By Aaron Thomas
The University of Alaska Fairbanks student senate is considering installing sharps disposal containers in campus buildings, a move intended to provide safer disposal options for students who use injectable medications and protect custodial workers from accidental needle exposure.
Over the course of the first ASUAF meeting Nov. 2, the senate discussed funding for clubs, community activities, and travel funding for student projects.
ASUAF Senate Chair Jesse Tyrell introduced a motion to fund “Friendsgiving”, a yearly celebration hosted by the honors college for students who are unable to travel home. The Senate voted to adopt the motion.
Tyrell proposed increasing the budget from $1,000 in 2025, to $1,500 in 2026 “to better prepare for a realistic turnout.” According to Tyrell, ASUAF “will gather labor to host this event. From food to decorations and all related elements,” The event will take place on November 19, at the Wood Center Ballroom.
The senate also discussed SR 207-007, a resolution to install sharps containers in buildings such as MBS. This would allow students who require hypodermic needles for medication to have safe disposal areas and prevent custodial workers from coming into contact with improperly disposed sharps. With specifics of implementation up for discussion, the resolution was sent to The External Affairs Committee to further review what facility or contractor would be responsible for installation.
The Senate approved $500 in club funding for the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, a student society that promotes geological education and careers in mining. This will enable the club to host educational events for students interested in the field.
$500 in funding was also allocated to the Honor Student Advisory Council to provide snacks and drinks for students in the honors lounge.
In addition to larger scale projects for the student body, the senate heard student funding requests from students looking to travel and conduct research.
Kristina Head, a student at UAF researching volcanos, was approved for travel funding by the senate to attend the 2026 American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting in San Francisco, California.
Yugtun Egmilta received funding from the senate to study Yup’ik, organize community educational events, and raise awareness for the Yup’ik language.
The senate meeting adjourned with a reminder for students and senators alike to vote in the midterm elections.
ASUAF meetings are held every Monday from 5:30-7:30 in the Senate Chambers, located in the Wood Center
