At last night's ASUA Senate meeting, the first Club of the Month award was given to Chain Gang Junior Honorary.

"Through numerous philanthropic events, Chain Gang furthers the notion that college students truly care about the communities they live in," said Marc Viscardi, president of Chain Gang.

This award comes just a few months after the Dean of Students' Office placed Chain Gang on probation for hazing and alcohol violations.

"They were found in violation of the part of the code of conduct that is related to hazing," said Theresa Holthusen, program coordinator of judicial affairs, who conducted the investigation of Chain Gang.

They had gone on a scavenger hunt, an activity that is considered to be hazing, she said.

"They did not consider them as scavenger hunts," she said. "They referred to them as lists handed out."

Viscardi, who was initiated when Chain Gang was accused of hazing does not agree with the Dean of Student's findings.

"I still take issue with the hazing accusation · I don't personally think we were hazed," said Viscardi, a journalism and creative writing junior. "If other members felt like they were then it was wrong and things will be changed."

The organization plans on making some changes by being extremely careful and making sure no hazing or underage drinking occurs during the fall semester.

As Holthusen conducted a hazing investigation, she said she also found that members had committed alcohol violations as well.

"Alcohol was present at several occasions where a number of underage students were at the event."

Viscardi said these findings should not be held against the Chain Gang, and that it is impossible to avoid such scrutiny since the organization's strong history has them constantly under a microscope.

"I have never considered Chain Gang to be a drinking club," Viscardi said, "I'm sure there are a number of clubs on probation for code of conduct violations."

The probation stance of the Chain Gang was considered during the selection process, which was conducted by Melanie Rainer, ASUA executive vice president, and Greg Billings, president of the University Activities Board.

"It was something that happened last year, but it hasn't deterred them from remaining a positive organization to the UA and Tucson this year," Rainer said.

Holthusen said she did not know exactly why Chain Gang was given the award.

But she added, "I don't see how they could nominate a club that is actually not in good standing at this point," she said.

Chain Gang is on probation until May 2004 and alcohol is not permitted at any event through January 2004.

I have never considered Chain Gang to be a drinking club. - Marc Viscardi Chain Gang president

Regardless of Chain Gang's probation status, ASUA officials said Chain Gang deserves the award.

The purpose of Club of the Month is to distinguish clubs that have high spirit and reach out to the UA as well as the Tucson community.

"Their application was really good, they are part o f tons of activities and have a strong history, I can't think of any other club that could fill their position here at the UA," said Jennie Collins, club events coordinator who presented the award to Chain Gang during the meeting.

Chain Gang is known for their participation in philanthropic events and activities. This month, the club will be volunteering for the MS Corona de Marana cycling event and the Light-the-Night walk to benefit leukemia research.

The winning club receives a board in ASUA that they can decorate whichever way they want. They also receive $25 to Dominoes and $25 to Fast Copy.

Chain Gang, known for its community service and school spirit, was selected after an application process, only beating one other undisclosed club for the distinction.

In the future, club advocates and Jenny Collins will determine the club of the month. Student Involvement and Leadership Center and ASUA plan on strengthening its ties with club representatives in order to increase the amount of clubs who apply for the recognition.

Club representatives can pick up an application at the ASUA office, which is located above the UofA Bookstore in the Student Union Memorial Center.

ASUA Community Development Director and psychology senior, Ovett Chapman, asked ASUA senators last night to help recruit applicants for the vacancies in the board of directors for this year's Basketball League.

The board of directors is responsible for managing and running the league.

The league was formed nine years ago in order to inspire 5th to 8th grade kids to attend college. The regular playing season does not being until Jan. 31 but the organization already has applications available for people who wish to serve on the board of directors. There are 10 available spots.

The application must be filled out and returned to the ASUA office by 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6. Applicants must sign up for an interview when they turn in their application,

For more information contact Ovett Chapman, at (520) 621-8031 or by e-mail: ogc@u.arizona.edu

Camp Wildcat requested and received $2,149 in special funding in order to help pay the costs of the camps they provide for underprivileged children.

The club will organize two "Big Camps" which will take place Oct. 3-5 and again on Oct. 24-26. Fifty undergraduate students will attend the camp and fifty elementary school children from the Tucson area.

The club also organizes an "Adventure Camp" which will take place on Nov. 14 to 16. Twenty undergraduate students and local middle school children will attend the camp.

The funds requested will be used to provide insurance, food, and campsites for the events.

ASUA senators approved President J.P. Benedict's appointment of Erin Leigh Borg as ASUA supreme court justice.

Borg is a third-year law student who has served on the supreme court for the last two years. She received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University and has had extensive experience in government and the law including some work for the White House in Washington.