This past Thursday, UMSU held its bi-weekly council meeting in the UMSU Council Chambers.
Of importance, the council heard from a possible candidate, Jason-Paul VanRooy, for the chief returning officer position. This was followed by a closed discussion, during which they decided to elect him as the next chief returning officer.
Various reports by the president, VP external, VP internal, VP student services and VP advocacy were given. They included mention of UMSU vision, the closed-circuit television network now located in University Center since
Nov. 9, 2009, as well as an ice rink that will be opening.
As well, Heather Laube, VP student services, reported on Alternative Spring Break, where students will have the opportunity to travel to El Salvador during the February reading week break to take part in various projects to help the community there.
They reported that El Salvador has recently received heavy rains and mudslides, and that they will be looking for other opportunities to help them before, during and after the Alternative Spring Break trip.
UMSU will also be providing their annual Holiday Hampers to help students in need on campus.
There are around 125 students in need around Christmas, and they will also be looking for volunteers to help package and deliver the hampers. In order to raise funds for this they will be having a “Loonie Tunes” event from Nov. 30-Dec. 9, where students will perform in various locations on campus.
UMSU will be recognizing Dec. 1 as World Aids Day and Dec. 6 as the 20th anniversary of the 14 women murdered at Ecole Polytechnique during the Montreal Massacre.
As part of the remembrance there will be a banner in University Centre on Dec. 4, where men can commit to not using their hands in abuse against women, and imprint their hands on the banner.
The Environmental Sustainability Committee reported that Curt Hull of the Manitoba Eco-Network will be making a presentation on campus on Nov. 26.
UMSU will be holding its annual Charity Ball on Dec. 23 to raise money for charities, which will be nominated by student.
The next UMSU meeting is Dec. 3. Any student is allowed to attend.
