Hockey Club granted $990 for league fees – Hockey Club requested $1500 to pay for league fees, jerseys and Relay for Life gear. The club was having money troubles because the majority of the funds they raised had been donated as a part of the community service requirement SG set upon all campus clubs. SG believed that Hockey Club was donating “more money than time” and suggested the club come up with a plan for future funding. To cover league fees, $990 was granted to Hockey Club.

Biology Club requests funds for Fear Factor – For the annual Fear Factor event, Biology Club requested $200 to replace old supplies. Throughout the year, Biology Club has been fundraising; however an increase in participation calls for additional funding to keep it free for students to compete. Because of the growing popularity of Fear Factor, SG deliberated the importance of aiding the event.  The final decision has yet to be decided.

Sponsorship of Wilkes students relaying for heat – Relay for Heat requested sponsorship for Wilkes students who are participating in the race. Because mileage has increase this year from one mile to four, SG was unsure of the appropriate amount to donate. It was questioned whether or not students would be in favor of their activity fees going toward Relay for Heat sponsorship. Ultimately, it was decided that donating to the event would be a way that SG could give back to the community. For every mile run by a Wilkes student, $5 will be given by SG with a limit of $1,000.

Recycling Showdown receives funds for pizza and prizes – Recyclemania asked for $190 to fund Recycling Showdown, a competition in which student teams build a monster made of recycled materials. Funding was needed for gift card prizes and Pronto Pizza for participants. SG showed a concern for the amount of students the event attracts. Making the Recycling Showdown a part of Winter Weekend was considered; however, the desire to offer more on campus events led SG to grant $200 to Recyclemania. The event will take place Feb. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Winter Weekend budget decreased – Winter Weekend will cost $4,582 this year to cover the cost of team T-shirts, food, prizes, supplies, and promotional items. Ten teams are signed up to compete. Although participation keeps increasing, SG was able to spend about $100 less this year than they had the year before. This year a can drive will also be incorporated to bring the community aspect back to the weekend. The event is scheduled for Feb. 24-25.

White envelope containing $70 missing –  Allegedly, Spirit committee stored $70 in a white envelop in a locked cabinet last week in the SG office. Upon retrieval, the envelop was missing which left Spirit committee out $70. Anyone who has information on this matter may contact SG president, Willie Eggleston, anonymously.

LCCC students benefit from Wilkes social activities – Admissions of Financial Aid Committee are working on a program to include possible LCCC transfers to take part in Wilkes student development activities. They believe the social aspect will help attract more students and make them feel more at home, here at Wilkes. This project is still a work in progress.

Need a GPA boost? File for academic bankruptcy – Academic Standards Committee proposed a new policy for students who decide to change their major called “academic bankruptcy.” What the new program will do is wipe out all grades a student was given in their old major in order to boost their GPA. All grades will still remain on transcripts; however, a higher GPA may help earn scholarships.

Nesbitt College: School of Nursing gains Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program approval – At its Jan. 23, 2012 meeting, the PA State Board of Nursing approved the Wilkes University MSN Nurse Practitioner program in the Psychiatric Mental Health concentration. Graduates of the program will be eligible to seek national certification as an Adult Psychiatric Mental Health CRNP. The program will enroll the first cohort in August 2012. For more information, please the School of Nursing Graduate Office.

Wilkes University Accounting Students Offer Free Income Tax Help – Accounting students in Wilkes University’s Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership will offer free tax assistance to the public through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. The service will be offered Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first floor of Breiseth Hall, 137 S. Franklin St. Wilkes-Barre.