to teaching students in a different country, though the Student Government Board might need some convincing first.

Members of the Pittsburgh Jazz Ensemble were present at Tuesday’s meeting in response to allocations denial of $11,850 of the $13,850 requested. The $2,000 approved was to go towards the Jazz Ensemble’s trip to Jamaica.

Ensemble members Brent Healy and Mike Schiller defended the requested funding, saying that the money was being used toward humanitarian efforts to visit underprivileged children in the country.

“We play for the children,” Healy said, describing the group’s efforts. “We spend time talking to them and mentoring them.”

“SGB is here to benefit the students here,” board member Jarrod Baker said, expressing concerns about how this trip would benefit the Pitt students, the campus and the community.

Schiller responded to Baker’s questions by stating that Pitt is known for its international participation.

“It goes a long way when we go to Jamaica,” Schiller said. “It really attracts people to the school.”

The request was sent back to the allocations committee, and a final decision on the funding will be made at next week’s meeting.

The Student Government Board passed a resolution urging the University to work with the city in finding a solution to the vending trucks issue. The resolution comes after much concern around campus about the termination of the vendors located outside the Hillman library.

The Pitt Rowing Club also returned a second time in mass numbers to convince SGB to grant funding for their training over spring break.

Business Manager Dan Fox urged board members to approve the full $3,965 requested.

“These are people very devoted to their team, and I would l like them to come to spring training with us,” he said.

The SGB members granted the team the entire amount of their request.

The Black Dance Workshop also returned with documentation on storage and prices of costumes. Baker gave some advice to the group.

“Next year, try and budget for as much of this as possible,” he said.

The board members approved the $2,000 requested for costumes for the group’s spring performance.