The Student Union Bodacious Budget
In his February 13th “Evil Empire” opinion, Paul Merrill mistakenly asserts, “This funding increase within the Student Union is probably very frustrating to other groups who futilely petition for more money, hoping to spend it on worthwhile endeavors.” I suppose it is frustrating to have an uneducated, uninformed opinion of the Student Union Budget.
Simply put, the funding increase in the Union budget will directly benefit groups who petition for more money, hoping to spend it on worthwhile endeavors. Allow me offer an educated assessment on next year’s increase of the Student Union Budget.
The following summarizes the various student union accounts. The accounts consist wholly of proceeds from the Undergraduate student fee; therefore, the funding of any endeavor to benefit the undergraduate student population.
The Executive Board account (commonly called the General Account) funds the initiatives of the Executive Board. The E-board recently allocated money to a campus wide pool tournament in April, and all proceeds will benefit the Rape Aggression Defense Course. (R.A.D.) Various student groups, committed to enhancing the name of Boston University, have requested funds for their “worthwhile endeavors.” The E-board applauds these groups, such as Umoja, who will host a campus wide fashion show on February 23rd in the Union, or the In-Line Hockey team in their pursuit of a national championship.
The Student Union Allocations Board (commonly called SUAB) allocates money to any student organization open to all students. SUAB funds activities like movie nights, guest speakers, bowling fees, acapella concerts, within three allocating periods. Applications for SUAB funding are due before each period, and considering the increase in the student union budget next year, campus groups wishing to host a “worthwhile endeavor” are encouraged to apply.
The Senate projects account (commonly called Projects) funds organizations similarly to the E-board. Past allocations have included “worthwhile endeavors” such as CAS forum and their recycling initiatives, Boston University ski club, and Project’s 100 “Fight for Life.” Any students with an idea or program to benefit BU’s campus are eligible to receive funding from the Senate.
Programming Council (commonly called PC) hosts a variety of “worthwhile social endeavors” for the entire student body. PC sponsors movies on the BU beach, the Back Bay Ball, a Taste of Culture, and Spring Carnival. Any students with an idea for an event, open to the student body, contact Programming Council.
Student Union Elections Commission (commonly called SUEC) uses portions of the undergraduate student fee to publicize annual elections. Any full-time student wishing to better Boston University by becoming a candidate or voting for certain candidates will have put this account to good use; “a worthwhile endeavor.”
The increase in the Student Union budget will directly benefit groups who petition for more money, hoping to spend it on worthwhile endeavors. Mr. Merrill, if you consider finding a good cup of coffee on campus a worthwhile endeavor, I urge you, and any student or student organization, to take advantage of next year’s increase in the Union’s budget.
Why, you could form a coffee club, committed to finding the ideal cup of coffee on campus. The senate might be willing to fund publicity for your new group. You are also eligible to have SUAB fund an expert who can speak on the attributes of the ideal coffee bean, so that you would be more informed (a past problem of yours). Maybe your group and PC can co-sponsor a coffee soiree of sorts. Hopefully you can see why I call it The Student Union Bodacious Budget.
Mr. Merrill, I could be so rude to suggest handing me my pitchfork and my torch because I have put money where your mouth is. However, being a tad more mature and educated with the topics I voice my opinion on, I would cordially invite you and any other student on campus to the Student Union office in the basement of the G.S.U. for an educated explanation of how the Student Union works.
Caroline Preis Executive Vice President Student Union
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