Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
Chris Green ’09, Students Groups Advisor, attended the weekly SBC meeting on Sunday and updated StuCo on SBC’s policies for next year. SBC has decided to raise the Fun Fun’d budget from the year’s $18,000 amount to $30,000 for next year. Green explained there is a growing trend of increased requests from the student body. Moreover, the Fun Fun’d has also received proposals with higher dollar requests.
Yongjun Heo ’09 and Green debated the increased funding for next year. Green furthers, “I understand it is a worthwhile thing to have, especially since we are expecting more SBC requests instead of President’s office requests because of administrative costs.” However, Green questioned whether a $12,000 increase was necessary for next year. He proposed talking to Sue Welsh in the Finance & Treasurer’s Office about more details.
StuCo also discussed Tuesday’s closed meeting with Sue Walsh and the College Budget Finance Committee. The meeting is regarding the possible rollover from the leftover money in the Student Activities fund into administrative costs. Heo stressed that this is a purely informational meeting and invited two SBC members to attend for transparency and feedback purposes.
Heo and Green suggested that this increase in the Fun Fun’d was not only a response to increased proposals but also SBC’s action to circumvent a large portion of money from the Student Activities Fund going into the administration. Heo mentioned rumored negative feedback about this rollover proposition and feels that this debate seems to be portrayed as a “students against the administration” debate. He points out that both sides are working for the same goals of improving the college. Stephan Lefebvre ’11, StuCo secretary, mentioned that as representatives of the student body, it is also part of StuCo’s responsibility to be cautious about any large administration change.
Other: – There will be a StuCo Presidential candidate debate on Wednesday at 7PM in the Kohlberg Coffee Bar area. – Heo apologizes for the confusion caused by the 7/11 story email on committee appointments. – Green established that the deadline for new group applications is April 17th. New groups have to begin the charter process by then.
"Heo apologizes for the confusion caused by the 7/11 story email on committee appointments."
lol.
I think more Fun Fun'd sounds like a good idea.
I think that, if StuCo wanted to stop SBC at this point, they'd have to throw out the *entire* budget. Including $$ for all student groups. Which would be amusing but problematic.
I also think it sounds like a good idea.
I agree with Peter and Person in that I think it accomplishes one of Student Council's goals for the rollover money: making sure student events and activities do not get cut. Students can apply for FunFund funding if and when the administration cannot provide funding for as many big and expensive events. And an increase in the amount allocated for the FunFund will hopefully ensure that we do not see less new and creative events not hosted by conventional student groups.