At Duke University Union's meeting Tuesday night, conversations ranged from lighthearted discussions of T-shirt colors to serious talks involving North Korean refugees.
One of the main topics on the agenda, however, was the Union's strategic plan, which will determine the group's course over the next three years.
"Our internal organization didn't really allow us to be innovative or responsive," said sophomore Adam Nathan, vice president of programming.
He proposed the formation of a committee that will be responsible for drafting the strategic plan, which is currently listed in outline form.
The committee will meet separately but will bring drafts of the plan to be discussed at executive meetings, allowing all Union members to contribute to the final product, Nathan said.
Union members plan to present the complete document to University officials when applying for more funding for the organization, he added.
"A lot of this stuff has already improved substantially, in my opinion, from what the Union was a year ago," said President Katelyn Donnelly, a senior.
Members also continued their discussion from last week regarding possible themes for their upcoming library event. Senior Rachel Saperstein, director of external liaisons, proposed a theme highlighting the culture and arts of Durham.
"[The city] has a rich history but also has a rich continuing culture today," Saperstein said.
She also presented a student proposal, from junior Mimi Kim, to organize a benefit event to help fund a school in South Korea for North Korean refugees.
Members said they are most likely going to fund one portion of the event, such as entertainment or catering.
"[We can] work with other organizations who don't necessarily have the programming expertise, to help them do events they really want to do and make it successful," Saperstein said.
In other business:
Members also discussed advertising ideas for the Regina Spektor concert Nov. 19. Publicity for the concert started Monday in an effort to make students aware of the event early so they can plan their Thanksgiving Break around it, said senior Tara Mandalaywala, a Major Attractions representative. She added that many students leave early for the break.
Duke students will be able to buy tickets in a pre-sale event starting Oct. 1, for two days before ticket sales open up to the public. A possible collaboration between the student union at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is also in discussion, and some of the tickets may be held for pre-sale at UNC, Mandalaywala said.
Union members also took time to discuss their group T-shirt design, which reads "Everyone loves a DUU girl/guy."
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