After approving a $100 increase in presidential campaign spending and a ban on the use of campaign transparencies last Sunday, the Undergraduate Student Government Senate reversed its decision last night and went back to the current election rules.
The senate, in a 21-3 vote, moved in agreement with the USG Academic Assembly's Monday vote to preserve the current $400 limit and the use of transparencies in classrooms.
"Most of the people in Academic Assembly thought that $500 was just to much for the average student to be spending," said Academic Assembly President Scott Golla.
Not all of the senators agreed with the assembly.
"I don't think we should pass this just because Academic Assembly said so," said Town Senator Tracey Maulfair.
Town Senator Joe Atkinson also disagreed with the assembly's vote. "We gave it a whole lot more thought than they did," he said.
Atkinson questioned the constitutionality of the code going to the assembly in the first place, since its approval is not required by USG bylaws.
Senate President Kurt Derr said although there is nothing written saying the code must go to the assembly, it was sent there last year and that precedent was followed this year.
Head Elections Commisioner Wendy Goldstein expressed disgust for the senate's arguments.
"This whole thing is extemely petty," Goldstein said. "These people are just unhappy that they didn't get their way and they're being babies."
The code now awaits the signature of USG President J.P. Muir and the approval of the USG Supreme Court.
The senate also agreed to add five questions gauging student opinion to this year's ballot. The referendum questions will be:
-- Would you agree with the institution of a mandatory student fee, to be paid along with tuition, to finance the expansion of the HUB and construction of a new Paul Robeson Cultural Center?
-- Would you agree with the institution of a mandatory student fee, to be paid along with tuition, to improve the level of service at the Ritenour Health Center?
-- Do you feel that Penn State adaquetely prepares its teaching assistants for classroom responsibilities?
-- Are you satisfied with the performance of your academic advisor?
-- Do you feel that the availability of personal computers in campus computer labs is adaquete for your needs?
The referendum questions do not need Academic Assembly approval.



