UVSS SAGM Tweetcap: UVSS continues to value fun, despite best efforts

SAGM failed to meet quorum, but discussed the value of fun at length

On February 6, students gathered into the UVSS’ Semi-Annual General Meeting (SAGM) to have their voice heard on two motions — including one to get rid of fun as a UVSS value. Although the UVSS made ample attempts to draw students in by giving away a UVic bookstore giftcard, a bike, and $100 towards the fund of a club or course union, not enough students showed up. 

Yet again, the UVSS did not meet quorum and could not pass any motions. Only 65 students attended — a far cry from the 109 required. In the last seven years, the UVSS has never met quorum at a SAGM for more than half an hour. 

We have not met quorum, however, which would require 109 students — there's approximately half of that here. Rest assured folks, they are still going to do the prize draws but can't vote on anything without meeting quorum.

— The Martlet (@TheMartlet) February 6, 2020

The two motions the UVSS intended to pass involved changing the UVSS’ set of values and removing a specific clause in a bylaw about advertising committee positions. 

The changes to the UVSS’ values involved removing “FUN!!” from the list of values and adding two values, environmental sustainability and decolonization. However, multiple students expressed their concern that this motion would take the fun out of the UVSS.

Granirer says he was a comedian for over 10 years, and his dad was a comedian. He loves fun, but still was hoping to take it out of the UVSS values.

"The more values we have, the less each one means," Granirer says.

— The Martlet (@TheMartlet) February 7, 2020

In addition to prize draws, each of the UVSS Lead Directors gave speeches about their terms on the board. Director of Events Shay Lynn Sampson was not present, as Samspon was actively involved in a lockdown at the B.C. Legislature in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en following RCMP raids on Wet’suwet’en land earlier that day. 

Unlike regular UVSS meetings, the SAGM was not live streamed to encourage more students to attend. Dakota McGovern, Director of Finance and Operations, was the first to offer his report. 

A key area of focus for him was increasing awareness of the UVSS mission. He says the results of finance numbers are objective, and the UVSS is on track to run another surplus.

— The Martlet (@TheMartlet) February 6, 2020

McGovern said he was successful in increasing revenues for SUB businesses, and contributed more to donations and grants than any other board. McGovern projected a $97 463 operating surplus deficit in the proposed budget he presented at the Annual General Meeting last fall. 

The rest of the Lead Directors also spoke to their successes and favourite parts of their term. 

Victoria Eaton, Director of Student Affairs, speaks to her portfolio which includes many clerical aspects and supporting students through advocating for them. She says she has met with professors regarding racism, for instance.

— The Martlet (@TheMartlet) February 6, 2020

The Director of Campaigns, Juliet Watts, spoke to the student-led nature of her campaigns and the recent Board of Governor’s decision not to divest. 

"We did everything we could," Watts says, speaking of UVic's failure to divest during her term.

— The Martlet (@TheMartlet) February 6, 2020

Questions from the audience followed the Lead Director’s reports. Many students asked about getting involved with the UVSS. 

The next question asks if there is anyway people can know more about what the UVSS does. They say there isn't many ways to hear about the UVSS.

We cover all of the UVSS meetings, including this one.

— The Martlet (@TheMartlet) February 7, 2020

With their terms drawing to a close, the current UVSS Board won’t get another chance to try to make the UVSS less fun.