The Undergraduate Student Government met on Nov. 17 to discuss student diversity and inclusion, approve two clubs and pass campus-wide event fundings.

Guest speaker: Cardina Esparza

The top priority of the office of Student Diversity and Inclusion Services is student inclusion, and the goal is to strengthen and move forward our outreach programs, Director of SDIS Cardina Esparza told USG.

Esparza emphasized the Reaching Excellence in Academics and Leadership Program that helps students with diverse backgrounds become familiar and comfortable on campus before their first year.

“We had 16 participants in the summer come and they’re all incoming students,” Esparza said. “They got to have a little taste of what it’s like to live, learn and work on campus.”

SDIS is working to provide workshops for mentors and mentees to build student relationships while also providing guidance.

“This provides older students the opportunity to have a role where they provide their support, but also they get to work with younger students who need it,” Esparza said.

President Angelica Franaschouk asked Esparza how USG can partner with SDIS to help promote the office and the outreach programs.

“Through our students in Undergraduate Student Government who are also interns at the SDIS office,” Espraza said. “They can report back important information and then equally we share with them things we want to bring forward.”

Club approved: fishing club

St. Thomas student Parker Stromquist proposed a new fishing club for students who enjoy fishing or are looking to learn how to fish.

“You really reconnect with the outdoors,” Stromquist said. “It’s a great stress relief – fishing – especially for college students.”

According to Stromquist’s proposal, fishing club will take place on local rivers and lakes and will offer ice fishing during the winter months.

“We’ll see if we can rent ice fishing houses, otherwise we can tough it out,” Stromquist said.

Stromquist proposed initial finances will go toward buying few fishing poles, nets and fish coolers. The club will own and lend to new fishers wanting to enjoy a day on the lake.

“This equipment will be for any student in or out of the club,” Stromquist said. “So everyone can be involved, not just people who have that experience or who have their equipment.”

Fishing club was passed by USG and is expected to start at the end of fall semester.

Club approved: Wall Street club

St. Thomas students Maddy LaValle and Will Hanson proposed Wall Street club for students interested in learning and experiencing the stock market outside the classroom.

“We’re both very interested in the market and we want to create a community outside of the classroom to learn about the market and investing,” LaValle said.

LaValle explained the difference between the finance club and the Wall Street club.

“The finance club is broad and focuses on academic and career development,” LaValle said. “Our club is all about the stock market and not the actual field of finance. We’re under the finance umbrella and a focus on investments.”

Hanson discussed what students can expect during their meetings.

“It’s going to be hands-on learning. We’re going to direct conversations to help them flow. We will all learn together,” Hanson said. “Missing prior meetings isn’t gonna affect future meeting criteria. Everyone learns at their own pace and you build off yourself.”

Wall Street club was passed by USG and is expected to start this semester.

Financial update:

USG approved Swing Dance club in the amount of $4,450 for their campus-wide event, Shoot the Moon Dance.

Funding will go towards decorations, food and renting the space.

USG approved Dance Club in the amount of $5,040 for their campus wide event, the Winter Dance Showcase.

Funding will go to the production company Slammer Lights and Equipment for the full stage, music and lighting set up.

Sydney LaBelle can be reached at labe7208@stthoms.edu