The EIU Student Senate approved the creation of a Registered Student Organization grant funding program at its meeting on Wednesday.   

According to the resolution, SGA allocated $17,500 from its budget for the program for the spring semester.  

Vice President of Student Affairs Kat Maxson presented on the program.  

She said the goal of the program is to provide additional funding for RSOs to hold events. The funding comes as grants on a first come, first serve basis and must be made 30 days before the event with a limit of three months before. 

“The reason we put that three months there is just so that people aren’t applying for money way way way in advance to hold money,” Maxson said.  

Grant requests go through the program council which is chaired by the VPSA and six undergraduate students in student government. The council reviews requests to see if they are eligible. Members of the council are appointed to a one-year academic term, according to Maxson.  

The minimum grant request is $250, and the maximum is $1,500. An RSO can submit a grant application for one event or a budget for multiple, according to Maxson.

To be eligible to receive money, an RSO must have been official for at least one academic semester.  

Maxson said the grant cannot be used for profit or to pay for anything other than an event or program, which must be free to all EIU students. Unused money is required to be given back.  

Grant funds are distributed by the office of leadership and engagement. 

The Senate also passed three resolutions at the meeting. 

The Senate recommended that Eastern should make Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate training mandatory for faculty, staff and students in response to the incident on Nov. 10. The training involves teaching what to do in an active shooter situation. 

Senator Valerie Harmon supported the resolution.  

“We are too reactive and not proactive,” she said. “We’re lucky it was a fake call, but at that point in time it could have been real.” 

Vice President of Academic Affairs Emilee Boyd said professors don’t have the experience to know what to do in a situation like the Nov. 10 without training. 

The Senate also recommended that the Illinois House and Senate pass the formula funding for higher education plan, which is the second year a resolution of this nature has been passed by the Senate. 

Executive Vice President Mason Tegeler encouraged members of the Senate to reach out to their representatives to talk to them about the funding formula. 

The final resolution commemorated SGA advisor Ceci Brinker, who retired after the Senate meeting concluded. 

According to the resolution, Brinker came to EIU in 1976 for her undergraduate degree before returning to Eastern as an employee in 1984. 

During her time working at Eastern, Brinker served as director of the office of leadership and engagement and supported campus organizations including University Board, Black Student Union and Latin American Student Organization. 

SGA members thanked Brinker for her help during their time in the Senate. 

“You’ve just always had our best interest at heart,” Student Body President Claire Weber said.  

Brinker spoke to the senate after the resolution passed.  

“I am deeply humbled and honored with the resolution tonight,” Brinker said. “I’m truly proud of all of you and all the work that you’ve done and the way you continue to represent your constituents.” 

Jason Coulombe can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].