By: Alex Sorondo / Colomnist
The Black Student Union was granted a budget of $60,000 for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, of which they have so far spent $8,264.49, according to an audit report presented by Senator Carlos Rodriguez at the Student Government Council at the Modesto Maidique Campus’ Jan. 23 meeting.
For the Spring 2012 semester alone, their programming budget stood at $49,048.93. According to Senator Rodriguez, this isn’t enough.
“I think they should be given an extra $2,000 to $5,000 as sort of a cushion,” Rodriguez said after the meeting, handing over and reviewing an audit summary he defined as a “bare-bones generality,” promising a more comprehensive and up-to-date summary in the days to come.
He also pointed out that his report was filed in November, and that the numbers have since changed.
Alex Sorondo / Columnist
Upon seeing at first glance that the BSU is awarded what appears to be, in comparison to the funds of other student organizations, a substantial budget, and that only a fraction of that money was spent in the first semester, a budget cut seemed in order, if not inevitable. Consequently, I was baffled by Rodriguez’s request.
Senator Rodriguez assured us after the meeting that BSU has plans for spring semester programming that will, without question, spend the remainder of their budget and probably more. This isn’t exactly the case.
According to BSU President Jarron Johnson, the spring semester is indeed packed with BSU events, with near-daily events in honor of Black History Month in February.
However, their self-appointed budget is $15,000 for the month of February, and while they have begun planning many of their events, few have been so meticulously mapped as to reveal their exact dollar amount. So, if they keep their expenses, as planned, under their $15,000 budget, BSU will still have $30,000 for March and April.
This, of course, can easily be spent with three or four big events, and one of the reasons for BSU’s considerable budget is the consistency with which they draw in large crowds, generating not only excitement but a good deal of ever-evasive school spirit.
The thing is, if BSU could provide well-received activities with large turnouts throughout September, October, and November for less than $10,000, the same should be expected of them for March and April.
This prompts the question of whether an organization’s knack for prodigious frugality should warrant a lowering of their budget and subsequent reallocation of excess funds toward groups that need it.
Sometimes, yes, and if the figures I have been given by Senator Rodriguez and President Johnson are accurate, then BSU could survive with maybe a five percent budget cut.
At the same time, however, they do good work, generate school spirit and positive attention for the University, and therefore make the most of their money when they spend it. Given their track record for efficient and modest spending, they certainly should not get any more money than they already do.
SGC-MMC Commentary is a feature that evaluates the student council’s performance. Look for it every Friday.
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