Relaxation Program Hits the Dust

“The Relaxation Program is cancelled,” Daniel McDonald, a Student Government member, said.


Vice Chancellor Kent Kelso put his foot down when McDonald requested $1,200 for 36 hammocks. This was the first bill from Student Government that he did not approve.

“We purchased the hammocks two times, but then had to cancel the orders,” McDonald said. This was because McDonald did not know he needed a signature of approval. In order for funding to be given for a student government run organization, the Vice Chancellor needs to approve it.

“The program was not denied, just the funding for $1,500 worth of hammocks,” Kelso said. “I thought they were going to do a smaller project with just a few hammocks. Their request was denied under the caveat that they would consider doing a scaled down version to see if there truly was student participation.”

According to McDonald, he had a lot of support from his fellow SG members as well as some of the student body. The point of the program was for students to be able to relax and take a break on campus. McDonald’s vision included a meditation area and the possibilities of even a yoga instructor.

“We’re a laid back campus and we all need time to chill out,” McDonald said.

There is the possibility the hammocks will be purchased. This will only happen if Student Government President James Scott approves the funds from the executive budget. Even then, it would only be about four hammocks.

If they come, students would be able to rent them from the waterfront. The process is the same for a student who would rent a kayak. One goes to the waterfront with their student ID and requests the item they want to rent. The student has a certain amount of time to return it. If they go over a certain amount of time, they have to pay a $5 fee.

“I love and support the hammock idea,” Caitlin Greene, a freshman, said.

But according to Courtney Walker, a freshman, she would not rent one if it was work.

“I think it is a waste of money,” Nicole Cate, a sophomore, said. “They made a Facebook announcement that it was available and it wasn’t. SG needs to tell people things are available when they aren’t.”