At its first senate meeting of the spring 2014 semester, ASWC recognized Japanese Cooking Club (JCC), approved several finance requests, and discussed amending the bylaws concerning the Whitman student referendum process.

ASWC tabled the JCC’s original request for recognition at the last senate meeting due to concern regarding the club’s constitutional requirement for membership fees.  JCC removed the clause prior to this senate meeting.  ASWC recognition will allow the club to pay for ingredients and better promote its weekly Sunday cooking events. JCC president Marcus Helm said, “It’s great to now have the funding and means to express and share Japanese culture with the school.”

The senior senator delegation presented its plans to propose an amendment to Whitman’s student referendum process.  Currently, a referendum requires 150 student signatures to be voted upon by the student population.  The senior senators hope to raise the signature threshold because it currently represents only 10% of the student body.

ASWC approved Outdoor Program students’ request for $3550 for 10 students to attend AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) avalanche training courses in February.  AIARE certification allows students to lead backcountry skiing trips.

A $1191 request for the Bluewood ski bus also passed.  The ski bus, which has been provided in years past, will run every Saturday until spring break.

Finally, ASWC also approved the allocation of $1920 for 10 members of the Blue Moon staff to attend this year’s Associated Writers and Writing Organization Conference in Seattle.