A new club on campus, which says its focus is providing support for the autistic community, had its constitution approved on Monday. Spectrum Connection, a club whose events are organized by a member of the autism community, aims to create low-pressure, welcoming gatherings that create new interests and foster connections.
Previous events have included a jigsaw puzzle day, music appreciation day, dance-dance revolution night, Dungeons and Dragons and an Origami night. Accommodations are made for those who want less direct social interaction.
The club is an offset of the Lucas P. Wintrode Autism Support Services, according to club President Allie Weber. She says it differs from an organization like Best Buddies, which “creates opportunities … for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” according to their bio on Jacks Club Hub, by being less of a time commitment and more flexible.
“I think this is a great organization that really has a lot of use here on campus,” Finance Chair Dominic Delahoyde said. “(It) could really support those that are in need of that or just need that help with connections and stuff, especially for those that have autism.”
The club hosts an event every two weeks, Weber said, the most recent of which was this Monday.
ANNUAL PRESENTATION
The Helping Everyone Reach Optimal Health (HEROH) club announced their major events for this semester, including a self-defense class and a pickleball night. The club requested $2,500 for this fiscal year. Co-President Jaeda Paul said the growth of the club and the increase in events resulted in greater expenditures than they have had previously. Paul also said the club has increased fundraising intensity.
The American Indian Student Association announced the date for their next annual Wacipi event. It’s scheduled for March 28 and 29 and it will include, for the first time, an indigenous fashion show. In order to cover fees and security for the next Wacipi event, the club requested $5,000.
Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), also known as Wild Hare Racing, is an organization on campus that “design, build and race a small scale formula race car,” according to club president Riley Gail.
The club participates in competitions against other colleges around the world. Funding this year will go to competition costs, including travel and competition fees. Requested funding includes $2,900 for competition fees, roughly $3,500 for lodging and about $4,000 for travel. Being allocated this money will help the club refrain from using older parts that could impact performance. They are looking to get more sponsorships in order to increase revenue.
The Gender and Sexuality Alliance has reported a slight downturn in attendance at events this year, and is going to decrease the size of some of their upcoming events. Out of all of these events, the drag show is their largest, and the club said they made $1,500 in revenue from tickets to their most recent drag show. Their second largest event, karaoke night, has been canceled due to inclement weather, but GSA is looking to reschedule.
President Sophie Spier gave an update to the General Activity Fund (GAF) survey. Students’ Association (SA) is looking for 2,500 responses with a 75% approval rate. As of Monday, the survey has 1,775 responses with an 86% approval rate.
SA voted to recognize Jan. 27 as the International Day of Remembrance for Victims of the Holocaust. Additionally, senators will vote to recognize and commemorate the month of February as Black History Month next week.
Spectrum Connection club president Allie Weber presents at Monday’s Students’ Association meeting in the Lewis and Clark room of the Student Union on Jan. 27.
