The process for agreeing on a budget for annually funded organizations on campus started Thursday when Student Senate met to debate the proposals from members of the Student Fees and Allocation Committee.
Student Body Auditor Brad Koenen along with Student Body Treasurer Nate Bleadorn and members of SFC presented their proposed budget for annually funded organizations for the 2011-2012 academic year to the senators. SFAC proposed a $299,571 budget for 22 annually funded organizations, after $341,372 was requested. After holding hearings for annually funded organizations and looking at the budget and expenses from the past year, SFAC made changes they felt were necessary.
The Student Activities Board received the most funding, $149,750, and Student Senate received $32,075. The Coalition of Black
Students and Rainbow Union were the only other organizations that had proposed funding over $10,000.
Sen. Kayleigh Koester and Diversity Interest Sen. Amelia Piecuch raised concerns at first that several of the budget cuts came from diversity organizations, but agreed that the budget proposal was appropriate.
“It’s just as important to look where the additions to the budget are,” Sen. Megan Hutcheson said. “There are new organizations, and I trust SFAC’s judgment.”
Vice President of Student Life Byron Spears agreed, arguing that the reductions made are not necessarily from the groups’ budgets, but from what the groups requested.
“If the rationale is valid, then the cut is also valid,” Spears said.
At the end of debate, senators were in agreement that the budget was satisfactory. The complete budget proposal is available for students in the Olmsted Breezeway. Students have an opportunity to make comments on the proposed budget that is on display. A budget approval vote will come at next week’s meeting.
Drake’s Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils requested and received $3,500 to cover speaker costs for their “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event on April 21. The program’s purpose is to raise awareness about sexual assault, by having men walk a mile around campus in women’s high heels.
The Drake Mascot Team was allocated $867 so they could represent Drake at the Universal Cheerleaders Association Mascot Camp at the University of Wisconsin- Students for Women’s Issues $8,100.00 $7,600.00 Milwaukee in August.
Senate also approved the Society of Physics Students’ $50 request to host a Rubik’s Cube Competition in Olmsted on April 21.
The Drake Bowling Club, which will provide members the opportunity to bowl weekly at a nearby bowling alley, was unanimously approved as a campus organization.
Applications for students interested in representing campus organizations next year as an Organizational Council Senator are available in the Student Life Center and are due Thursday, April 14.
Also, applications for students that are interested in joining a senate committee next year are available in SLC and are due on Friday, April 22. Applicants will be placed on the Campus Advancement Committee, Student Affairs Committee, Student Fees and Allocation Committee, Student Services Committee or Community Outreach Committee.
Sophomores Adam Lutz and Nick Kollauf, who are both in a run-off campaign for business senator, spoke briefly. The run-off election takes place on blueView on the Campus Life tab for business students on April 11 and 12.
