Appointments

New policy director dedicated to spreading awareness of sexual assault

The Associated Students of the University of Nevada heard yet another nomination for its open position of policy director in its meeting Wednesday, Sept. 28. Director of Legislative Affairs Veronica Charles nominated Curtis Hazlet to become the policy director for the Department of Legislative Affairs. In her introduction of the candidate, Charles said Hazlet exemplified leadership qualities and a strong understanding of university legislative affairs in his interview with her. Charles said for her interviews with the candidates she asked them to bring in a piece of legislation to discuss. Hazlet brought in Assembly Bill 579. AB 579 is an act addressing the registration of sex offenders on college campuses. Charles said Hazlet’s discussion of the bill was directly in line with the university’s goal to spread awareness of sexual assault.

In his speech, Hazlet discussed how he plans to start working with Legislative Affairs on day one as policy director on several pieces of legislation he has been looking at. He said he plans to discuss AB 579 and House Resolution 2680, a resolution to require the Department of Education to list on its website institutions that are undergoing investigations of sexual misconduct. Hazlet said he plans to address sexual assault and misconduct legislation.

The senate approved Hazlet to the position of policy director for legislative affairs.

Legislation

ASUN approves additional funding for the rapidly growing Pack Internship Grant Program

To close the meeting, the senate unanimously approved legislation to increase funding for the Pack Internship Grant Program. The Pack Internship Grant Program provides funding for 52 student internships with northern Nevada businesses, nonprofits and public or government agencies. Full-time Nevada undergraduates with a grade point average of at least a 2.75 are eligible to apply for the internships.

Last year the Pack Internship Grant Program received 834 applications and won the “Workforce Catalyst of the Year” Award from the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada. The Pack Internship Grant Program won the award for being the best program in the Biggest Little City for getting people into the workforce.

The program said it needs additional funding to maintain its growth. ASUN approved $25,760 to be added to the Work Grants line of the Milton D. Glick Academic Initiatives account for the Pack Internship Grant Program.

Rachel Spacek can be reached at rspacek@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @TheSagebrush