The University of Rhode Island student senate passed an amendment to their bylaws, limiting the application window for each semester, and recognized three new student organizations.
The amendment places a limit on the student organization recognition period. Student organizations must begin their application process by the six-week mark, according to Sen. Andrew D’Aiello.
The amendment is not intended to limit campus participation, but rather to make things easier for the Student Organization Committee and make the organization recognition process more equitable for all clubs, according to D’Aiello. Organizations that submit their applications after the deadline will be eligible for recognition the following semester. Organizations that are not recognized by the senate will still be able to participate in SOC training and workshops and will have access to SOC resources.
Some senators, like Kairy Gonzalez, worried that the deadline would add unnecessary stress to the beginning of the school year. Sen. Gonzalez proposed a change to the amendment that would allow organizations to be recognized after the six-week period, but would not be eligible for the first-year financial packages.
SOC Chair Jacob Milner reiterated that the amendment is not made to discourage campus participation. Placing a limit on organization recognition also ensures that the first-year financial packages are appropriately distributed and avoids any last-minute disbursement of funds.
The senate recognized the URI Roller Hockey Club, which aims to provide a more cost-effective alternative to ice hockey, according to club president Eamon McLaughlin. The senate also recognized the Haitian Student Association and Rhody F1rst, two affinity groups that are working to increase connectivity on campus. Rhody F1rst will help first-generation students find support on campus via peer-to-peer support.
The next student senate meeting will take place on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Memorial Union Room 300.
