ASMSU’s Student Assembly discussed finalizing tailgate details, reviewing the 2007-08 budget, electing internal positions and discussing a plan to send Virginia Tech a memorial flag at its first meeting of the school year Thursday evening.
ASMSU is MSU’s undergraduate student government.
Talking about tailgate
Nigel Scarlett, vice-chairperson for external affairs, introduced a PowerPoint presentation to share the ASMSU-sponsored tailgate activities they have planned for this season.
The event takes place at the tennis courts across from East Wilson Hall.
With inexpensive food, air-filled games such as a giant Twister board and a general message of promoting alternatives to drinking, Scarlett said tailgating is part of MSU’s culture.
Promoting camaraderie is the first step in revamping tailgate, he said.
Reviewing the budget
ASMSU is working with $1.3 million in total appropriations.
“We wanted to save money and still achieve the results we needed,” Student Assembly chairperson Michael Leahy said.
As a result, a couple of lead positions were cut entirely. In the executive cabinet, the assistant director of communications was eliminated.
The eliminated position will potentially save the organization $4,032.
However, $9,000 was allocated for outsourced Web site development, of which they are still searching for a provider. Though money was not saved this year, the one-time payment will allow members to edit the Web site when needed, without paying someone to do it, Leahy said, adding that it will save money in a few years.
The director of education policy position was cut from ASMSU’s Academic Assembly, saving $5,568, with the director of university budgets taking over the position’s duties.
Internal positions elected
Garry Hartlieb was elected chairperson of the finance committee, while David Schmidt will take the vice-chairperson role. Both ran unopposed.
Nathaniel Giddings defeated Matthew Hovey in a secret ballot vote for the policy committee chairperson position.
Hovey then ran for the committee’s vice-chairperson position unopposed.
“I am looking forward to increased efficiency and attendance and showing students what ASMSU can do for them,” Giddings said.
Representatives for the steering committee, programming board and university committee on student affairs also were elected.
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Promoting Hokie spirit
Leahy announced ASMSU will be sending Virginia Tech’s student government a memorial MSU flag as a donation to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund.
“They are having a memorial at their university, so this flag will come in perfect time for that,” Leahy said.
