Show me the money.
Many student organizations on campus have adopted this motto; there are over 145 student organizations, and all of them need funding to function.
Members of these student organizations need money for various activities: planning trips, socials, advertising and providing a positive place for members.
The money allocated to each of these groups is determined by the allocations board of Temple Student Government. Allocations board members are selected by the Internal Operations chairman and approved by TSG’s Speaker. The committee is comprised of 10 students and one faculty member. Each year, a new group of committee members is appointed.
The allocations committee gets money from the Office of Student Affairs. Annually, $110,000 is set aside for the Student Affairs board. They give this money to TSG; the allocations committee budgets the money throughout the organizations.
Organizations that need money must fill out an application. Once an application is submitted, the bill is reviewed by the general assembly of TSG. The members vote on the request and allocate money to every group that requests it, as long as it is within budget limits.
Only student groups that are officially recognized by the University may receive funding, such as some fraternities and sororities, academic clubs, athletic organizations and health awareness groups. The majority of on-campus events are created held by these groups.
TSG Treasurer Cristina Ackas explained, “As long as an organization gives a reasonable request, they will be given money for the appropriate program.”
For the past 20 years, the allocations board has followed the same procedure. Ackas, as well as her fellow board members, feel it is time for a change.
“We’re working with the dean of students, and trying to get more money allocated,” Ackas said.
The executive board of TSG is holding meetings with the different deans and faculty members, in hopes to raise their allocations.
The Office of Student Affairs wants a bigger budget to work with, so more campus groups can receive funding. One of the proposals is to increase tuition. The increase would only be $10 or $20 per student, and this would be a significant increase for the Student Affairs committee, because programs would be able to have ample funding.
A final plan for the budget will be agreed upon by the board members shortly. The allocations board wants to help make atmosphere of the school enjoyable for everyone.
“We want to increases the budget, and are submitting proposals. We want to help the student organizations,” Ackas said.
Rebecca C. Carroll can be reached at rcarroll@temple.edu.
Be the first to comment