By David Dyck

The SFSS board of directors last week decided to discontinue making and handing out yearly handbooks to undergraduate students. The handbooks include a weekly and monthly schedule, as well as a listing of services that the SFSS provides. The executive committee has tasked SFSS communications coordinator Stijn Daenens with making recommendations for alternative devices.

“We know we need something, but does it need to be four or five bucks a copy? Probably not,” said SFSS president Jeff McCann at the board meeting.

There was some opposition to the motion on the board, from at-large member Danielle Hornstein, arts and social sciences rep Kyle Acierno, and science rep Tarbrez Hussein. “I’m personally a fan of the handbook and how many students it gets to,” said Hornstein. “Even if it’s not being used to its full extent, I think it’s something that a lot of students like, and take advantage of.” She also stated that the handbooks acts as more than just a yearly agenda, it also provides students with information on how to get involved in the SFSS.

Acierno echoed Hornstein’s comments. “I think the handbook is one of our services students use, it brings in a ton of students into our office . . . I’m opposed to this motion.”

According to McCann, last year the society printed 10,000 handbooks, which cost approximately $32,000. Part of that cost was augmented by advertising revenue. This year, however, they don’t have that advertising revenue, as there was no handbook marketer hired in January. The society would therefore absorb the entire cost.

“I agree that some of that interaction and that device bringing people into the office is important, but I think that the specific way that we’re doing this is flawed. We can accomplish the same goal without spending $30,000. We can do a lot more with $30,000,” said McCann.

The board voted four to three in favour of the motion.