VICTORIA MARTINEZ
News Editor

University spending money, Stoicheff pleased

Another student residence has been officially approved and should be open in 2012. Additionally, funds from newly raised parking fees will go to the university’s academic priorities fund, which in turn could fund projects including the proposed Gordon Oakes-Redbear Student Centre and childcare on campus.

University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union president Chris Stoicheff called the decision an “epic win” for students on campus.

Place Riel kind of open, for real

Manager of affairs for the USSU Jason Ventnor announced that 85 per cent of lower Place Riel is now officially open.

Renovations for Place Riel have cost $17.4 million to date, with a contingency holding of $150,000 remaining.

Annual General Meeting: your chance to make council listen

The undergraduate AGM will be Nov. 16, with free pizza and pop, so mark it on your calendars. All amendments are due Nov. 8 if you are interested in making one. If you are reading this and care, consider making an ammendment to the currently existing rule that gives students five days from the official announcement of the AGM —which will happen Nov. 3— to get amendments in.

RAD kicking ass and taking names (for registration)

Newly reinstated rape and aggression defence classes are set to begin running through Campus Safety and Campus Recreation. Constable Shannon Stacey gave council a presentation on the status of the new program.

Over four three-hour sessions, enrolled women — the course is only available to females on campus at present — will learn risk reduction and defence in both classroom and practical settings. The final session will include simulated defence scenarios so students can apply their skills with more confidence.

The previous incarnation of RAD was offered up until 2006, when insufficient funding made it impracticable. The new form gains support from association with the College of Kinesiology.

All courses are taught by volunteer law enforcement officials with certified RAD training.

“It makes women feel safe by knowing [the instructors] are decent individuals,” said Stacey.

Enrollment for the courses is through Campus Rec, with the first cycle starting in early November.

Radio show still broke and still taking donations

The USSU’s CFCR radio show has received $13 in donations of the $240 targeted for the FM-Phasis campaign, which ended Oct. 1.

Vice president student affairs Leon Thompson, who hosts the show, said this was “less than I had hoped.”

Check them out from 7 to 7:30 p.m. online or on the radio to see if you want to help them with your money. This week, Thompson won’t be on, since he’s going to a sustainability council at McGill.