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Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Observer

Group begins term with brief meeting

The new members of the Council of Representatives convened to begin the 2004-05 student government term in a brief, informal meeting Monday evening in LaFortune.The 25-minute meeting - the shortest of the year - lacked the urgency that marked recent COR sessions, when members struggled to complete a massive constitutional overhaul by the March 31 deadline. But on Monday night no official business was conducted, no minutes were read and several members were absent.But that relaxed atmosphere won't last for long. Next week, COR must approve the fiscal budget for the entire Student Union, totaling roughly $600,000 in money from student activities fees and sales of "The Shirt." Student body president Adam Istvan - in his first COR meeting as president - said he expects the budget to pass, but acknowledged there will be contentious issues. "It could be a long meeting," Istvan laughed. In next week's meeting, the council will also approve the nominations of its new members, a process that has traditionally been a "rubber stamp."Istvan said student leaders' transition to the revamped constitution is progressing, but he acknowledged that it would not happen overnight."It's going to take a while for the new constitution to sift its way out," he said. "Bear with us until we get the hang of what each group is supposed to be doing."Istvan also announced COR members will attend a daylong retreat at the Creek House, an off-campus house owned by the Student Activities Office, as well as a longer leadership development weekend in Michigan.