The Associated Students of Madison passed legislation endorsing the proposed New Badger Partnership and the Campus Services Fund at the final meeting of the 17th session of ASM Wednesday.
The legislation states that ASM supports the NBP as long as it ""maintains shared governance, includes two students on the board of trustees, maintains costs to continue from state, supports need-based financial aid, supports fairness in hiring, academic freedom and agreements with private entities, and ASM will continue to lobby for reasonable tuition as stated in the ASM constitution.""
Outgoing Vice Chair Adam Johnson and other members of ASM said it was student council's responsibility to take a stance on the NBP.
""Students want to hear what we have to think. Let's tell them what we think,"" Johnson said. ""We owe it to our constituents.""
Also at the meeting, student council passed the Campus Services Fund.
The fund gives ASM a means to fund student services deemed necessary to the student body.
Student Services Finance Committee Chair Matt Manes, who proposed the legislation, said that although it might not be perfect, it is a good start.
""Do not let perfect become the enemy of good,"" Manes said.
In contrast, the council voted down the creation of a Sustainability Committee at the meeting.
Some members of ASM said if the committee would be created, the 18th session should create it.
During open forum, Manes apologized for the many people he admittedly offended during his tenure on ASM.
""I have disappointed many people in my conduct and my actions,"" Manes said. ""To everyone who feels this way, I apologize.""
Manes finished his apology by singing ""The Star Spangled Banner"" in front of the student council, as he promised he would before he finished serving on ASM. He said he will not be returning to ASM in any form.
