Administration to relax holds on spring weekend

The administration is relaxing its stance on Spring Weekend, according to Undergraduate Student Government President Stephen Petkis’ report at Wednesday’s USG Senate meeting. In his report, Petkis, a 7th-semester political science and human rights double-major, said that while certain policies such as the ban on non-UConn students staying in resident halls and an increased police presence will remain in affect, the university is changing its attitude towards Spring Weekend.

According to Petkis the moratorium of last year is over. The university will no longer encourage students to go home for the week by presenting the campus as an unsafe environment. In addition, student services will operate as usual and student organizations will be able to rent space and organize events for that weekend. The focus is to treat Spring Weekend as simply another weekend on campus.

 “This is a big victory for us,” said Petkis.

Legislation regarding Spring Weekend policies and programs will be presented in Senate in the near future. USG will be working with the administration and other organizations such as SUBOG to create events that, according to Petkis, will benefit students and their families.

On Wednesday, the Senate also approved $144,995.08 of the $232,585.86 in funding requested with little debate and no dissenting votes. Those organizations that were denied partial or full funding can appeal if they feel they were discriminated against. If their funding falls after Thanksgiving, they can reapply later in the semester. Those organizations seeking funding next semester will have to comply with the new funding policies passed on September 19th. The deadline to apply for Spring semester funding in November 2nd.

In an effort to bridge the gab between administration and the student body, USG will host Straight to the Source next Tuesday, October 9. Students will have the opportunity to speak directly to administrators from 3:30p.m. to 5:30p.m. in the north lobby of the Student Union, according to Naqvi. Also on Tuesday, UConn Police Department will hold a forum at from 5p.m. to 7p.m. in the Student Union theater. Naqvi said the UCPD event is a way to open a discourse between the students and the police department.

The Senate also unanimously passed a commendation of basketball coach Jim Calhoun in recognition of his career and substantial contributions to both UConn and the state of Connecticut.