SGA approves funding for Model UN Conference

Kristel Erguiza Staff Writer SGA approved $8,016 for FSU’s Model United Nations to attend Harvard’s National Model United Nations Conference at their final meeting of the fall semester on Dec. 2 via Zoom. President César Matos said the Model UN conference will be held in late January and early February next semester, which will be attended by six students and one staff member from the University. In a written statement, Model UN President Jamie Kuenzel said, “The conference will benefit our club because members will have the opportunity to debate, further develop their public speaking skills, and work with students from around the world.” According to Matos, this is the second conference Model UN has attended this year. Both conferences are located at universities in Boston, Matos said. The cost to send students to the previous conference was $6,786. According to Matos, funding for the trip will be taken from the unallocated funds from the Student Activities Trust Fund, which currently has $49,183. According to SATF Treasurer Khoa Bùi, SGA started the year with $58,000 in the SATF. Parliamentarian and Model UN member Grant Alleyne said the conference is the largest collegiate circuit conference with international students and larger sponsors in attendance as well as overall “better opportunities for students who are going.” Attendees will include students in the Model United Nations class. He added this conference is the first major event of the Model UN’s year of activities. “Outside of eBoard members, we would try to have new members come who haven't gone and haven't experienced the conference,” Alleyne said. Alleyne added the increased cost for this conference compared to the previous one is due to the need to transport participants to the Harvard conference. Additionally, the funds will be used for food and housing accommodations at the conference. A motion was made by Senator Cam Rokes to approve the allocation. It was seconded by Senator Nathan Piette. The motion passed 12-0-1. SGA also approved six club constitutions pending edits from the Center for Student Experience and Career Development: Skateboarding Club, GEMS (Growth, Empowerment, Motivation and Success), Photography Club, Student Association of Caribbean Ancestry, Asian Student Union, and Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization. Motions to approve these clubs' constitutions passed unanimously. Piette reminded SGA members about Fashion Club’s Reimagined Trashion Show, which was held Dec. 3. SGA also had one officer report from Diversity and Inclusion Officer Ana Julia Ribero. She said that members of the Diversity and Inclusion ad hoc committee will be meeting on a regular basis starting January. SGA had no Advisor’s Report or committee reports, according to Vice President Shubham Valand. There was no senator or eBoard Member of the Week, according to Events Coordinator Alix Ayoub and Vice President Shubham Valand.