After nearly an entire year devoid of any legislation, the Student Senate discussed numerous bills Sunday, touching on everything from meal plans to the SA budget.

Sen. Jeff Meyer proposed three bills, one resolution and an amendment at the meeting. Topping the list was a resolution that opposes the implementation of the Student Housing and Dining Services meal plans for the 2001-2002 academic year.

The resolution states, “the [SA] senate believes that the said meal plan conflicts with the best interests of the students as it will prohibit the use of the students’ dining dollars at locations where dining dollars are currently accepted.”

The bills Meyer proposed include a request that senators have an appropriate amount of time to review requests for budget allocations and requests for approval of student organizations. Also, Meyer wishes to improve the SA Budget Guide’s alteration process by changing the SA Bylaws, according to a handout by Meyer.

The legislation must wait for approval at the next senate meeting, which occurs April 22. There will be no meeting this Sunday because of Easter.

In other SA business, two senators and five new organizations were approved at the meeting. Dennis Leaks and Justin Krammer took their seats as new SA senators, even though there are less than three meetings left on the senate calendar.

Among the organizations approved was Best Buddies, a club that matches college students in one-to-one friendships with an individual with a mental disability, said Sarah Heinbach, the Illinois college program manager.

“In the past, individuals with MR have not had the opportunity for have friends outside their own environment,” Heinbach said. “By becoming a college buddy, volunteers offer a buddy the chance to explore a new way of life.”

To join the organization, call Christina Manow at [email protected].

Elite, Bold, Opulent, Noble, Young women also became SA-recognized. EBONY treasurer Sylvia Lawrence said the group will promote the unity and education of women on NIU’s campus.

“We will try our hardest to promote awareness of female issues,” she said.

To learn more about the organization or join, call vice president Telisa Jones at 753-3330.

Phillip Gozun, president of Kappa Pi Beta, a social Asian-based fraternity, said the organization promotes Asian awareness, academic excellence and service to the community.

“It provides us an opportunity to contribute to the diversity on campus through participation in school-sponsored activities and serves as a means to spread Asian awareness,” he said.

Students can contact the fraternity at kappapibeta.cjb.com.

Phi Mu Alpha also received SA recognition. Philanthropy chair Francis David said the organization fosters mutual welfare and brotherhood of music students.

“We’ll put on recitals for students on campus, raise money for scholarships and put on dances,” he said.

To join the organization, student can call president Brian Bosler at 756-5634.

The last club to become SA-recognized was the Student Illinois Environmental Health Association. Founder and president Jennifer Augustine said the club plans to inform NIU on important environmental issues and careers in environmental health.

“It will benefit the community health major by increasing enrollment,” she said.

For more information, contact Augustine at [email protected].