SGA passes resolution to improve summer class choices The Student Government Association (SGA) passed legislation last Thursday to substantially expand “the quantity, variety and quality of course offerings for the summer semesters.” The resolution is in response to an amendment approved by the faculty senate Dec. 7, which would require students to complete all coursework at Northeastern or through a Northeastern-approved program. The SGA legislation met some opposition at first when senators said they felt the SGA shouldn’t support the faculty’s decision, but it eventually passed unanimously with 41 in favor and one abstention. Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs MJ Paradiso encouraged the senate to pass the legislation as soon as possible and defended the faculty’s resolution, saying it will add value to a Northeastern degree. “In the long run it will help Northeastern,” he said.
– Jessica Torrez-Riley, News Staff
Faculty senate approves plan for public policy school The faculty senate voted last week to establish a School of Social Sciences, Urban Affairs and Public Policy. The school would be part of the College of Arts and Sciences, and would aim to increase Northeastern’s social science research and community outreach. Although the resolution to create the school has been passed, a long process of fund-raising still lies ahead before students will see any sign of the school. Those who support the idea said no money will be taken from other Arts and Sciences programs, and the entire school will be funded by external donors. Thomas Koenig, chair of the Sociology and Anthropology Department, said his department voted unanimously in favor of the resolution. “We see it as making the whole pie larger, not taking away from anyone else,” Koenig said. Although some senators objected on the grounds that there had not been adequate discussion of the resolution, it was passed 28-3, with three abstentions.
– Hailey Heinz, News Staff
NUASC allotted funds to bring “Rent” actor to campus The Budget Review Committee allocated $8,706 to Northeastern University Allied Student Coalition last week to bring “Rent” star Anthony Rapp to campus March 30. Rapp will speak about his experiences as an openly gay actor and will sign copies of his recently released autobiography “Without You.” Theater group The Great White Way also received $14,212.94 for its two-night production of “Into the Woods” April 21 and April 22 in the Curry Student Center Ballroom. Female business leadership group Xcel received $5,265 for the March 25 conference, “The Well-Balanced Leader: Strengthening the Excellence Within” to be held at the Batterymarch Conference Center in downtown Boston. The Latin American Student Organization received $1,508.60 for the March 16 student comedy show “My Big Fat Latino Cultural Show.” Brothers About Change was allotted $1,900 for the presentation “The Institute of Black Invention and Technology” and the Student Government Association (SGA) received $6,877.50 for an upcoming Campus Invasion, when SGA members will drive students to class in golf carts as a way of connecting with students and discussing concerns. A total of $32,709.74 was allotted to student groups at the meeting.
– Stephanie Peters, News Staff
Mayor Menino looks toward city-wide wireless Internet At the first meeting of the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council last Wednesday, Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced his plan to turn Boston into a city-wide wireless network. The mayor will work with the council to create a task force responsible for formulating the city’s plan, which Menino said he expects to be in full motion by summer. The task force will meet during the first week of March, and will consult other cities, like Philadelphia, that have already launched similar projects. Currently Wireless Fidelity, or WiFi, the system used to transmit computer information wirelessly, is available in more than 900 Boston schools and 28 area libraries.
– Ricky Thompson, News Staff
