The Daily Barometer OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY • CORVALLIS, OREGON 97331
DAILYBAROMETER.COM • 541-737-2231
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014 • VOLUME CXVI, NUMBER 63
DAILYBAROMETER
@BARONEWS, @BAROSPORTS, @BAROFORUM
Budget breakdown for board meeting costs n
Meetings cost more than $7,600; majority of costs come from catering, space rentals By Sean Bassinger THE DAILY BAROMETER
Last week’s first Board of Trustees meetings cost more than $7,600 to fund, according to budget breakdowns from Oregon State University. The majority of expenses stem from catering costs and space rentals for events. The overall cost for catering throughout the three days was nearly $4,000. Nearly 72 percent of the total amount used for catering services funded the Thursday breakfast, lunch and post-meeting reception. This reception presented students, staff and faculty an opportunity to communicate with the 14 board members in a more relaxed environment. Thursday’s concluding reception took place at the Native American Longhouse. “It was a great idea, and I think it was very productive,” Baldwin said. According to Steve Clark, vice president of university relations and marketing, the receptions and preliminary dinner won’t likely occur in the future. Clark said the possible exclusion for
such receptions would significantly cut future meeting costs. “Going forward, we think those expenses will be less,” Clark said. At the Wednesday preliminary dinner, Valley Catering provided the meal at nearly $26 per person, which totaled to more than $360. OSU Catering serviced the remaining venues and meetings. Total cost to OSU Catering was a little more than $3,600. Unlike the Willamette Room at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center, which was used twice and cost more than $1,000 to rent each day, there were no rental fees for the Longhouse space. Though the ending reception was primarily scheduled for the first week, Baldwin said he could “see the value” in holding additional receptions in the future. “It provides a much more relaxed forum where people might be less inhibited to approach board members and ask questions,” Baldwin said. Baldwin said the combination of a more formal atmosphere and time constraints at meetings may seem more intimidating for students, staff and faculty to approach board members directly. Sean Bassinger Higher education reporter managing@dailybarometer.com
Budget basics covered in Senate Acclaimed biologist to speak about Pacific salmon’s fate ASOSU senators learn upcoming role, importance of nearing budget season
being advocated,” Redman said. Should the SIFC fail to approve a particular budget, it is within the ASOSU Congress’ power to overrule the decision. Likewise, legislators may ask that a preapproved budget be By Tori Hittner amended. THE DAILY BAROMETER Senate President Pro Tempore John Budget approval is an arduous but vital necessity for all student fee-fund- Varin said that this duty is arguably one ed organizations. And despite being of the most important and influential responsibilities student funded, the the legislative body Associated Students holds. of Oregon State If there was a way “If there was a University plays a to put a sign on way to put a sign significant role in alloeverything that said this on everything that cating those funds. said this is student is student fee funded, you Although the Student & Incidental would know how important fee funded, you Fees Committee these are to your education. would know how important these are initially hears and to your education,” audits student orgaRedman said. Victoria Redman nization budgets, it is In addition to the ASOSU vice president the ASOSU legislative brief training, senabranch that gives the tors discussed several upcoming final vote of approval before the budgets are sent to President Ed Ray. legislative events, including a Salem ASOSU Vice President Victoria lobbying trip planned for Friday to Redman reminded members of support student interests. Senators also covered the upcoming this duty during the Senate meeting town hall meeting, tentatively schedTuesday night. Redman provided senators a brief uled for 6 p.m. Tuesday in Memorial refresher on their duties in light of the Union 211. The following members were absent quickly approaching budget hearings. Federal law requires all decisions from the Senate meeting: Dylan regarding student fees to be viewpoint Hinrichs, Jesse Thurman, Madison Christie. neutral. Essentially, students in charge Parker and Elena Tori Hittner of approving budgets “may not disStudent government reporter criminate based upon the message managing@dailybarometer.com
‘‘
‘‘
n
THE DAILY BAROMETER
Jim Lichatowich, a graduate of OSU’s department of fisheries and wildlife, presents a seminar on his work with Pacific salmon Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Valley Library rotunda. The history of the salmon crisis throughout the Pacific Northwest is long-standing, dating back to the 1800s. Extreme logging practices, flood control, cattle grazing and urban development are some of the consistent underlying causes for the endangerment of Pacific salmon. Lichatowich’s newly released book, “Salmon, People and Place: A Biologist’s Search for Salmon Recovery,” published by OSU Press, strategically maps an outline for the recovery of Pacific salmon populations. This plan for recovery was based on Lichatowich’s experience as a researcher, scientific adviser and resource manager working with salmon for more than 40 years. “We enthusiastically accepted the gift of salmon, but failed to treat it with the respect it deserves,” he wrote in his book. “We failed to return the gift of salmon with the gift of stewardship.” Requiring agencies to do more institutional learning, holding salmon managers and administrators accountable in their practices, and undertaking hatchery reform are some of several suggestions for reforming management and the recovery of salmon. Carmel Finley, OSU historian of science, will join the panel discussion on the fate of Pacific salmon. Lichatowich is also author of the award-winning book, “Salmon without Rivers: A History of the Pacific Salmon Crisis,” which was published in 1999. The panel discussion will conclude with in a questionand-answer format with the audience. Desserts and COURTESY OF OSU PRESS refreshments will be provided. Books will be available for Jim Lichatowich presents his book on Pacific salmon and signing and for purchase.
their importance and preservation.
managing@dailybarometer.com