On Tuesday evening, the 53rd Student Association met for the ninth official time of the semester. The number of senators to make a quorum were present, and Executive Vice President Emily Nassir called the meeting to order.

The Oswego State Cheerleading Team kicked of the meeting as a guest to the Senate. The Cheer team asked for an increase in their budget this year as a result of the team growing in size.  They currently have thirty-six members on the team.  To ensure that all get a chance to travel to Nationals in Daytona Beach this April, they’ve turned to the Student Association to help with transportation, hotel, uniform and food costs. In previous years the Cheerleading Team have relied on sponsorships to fund their trip, but after handing out over forty letters, and only receiving three, they felt it would be wise to reach out for funding.  Their budget proposal and official budget structuring will be overseen by the finance committee next week.

There was no public comment, so the meeting moved into the next section, executive reports.

Student Association President Christopher Collins-McNeil, shared his experience from the Net Impact Equity Premium Group Conference in Seattle, which he had attended over the weekend. Collins-McNeil briefly described it as “one of the most powerful experiences at a conference.” He stated that he would go further into detail next week about his time spent in Seattle.

Student Association Director of Finance Matthew Peters then took the floor. Peters spoke about a proposal to change the fifty percent rule, regarding the purchasing of items for clubs and organizations on campus. A change in the rule would give each student club or organization control over its own budget, with the advisement and approval of the Director of Finance and the SA President. It is up to the rest of the Senate to vote on whether the fifty percent rule should change or not.

The meeting then progressed into Hall Council reports.  Waterbury Hall announced that students are no longer restricted to only using the lounge on their floor. Students now have access to any lounge in the hall. Waterbury Hall also reminded the Senate that their Laker Life program Glow Jam, will be on December 4th.  They encouraged all Senate members to attend the event and spread the word. Cayuga Hall spoke on combating the issue of bullying in their residence hall.  The hall has organized a program against bullying where students will post index cards and post-its with encouraging words in the hallways of Cayuga Hall.

No new legislation was introduced, therefore the meeting came to a close and the senators dismissed.

Student Association Senate Meetings take place every Tuesday at 6pm, in Lanigan 107. There are only two meetings left in this semester, November 18th, and December 4th. All meetings are open to the public and students are encouraged to attend and present on any issue.

by Kimberly Strong

Oswego, NY- April is Autism Awareness Month. The Oswego County Autism Task Force hosted their 2nd Annual 5K and fundraiser to kick off the month on Apr. 2.

Over 160 runners, walkers, and supporters lined up on E 1st St., just outside the Press Box Restaurant at 8:30 AM the 5K. The race’s three mile route worked its way through Oswego’s East Side and Fort Ontario area.

In addition to the race, there was a “Breakfast of Autism Champions” buffet provided by the Press Box for anyone making a $10 donation.

All proceeds from the 5K and breakfast benefited the Oswego County Autism Task Force, an organization that supports autism awareness and creates possibilities for those affected by autism. 

The event brought together families and residents of all ages. who have a personal connection with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

““It’s near and dear to my heart,” Special Education Teacher Elisabeth Haight said. “Last year my daughter and I ran, but this year we decided to volunteer and cheer on the racers.”

Race Director Julia Chetney’s son was diagnosed with autism and started the 5K last year.

“There wasn’t a lot of events that support the autism community,” she said. “I was really excited to be a part of this community and this event…People are really excited about it, and grateful.”

For updates on the next 5K and more information, go to the Oswego County Autism Task Force’s website.