Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Adam Robak and Laura Vaughn
News Editors
The Associated Student Body approved a new club policy for the 2009-10 school year as a result of widespread dissatisfaction amongst members who felt that last year’s policy was not strict enough in both the approval and monitoring of clubs.
Two years ago, students wishing to create a new club were required to fill out the necessary forms and present their club idea in front of all of ASB.
Last year, this policy changed when ASB decided to become more lenient by only requiring students to complete the paperwork and then present in front of a small group of ASB members and Student Activities Director Lisa Claypoole.
“We initially changed the policy because people thought it was too intimidating to present in front of the entire ASB,” said junior Rachel Waters, who is the 2008-09 auxiliary club coordinator.
In June, ASB readopted its 2007-08 policy after concerns arose regarding the ability of certain clubs to fulfill requirements to maintain “good standing.”
A club must attend club council meetings, participate in club days, and complete quarterly reports to be in “good standing.”
“Once people took advantage of our leniency, we realized we had to take [our policy] back,” Waters said.
Because of the relaxed policy, the number of clubs last year grew from 38 to 91. At the end of the year, clubs that had not met requirements were disbanded.
Some clubs were allowed to remain but were stripped of their Homecoming vote.
“It is unfortunate that we’re being punished for last year’s presidents’mistakes. But in the end, our club’s cause is our biggest concern,” Pink Ribbon Club Co-President and senior Casey Harless said.
Students wishing to renew or create a club have until today to do so.
“Our goal is to not give up our ability to approve clubs,” Claypoole said. “It’s important to introduce limits and oversee clubs because we want them to be held to a certain standard.”
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