STUSU Briefs: $1700 for bike program

    Worn off validation stickers

    President Ella Henrey said bus drives are aware that some students are having issues with their validation stickers wearing off their ID card. The issue appears to be the result of the producers of the stickers changing suppliers. If students don’t get the sticker replaced, bus drivers might not allow students on the bus for free. Students who’s sticker has worn off are advised to go to the registrar’s office for a new one. A low-tech solution was offered to keep the new sticker from wearing off: cover it with scotch tape.

    Bike share program

    Council approved $850 from the extra budgetary fund to start a bike share program at STU. The money will be matched by the university to buy five bikes, helmets, and locks. Henry said this could be the only cost associated with the program for STUSU. Students using the program will pay a small fee and their student number will be recorded so if the bike isn’t returned, the student’s account will be charged. A similar program already exists at UNB. The bikes should be available year round. No start date was given for the program at press time.

    Bylaw and constitution amendments

    Electing student senators in the spring election, eliminating the 200-piece limit on “loose campaign materials” and cutting the number of polling stations on campus from four to two were among many changes bylaw changes made at the last meeting. The Forest Hill and Brian Mulroney Hall polling stations will be eliminated. Off-campus students will vote in James Dunn Hall while any students in residence will vote in George Martin Hall. All references to chairmen were changed to chair for gender neutrality. The constitution was also amended to make the quorum for the Annual General Meeting to either 200 students or five per cent of the student body since previous meetings would often not meet quorum.

    “What’s your number?” underway

    The campaign started this week with a table in James Dunn where students could sign postcards to be delivered to the provincial government. Students can also fill out a form showing the impact the cost of post-secondary education has had on their lives. They can then get their photos taken holding up this sheet. The photos may be published online or as part of further campaign materials sent to the government. VP education Craig Mazerolle said they will start with 400 postcards through the month of November. If the campaign is popular enough, they have thought about expanding it to UNB or province-wide.

    Tuition reduction campaign called for

    VP education Craig Mazerolle will introduce a motion at a Canadian Alliance of Student Associations conference that calls on CASA to start a national tuition reduction campaign. The November conference will take place in Ottawa and Mazerolle and Henry will attend. CASA is a group of student unions across Canada that seeks to promote the interests of students federally.

    No health clinic complaints

    According to Henry, the health clinic has made changes since last year. They changed the old paper booking system to an online registration and scheduling system that can also be done over the phone. She said she has yet to hear any complaints about the new system or the clinic and encourages anyone with a complaint to contact her.