The Oklahoma City University Student Government Association Appropriations Committee met the evening of November 13th in the Dulaney Browne Library to review grant funding requests from a variety of student organizations.
The meeting was overseen by Senator Ben Ball, who serves as the chair of the committee. The remainder of the committee was comprised of Senators Annelise Watkins, Charli Henn, Katelynn Murphy and Fares Maarouf. Senators Max Lowrance and Maya Bustamante were absent.
The committee was joined by the following members of the SGA executive cabinet: President Anthony Carranza, Vice President Tate Smithhart, Chief Justice Sonny Tabor, and Secretary of Public Relations Isabella Felton.
The committee began by reviewing funding request #013 by Kappa Phi. President Catherine Hurd spoke on behalf of the organization requesting $744 for spring recruitment events. Specifically, funds would be used to cover a night of bowling, supplies for a build-your-own charcuterie board night and an ice-skating event.
Due to the precedent of funding events over budgets and some discrepancies with the amount in the organization’s account, the committee amended the amount to $330 to cover one event and flyers and handouts to advertise the event.
The Oklahoma City University chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People presented next, requesting $1,403 for their Legacy Celebration, which will take place in January. Portions of this money would be spent on catering, tablecloths and other event needs.
President Kel Pinkston spoke for the organization, joined by Vice President Kyah Alexander and Treasurer Monashae Owens.
During the committee discussion, the committee moved to eliminate any taxes, stating that NAACP is a 501c4 nonprofit, qualifying for tax exemption. The catering delivery fee was also contested by the committee. Senator Ball called the catering company on speakerphone during the meeting to determine if delivery was required by the company. The company spokesperson stated on the phone that catering orders could be picked up to eliminate the delivery fee. With this information, the committee amended the amount to $1,277.50.
The final organization of the night to have their funding request heard was the campus chapter of the Collegiate National Association for Music Educators. Several members of the organization’s leadership were present, requesting $3500 to attend two conferences in the spring semester.
Documentation provided by NAfME was unclear to the committee, resulting in a second period of questioning. After clearing confusion, the committee determined the organization’s request should be two separate requests as it is money for multiple conferences. The committee amended the request to $1171.20 after removing costs associated with the second conference, as well as only covering 40% of the costs of the first conference.
All organizations will have their requests readdressed and formally approved by the student senate at the next senate meeting on Monday, November 20th.
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