There is an apparent lack of respect between student organizations and Student Senate where appropriations are concerned.
A student organization requested $1,500 from Student Government Association during the Jan. 20 Student Senate meeting. The money was to host an alumni event for the organization at Dave and Buster’s, 5501 N. May Ave., but the bill failed.
Some might think SGA was wrong to fail the bill, but the funds requested would have provided food and entertainment for alumni. These funds come from the fees of current students.
Student fees should be reserved for activities for current students, such as Free Movie Night and Big Event. We should not pay to entertain alumni.
It is inappropriate for our fees to go to an event hosted for people who already graduated.
When a student organization requests funding from SGA, they must submit request to the appropriations committee who processes it before Senate hears it. They take into consideration the amount, what it is be used for and how much fundraising the organization has done.
It also seems inappropriate for organizations to approach SGA asking for large amounts of money without at least trying to fundraise.
Yes, we pay those student fees to fund some events, but the money can only go so far, especially after budgets were cut last semester.
The money SGA has needs to last all semester.
With that said, SGA also needs to make sure they meet quorum for every meeting. Three meetings were canceled last semester because too few senators attended.
It is unacceptable for student organizations not to have their requests heard because senators can’t seem to make it to their required meetings.
When this happens, organizations could miss out on opportunities because of missed deadlines or pay for activities worthy of student funds out of pocket.
SGA members need to hold themselves to the standards they expect from organizations.
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