But since then, as described by Jenni-Lyn LaChance -- who is a member of both the SAB and the Senate – there has been an “identity crisis” which led to the recent merging of the two organizations. The SAB is now a committee under the control of the Student Senate.

To LaChance, it seems to be a positive move. She said, “It seems to be a good thing.”

Jen Borden, who used to be the president of SAB but is still actively involved in the committee, thinks otherwise. She said she preferred the autonomy of the club because they were “a group of people who want to be there because they enjoy doing it and they enjoy doing it [because] they do a good job.”

Some members of SAB were upset with the decision and how it was made. (They said members of the Student Senate never went to SAB to discuss their plans, nor did they bring up any concerns that they had.)

Last year, the issue of the approval of the budget was raised. Requirements were set for SAB which they were supposed to fulfill and present to the Senate in November of this year. The board was never able to present their requirements, however, due to the decision to make the group a committee under Senate.

In the opinion of many of the Student Senate members, the Student Activities Board (Committee) a few weeks ago was almost falling apart altogether. Yue Ying Wong has since been appointed the committee chair and many hope that she will help move the committee forward.

“Hopefully, with a new chair person, we can bring forth some fresh ideas to what Student Activities has to offer.I think it was a complete surprise to everyone,” Allyson Gibbs, advisor to SAB, said. “My hope is now that Senate is involved, that they take a more active role in SAB and in helping us plan. SAB has only a small number of members and could use some extra help. I hope more people will be interested in joining us.”

There has been talk about a constitution being written for SAB but there has been no action as of yet.

“I would encourage students to continue going to the events that are provided for them. If they have comments about the recent change in government they should voice their opinion to the Student Senate,” said Jen Borden.

The Student Activities Committee meets Thursdays at 12:45 p.m. in the second floor study lounge of Emerson Hall. The contact number for the Student Senate office is 768-9561.