The University of Dayton collects dues from every student that help run many different aspects of the University.
Every year, Student Government Association receives about $12 per semester from every single student, the majority of which goes right back into student organizations. The organizations apply for funds mostly through the budget week process, which can give a club up to $1,000, but in some cases require more funds or more immediate funds, which brings organizations to the Senate floor.
The Senate floor consists of representatives from each class, residence hall, and even from schools such as business or engineering. I am currently serving as Senator from Campus South. These people, through the election process, are chosen to represent your interests to the whole of SGA. SGA has funded many different programs and expenses, from Campus Concert Committee to emergency jerseys for the club Ultimate Frisbee team. These are no small expenditures with both of these proposals costing thousands of dollars.
This is the money SGA has set aside for any organization on campus. Our meetings are fully available for the public to attend on Sundays at 7 p.m. in KU Ballroom and weigh in on issues which they can voice outcry or opinions on what the funds or influence of the SGA should be used on.
I would like to draw attention to all of this information, because I have seen recently a number of proposals which come from organizations in which Senators are heavily involved or invested in, with unequal funding going directly to these organizations. I have no problem with Senators helping the people they are friends with, but did you know that a proposal passed Senate floor for $1,500 for 3 students to go to D.C. for the Conservative Political Action Conference? That is $500 for each student to attend this trip. This group also has a proposal for $1,000 more to send 2 more students.
This type of investment in such a small number of students is endorsed by you. Regardless of the whole political aspect of this proposal, these are your representatives who gave this money. So I urge everyone who reads this to please figure out who represents you and have your issues and voices heard. The list is available online at udayton.edu/students/sga. Please let your voice be heard so we all can serve you and your issues better.
