The Student Government Association (SGA) assembled in the Seminar Room of the Frank G. Pogue Student Center on Monday, March 15. Executive Board members discussed next year's finances, presidential situation and upcoming events with Congress.
"The Big Event and next year's budget are the main things this semester," said President Jamie Lutz. "We have to balance the organizational requests and what money we'll actually have."
SGA's total expenditures for the 2010-11 year come to $1,743,713.50. This includes budget requests from programs, activities, student organizations, corporate accounts and club and team sports. SGA will have $1,408,620 to allot to these groups and must balance their budget accordingly.
"Tentatively, Congress will receive the finalized budget by April to vote on it," said Mike Robel, director of operations. "And April 13 is projected to be that last time for appeals from all categories."
Set for March 24, the Big Event that Lutz mentioned constitutes a day of community service and support in which all students can participate.
The Executive Board called for Congress members and any students wishing to volunteer their time and join committees involved with the event.
"SGA will hold a membership drive for students to participate," Lutz said. "All students are welcome to join the Membership, Sponsorship, Jobsite and PR committees."
Moving to other pressing issues, the SGA Executive Board mentioned a slight catch in the upcoming presidential elections.
"I wanted to give other students the opportunity to run for president," said Lutz. "But no one turned in an election packet, so I'm the sole candidate."
Presidential elections have been scheduled for early April, and Lutz plans to graduate after the fall semester, but she added that if no one else wanted to run, she would "do what's needed for the organization" and fill in for another semester.
Vice President Christopher Bost brought attention to the upcoming Student Concerns Forum, telling Congress about the location change to the Seminar Room of the Student Center.
"We're presenting new info about campus," said Bost. "Students can here important people speaking, bring their friends and have free food."
The forum will take place Tuesday, March 23 at 7 p.m. and will feature representatives from food service, financial aid and construction representatives.
Other announcements included Parliamentarian Benjamin Krutko's remarks regarding election ideas. No subsequent motions were made, but he did offer suggestions to cut Senate elections given the increasingly smaller number of packets and applications received.
"We're trying to improve the election process to try and get the best participation from students," said Lutz. "It's not official, but it's one idea to make elections run more efficiently."
When new business arose, six student groups approached Congress with requests for travel funds. The SGA Senate allotted $492 to Alpha Sigma Alpha, $1,650 to Lambda Chi Alpha and $1,230 to MENC, the National Association for Music Education group on campus.
Congress also moved to designate $1,671 to the Drawing and Painting Club, $1,400 to Agent Provocateur Magazine and $1,000 to the Bunsen Society. The general travel account still holds about $5,468.
SGA will hold the next meeting on Monday, March 22 in the Student Center's Seminar Room.
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