SGA Denies Funding Request for JMU Young Life
The Student Government Association (SGA) Senate unanimously approved contingency funds for the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) but rejected Young Life’s funding request for scholarship money to support its spring break trip. Last year, the same amount was approved for Young Life’s trip.
Young Life, a Christian student organization with around 250-300 members, sought $3,000 in contingency funds to assist low-income members in joining their annual spring break trip. However, this request was turned down by the SGA Senate.
Senior Taylor Wilson and senior SGA President Nate Hazen, who is also a Young Life college leader, represented Young Life during the meeting. Hazen, expressing his disappointment, mentioned that this was his first time representing Young Life at SGA. The funds were intended to cover lodging expenses of $395 per student based on individual needs.
Junior SGA Finance Committee member Daniel Green opposed the request, stating that funding a religious activity contradicted the organization’s principles. He expressed discomfort in allocating funds for another organization’s “vacation.”
SGA Approves Contingency Funds for MSA & IDSA
On a positive note, the SGA Senate granted $5,000 in contingency funds for the Muslim Student Association (MSA) to host a Ramadan banquet on March 23. The event aims to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan and is open to both the JMU and Harrisonburg communities.
The approved amount includes \(3,300 for food costs, \)1,500 for speaker expenses, and $200 for banquet supplies. This inclusive event allows the broader community to partake in the festivities.
Additionally, the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) received approval for $2,997.40 in contingency funds. The funding will support an Adobe Illustrator workshop and professional certification test, ensuring members’ proficiency in using the software. This certification, lasting three years, aids in keeping individuals updated on new app features and capabilities.
IDSA, comprising approximately 55 members, focuses on enhancing design students’ professional development and industry connections.
Parking Services Resolution
A resolution was passed to urge Parking Services to provide leniency to students during the initial week of each semester. The resolution advocates for refraining from ticketing students during the first week of classes, offering warnings instead for parking violations.
Authored by Senior Sen. Parker Boggs, the resolution aims to alleviate financial burdens on JMU students, particularly those navigating parking challenges at the beginning of the semester.