Student Senate had one request for funding at the April 2 meeting.

Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Society requested funding for 10 students to represent Missouri Southern at a biannual provincial conference at the University of Missouri-Columbia, April 11-12. Students representing Southern will be giving two presentations at the conference.

“It is an honor because you are presenting a lecture on leadership to a group of leaders, that is what ODK is all about,” said Monicca Shanthanelson, ODK president.

Southern’s ODK chapter boasts having both Student Leader of the Year and Provincial Student Director.

“ODK is an organization that anytime it does something it does it with the utmost professionalism representing the school as a whole,” said Zack Odem Senate president.

Andrew McGowan, Senate treasurer, recommended $764, the amount requested. Funding was unanimously allocated.

Due to the difficulty in advertising campus events, Odem is proposing Senate, CAB, and the administration fund an electronic sign to be placed beside Newman Road.

“I spoke to Dr. León, the dean of students and Julie Blackford and there is definite interest”, he said.

If enough funding is raised, Odem would be in favor of purchasing a small JumboTron, such as the one at Pittsburg State University.

“This has been a very unusual year,” he said. “Senate will have funds left over and this is a very unusual project. This is something we could be proud of for years to come. If we take this money (unallocated funds) and spend it on something like

this, it would benefit

the College as a whole.”

Funding such a project at the end of the semester is considered ideal as it will not take funding away from any student organizations.

It was decided to wait until the next meeting to discuss the matter further.

The Student Senate will be collecting donations for troops deployed overseas. Sarah Seibert, senior Senator, is heading the committee. Boxes will be placed around campus in the library, Billingsly Student Center and various buildings to be announced.

Donations such as new T-shirts, sunblock, lip balm, toiletries, stationary and envelopes may be deposited in the boxes. There are lists on the boxes for items needed. The donations will be given to the Jasper County Armory on behalf of Southern’s student body.

“This is an opportunity to give back to some of our troops who protect our freedoms,” said Odem.

There was discussion of allocating Senate funds to purchase supplies for the troops if ample donations are not raised. However, nothing official was agreed upon.

The committee on equality took its bill to the Board of Regents meeting on March, 28. The bill was discussed then put aside for further discussion at a future meeting.

McGowan reported a Senate treasury balance of $9,575.

Seibert brought up the idea of using Senate funds to purchase books, school supplies, and necessities for underprivileged children at the Turnaround Ranch and The Boys and Girls Club.

“My suggestion would be to bring something in writing next week listing specifically what the funds would be used for,” McGowan said.

Elections for Senate officers will be held April 14-15 in Billingsly Student Center, Room 211.