The Government of the Student Body voted Wednesday to switch from the current WebMail system to Gmail as the university’s e-mail provider.

Maggie Luttrell, GSB vice president and senior in history, said senators who have spoken with their constituents and friends have gotten overwhelming feedback in favor of Gmail.

Elisa Berzins, GSB business senator and junior in marketing, took a poll at the Union Drive Community Center of 47 students. Forty-four of the students polled preferred Gmail. However, some senators expressed concern about the comparison of features between Gmail and Windows Live.

Windows Live has more features than Gmail and some senators were worried about the students who preferred a different e-mail service. However, the overwhelming majority preferred Gmail.

The switch to Gmail will take place once all the legal issues are worked out between the university and Google.

New furniture for the outside terrace at the Memorial Union was discussed at length before the senate approved funding the furniture.

Currently, there are five pieces of furniture that are 15 years old and are beginning to rust. Last year’s senate voted to fund the cost of seven new tables and Ryan Myers, graduate senator and graduate student in accounting, said there are funds available to support new furniture.

GSB discussed whether funding the project was a good use of student fee money. Erik Hofstad, engineering senator and senior in aerospace engineering, was weary of purchasing umbrellas as well as the five new tables. He said he did not want to fund the cost of umbrellas because they would not be in use until the weather is warmer.

In addition to the switch to Gmail and furniture funding, the senate made a resolution to offer full support of the textbook tax exemption.

According to the senate bill, written by Nathan Rockman, off-campus government senator and senior in political science, “the current tax rebate program is technically cumbersome and serves hindrance to student application for their refund.”

A legal representative of the Campus Book Store offered support of this endeavor. He explained why there was an initial conflict between the University Book Store and Campus Book Store. He said the textbook tax exemption would only apply to University Book Store, as it is a nonprofit organization, which could create unfair competition.

However, the Campus Book Store representative said the company wanted to “benefit the students.” This project is still preliminary, but with full support of GSB and Campus Book Store, it will eventually happen.

GSB voted in favor of funding a project developed by the Office of Risk Management, which will establish an Online Student Organization Travel Authorization System.

Rebecca Adair, director of the Risk Management Office, and Susie Hamilton, risk analyst, were present at Wednesday’s meeting and explained to the senate the details of the program. The system will allow student organizations taking trips to inform the university of the duration of their travel time, as well as act as a resource to find emergency contacts quickly. The implementation of this system will minimize the amount of paper used in the Risk Management Office.

The system requires $48,000 to cover the cost of the Web site development. GSB voted in favor of funding the cost of the service.

Doug Borkowski, lecturer in human development and family studies, presented the office’s plan to implement a one-credit financial literacy class in addition to the already established class, Human Development and Family Science 283, Personal and Family Finance.

Most senators were in favor of the addition of this class because it would be a good option for students with full schedules who are interested in learning more about financial literacy, said Ryan Myers, graduate senator and graduate student in accounting. Borkowski agreed and said human development and family studies is currently working on making HDFS 283 a required course for all students.

GSB was forced to freeze the account of the Freeman Alumni Committee because of its violation of a GSB bylaw — the committee received funds from both IRHA and GSB to support the cost of the Freeman Spring Concert.

The GSB election process is scheduled to begin after classes resume from the semester break.

2009 Government of the Student Body election timeline

The election commission has finalized dates for the 2009 Government of the Student Body election cycle. Those interested in running for a position in GSB must sign up at and attend a candidate seminar. Any questions can be directed to Mark Sullivan, GSB election commissioner, at [email protected].

Jan. 26: Start of general election cycle

Jan. 26, 27, 28, 29 from 4 to 5 p.m.: Candidate seminars (candidates may begin campaigning after attending one seminar), place TBA

Jan. 31 in afternoon: Candidate seminar, place TBA

Feb. 6 at 5 p.m.: Deadline for registering as an official candidate; statement of intent and candidate information sheet due, GSB office

Feb. 13 at 5 p.m.: Candidate petitions due; referenda and student initiative deadlines, GSB office

Week of Feb. 16: Executive debate, Memorial Union

Week of Feb. 23: Executive debate, Memorial Union

Feb. 23: Candidate ballot positions determined

March 1 at 11:50 p.m.: Campaign material removed from polling locations

March 2 at midnight to March 3 at 11:59 p.m.: GSB general election

March 3 at 11:59 p.m.: All campaign materials must be removed

March 4 at 5 p.m.: Final revenues and expenses disclosure form due, GSB office

March 4 at 11:59 p.m.: Election contestations due

March 13 at 7 p.m.: Preliminary announcement of election results, Memorial Union