The Wednesday before spring break, the Government of the Student Body senate passed a relatively low-publicity bill. This bill asked for funding to Facilities Planning and Management for the purchase, placement and maintenance of 10 oak trees on north campus.

This location should be familiar to frequent readers of the Daily, as it is the place where several trees and shrubs were removed for the new marching band field. The GSB senate passed the tree funding bill, 11-9, and the project continues to move forward with support from faculty, students and FPM.

To the average student the placement of trees on campus may not seem significant. Although the tree funding bill was mentioned in the Daily’s weekly GSB article, it certainly didn’t receive the press of Veishea wristbands, student organization funding, or the rec services project.

But take a moment to consider that this project, unnoticed by the average student, is one of many funded by student activity fees. Whether you knew or not, 10 new trees will stand on the north side of campus because of you. You may disagree with this use of student fee money, like part of the Senate. You may agree with it, like a majority of the Senate. Or you may not care. But this project is one of many that you can influence. It is one of many going on under your nose and in your name.

Although not all GSB projects and activities are large enough to warrant major publicity in the Daily, this does not mean these issues are not important in their service to students. One voice and one project can serve students for years to come. GSB offers the resources. The question is if you will use your voice.

Kelli Huser

Junior

GSB Chief of Staff