Even with a budget of $70,610.43, nearly $20,000 more than last semester’s budget, the Student Government Association’s Allocations Committee still left some organizations feeling empty-handed when it posted its initial allocations Jan. 24.
Three Alpha Kappa Alpha sisters studied the board outside the SGA office to find that the organization’s request was cut in half from $5,583.02 to $2,068.02.
“We will have to do more fundraising this year as we do not want any of our service programs to be affected by this outcome,” said Megan Redman, sociology senior and Alpha Kappa Alpha member.
The time consuming process of budget allocations is a challenge for the SGA each year.
SGA vice president Michelle Clarke, sociology junior, said the committee tries to be fair by taking into consideration the needs and wants of every organization.
The process begins early with the president and treasurer of each student organization receiving an invitation to a series of meetings in which the pre-allocation process is explained.
During these meetings, organization representatives are given a timeline as well as a budget handbook to prevent any confusion.
Each organization is required to submit a budget packet for the year as well as a letter of intent. The appropriation committee comes up with initial allocations that are then posted. If there is a discrepancy, an appeal can be made to the committee; however, congress must pass the budget. Each organization has several opportunities to appeal as long as the set guidelines are followed. According to Clarke, groups that follow the guidelines have a good chance of receiving funds.
SGA Director of finance Erika Gordon, finance senior, said there was more money this year due to a roll over of funds from money that was not used by the organizations last year. This year’s allocated funds came from student fees.
This semester there were 66 groups requesting allocations. Of those groups, 21 were denied funds. Gordon said that it was a hard decision because many organizations want to attend conferences.
La Gente secretary Delpha Ramos, marketing junior, said her organization wanted to do something a little more appealing this year by having a catered event. However, after three rounds of appeals, La Gente was denied its request.
“I understand the final decision, but I cannot say we are happy about it,” Ramos said.
Many organizations were satisfied with the allocations, including the Loyola dance team.
The dance team was awarded its entire request of $6,505, the largest amount allocated. Crystal Guidry, dance team president, said the money will be used for registration fees to attend the Collegiate Nationals in Daytona, Fla.
The Black Student Union was allocated $4,703 out of the $8,847 requested. And while Etcetera was awarded $4,653 out of the $9,055 requested, co-president Bret Pennison said they are hoping for an increase when the numbers are finalized the week after Mardi Gras.
“We are planning on using half of the money for GAYLA, our annual benefit, for the Geoffrey scholarship and the other half to attend a diversity conference in June,” Pennison said.
Loyola Society for Civic Engagement was awarded all but 16 of the dollars it requested. The group will use the funding for guest speakers and transportation to and from debates, according to co-chairperson Patrick Enloe, political science junior.
Congress will make a final vote on the current bids on Feb. 15, and the final postings can be viewed the following day as early as 9 a.m.
Anita Oubre can be reached at [email protected].
