ASUI passes resolutions
The ASUI Senate passed a pair of resolutions at Wednesday’s meeting — one in favor of a Statement of Student Values to be included in the student handbook, and a second in favor of the congressional passage of the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act.
The first resolution comes in response to changes in the Student Code of Conduct and Student Statement of Rights that negate the need for a student vote in order to make changes to the code of conduct. According to the resolution, the concept of a Statement of Student Values and a draft statement presented in the Spring 2014 ASUI ballot received more than a 90 percent approval rating from voters.
The resolution states that ASUI believes a Statement of Student Values would provide a solid foundation for students to unify educational and professional goals while attending the University of Idaho, as well as an informed governing voice in issues effecting education.
The resolution requests that the University of Idaho faculty senate add the statement of student values to the student handbook, and that the Dean of Students office include the Statement of Student Values in orientation material for incoming students.
The second resolution solidifies ASUI’s stance in favor of the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act — a U.S. house bill currently in committee that seeks to reduce housing costs for college students.
If passed, the bill would allow tax-exempt charitable and educational organizations to make grants to non-university owned not-for-profit student housing entities that provide housing for college students. According to the resolution, 13 percent of undergraduate students at UI live in non-university owned not-for-profit housing and would benefit from the bill.
The resolution asks the Idaho Congressional Delegation to sponsor the act, and states ASUI’s support for congressional passage.
Hemp Fest takes place Saturday
The 18th annual Moscow Hemp Fest will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at East City Park in Moscow.
The event is being held one week earlier than normal to coincide with Washington State University Mom’s Weekend and to avoid conflict with Easter, according to Hemp Fest Organizer Arlene Falcon.
The free event will feature speakers, music and hemp related vendors.
Kristin Flor, national leader of the organization The Human Solution, will speak about her belief that no one should go to jail for marijuana possession.
Serra Frank, founder of the international organization Moms for Marijuana will also speak at the event. Steve Phun of the Seattle Hemp Fest will emcee, and Adam Assenberg, candidate for sheriff in Whitman County and Medical Marijuana Activist will give a presentation as well.
For a full list of musical guest visit the Moscow Hemp Fest Facebook page.
Ad team moves on
The University of Idaho Advertising Team finished first in the American Advertising Federation district advertising competition for the second year in a row last week.
The team, comprised of 14 UI students, was asked to develop a 26-page marketing campaign and a 20-minute presentation for the judges — regional advertising professionals and representatives from Mary Kay Inc., the corporate sponsor for this year’s competition.
The last time the team won back-to-back district titles was in 1995 and 1996 when the team was advised by UI professor Mark Secrist. The team also won under Secrist in 1999. Justin Barnes, a UI faculty member, is in his second year advising the team.
The team will have a semifinal interview with the national judges later this month. If they are chosen as one of eight teams to participate in the national competition, they will travel to Boca Raton, Fla. May 28-31.