At the recent Student Government meeting on November 7, the primary focus was discussing the fairness and transparency of the budgeting process based on results from a budget feedback survey and announcing upcoming executive board elections. The meeting commenced with the approval of the previous minutes, setting the stage for an in-depth presentation by Representative Alex Brown ’26 and Treasurer Christo Maheras ’26. Conducted by the census ad hoc committee, the survey revealed that a significant 55% of club officers felt they did not receive fair funding from Student Government. However, it was clarified that all budget decisions adhere to financial guidelines.
Key insights from the survey illuminated that while some club officers considered their club’s spending to be modest, they perceived other clubs to be overspending on apparel. This discrepancy highlighted the need for better communication and clearer guidelines between Student Government and the clubs. The presentation stressed that clubs attending budget office hours and requesting additional funding typically received more money. This suggested that accessing available resources could influence the perception of budget fairness.
The discussion also explored potential adjustments to the current financial guidelines and the possibility of raising the activity fee to ensure more equitable access to funds. After the committee reports, the open floor session featured an announcement about the upcoming Student Government candidate forum set for Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Leopard’s Lair, further emphasizing the importance of student participation in governance matters.
Overall, the meeting underscored ongoing efforts to refine the budgeting process, enhance transparency, and ensure fair funding allocation for all clubs. By addressing these concerns and exploring viable solutions, Student Government aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment for all campus organizations.
