The Student Federation considered three club funding proposals, swore in two new representatives, and granted two clubs probationary club status at its Feb. 9 meeting.

The Powerlifting Club asked the federation to provide funding for equipment necessary for the club to participate in training and competitions.

The club requested $6,190 to cover various club costs, which the federation fully funded.

“The Hillsdale College Powerlifting Club is oriented toward the development of the body outside of the classroom,” said junior Sophie Pfaff, president of the club.

The club also requested funding for compensation for its members that obtain United States Powerlifting Association memberships, which allows them to compete in official competitions.

“The ultimate mission of our club is to assist members at a high level of competition by making preparation, training, and cost as affordable as possible, as well as promote the general fitness of the student body,” Pfaff said. 

While club members are paying for many of the personal costs of travel or equipment to participate in a meet in April, the federation funded requests for different training and competition equipment and T-shirts.

In the future, Pfaff said the club hopes that fundraising and sponsorship will help cover the costs of competing. 

The federation also voted to fund the Film and Production Club’s request of around $1,800 to buy new equipment.

While the finance committee of the federation initially recommended only partially funding the club’s request, after debating among federation members, the federation eventually voted to fully fund the club’s request of more than $1,800.

“I’d like to get top-line equipment which would further improve our capabilities moving forward both for highlighting campus culture with our films and also potentially producing films for other clubs,” said junior Truman Kjos, president of the club.

“The Film and Production Club has needed some equipment additions for a while now, and the funding we got will be a huge help,” Kjos said. “I’m really excited to see what the club makes this semester.”

Mu Alpha requested and received $170 to put on a dance party and charity fundraiser for a whale conservation charity. 

The money will cover snacks, decorations, and prizes for the “Rave the Whales” event, which will be held in the Old Snack Bar on Feb. 18 from 10 p.m.-1 a.m.

The Martial Arts Club was granted probationary club status. 

“We are applying for club status to be able to be a more efficient part of campus life and be able to provide the opportunities that we have to all of campus,” junior Victoria Kelly said. “Being an official club, it’s easier for us to have actual safety rules so that people who are involved have to sign a waiver and have to adhere to safety rules.”

As a club with probationary status, the Martial Arts Club will return to the student federation in a year to be reevaluated and considered for full club status.

The club currently has seven or eight members that regularly meet to practice, but they expect it to grow since gaining official probationary club status.

“We also have a growing focus on the campus of people interested in practicing martial arts at a higher level,” Kelly said.

The Historical European Martial Arts Club was also granted probationary club status by the federation.

“European Martial Arts is a little bit different from general martial arts, because it involves more protective equipment,” said junior Matthew Tully. “It’s the study of historical facts and the application of those in physical competitions.”

Tully said the group hopes to begin attending local exhibition matches to compete. 

“The most important thing is making sure that members of the club are knowledgeable about how to keep themselves safe,” Tully said. 

By being granted probationary status, the club hopes to grow and gain new members, Tully said.

Sophomore Samuel Swisher and junior Juliana Undseth joined the federation after being elected by the student body last semester and were officially sworn in as federation representatives at the meeting.

According to the federation treasurer and junior Emma De Nooy, the federation still has more than $44,000 on hand to spend this semester.

The next Student Federation meeting is at 7 p.m. on Feb. 23 in the Formal Lounge and is open to the student body.