Photo by Jenna Skarzenski - A poster for the Finals Week program, funded by the USU Program Council for what may be its last year on campus.ASI senate passed an operating budget of $9.95 million last week for the 2009 through 2010 school year. Due to enrollment cutbacks prompted by the state, budget cuts will be made to student organizations and will impact beloved ASI-funded events for next year.
The USU Program Council is one such organization that is facing daunting cutbacks. Keya Allen-Littleton, the Program Coordinator, estimates that the program will have a 10% to 15% decrease in funds for events next year.
The Program Council gets all of it’s funding from the Student Union and is the organization in charge of sponsoring most movies showings, guest speakers, the Rags II Rhythms annual fashion show, and the free stuff given away during finals week among other events.
With her department faced with cutbacks, Littleton expects certain programs like movie showings on campus to decrease in frequency but not to be entirely removed.
However, the Finals Week of free stuff is an event that is facing possible elimination. According to Littleton, the event is a complete blowout for the program where $5,000 is spent in just the week of finals. In recent years, the program has expanded to include free scantrons, food, massages and henna tattoos to all and any students. This event is likely to be cancelled next year suggests Littleton since it’s an extra thing we do for students that isn’t likely to fit into the new budget.
“I think it sucks!” Says Michelle McDonald, a senior engineering student, “I go to that event every year and I think it’s great. Finals week is so stressful and it’s nice to see a school program that’s there for us, whether it's with a scantron or free food.”
Littleton also suggests that more cosponsors for events and fundraising will be sought to offset the lack of funding. This year’s sponsorship of the Rags II Rhythms fashion show is a prime example of what is expected to become even more prevalent in campus program planning. The event had 12 sponsors to fund the event this year; this is four times the amount that contributed last year.
“I’ll find a way to keep students happy.” Said Littleton.
The Beach Pride Center will also be affected since it is completely funded through ASI fees with some fundraising. According to Chance Decker, Coordinator of Beach Pride Center, a 9% cut from their original budget of $250,000 will be made next year. The Beach Pride program is ten years old and is still working with its original budget, even though it’s expanded.
“We’re trying to help our programs grow, but it’s hard with cuts.” Said Decker, “We are trying to work around it and do what we can.”
According to Decker, the program will be looking to decrease it’s funding to all of it’s events in order to keep all its functions intact. The program will also be increasing it’s fundraising drive in hopes of making up the $22,500 it will lack for next year.
The 2008 – 2009 budget plan also had cuts, approximately $777,838 was cut from this year’s student services according to the CSULB President’s website.
Brian Troutner, ASI Treasurer, confirms there is $178,094 in ASI funds available this year for student organizations but the department has received requests totaling $403,129.
“I want to keep this campus great, but there isn’t enough money to fund everything.” Said Troutner.
With even more cuts expected in the future, student programs are having to work with smaller budgets to give students the services they enjoy.
“Students need to continue to speak out and stay informed because often when cuts like these happen it’s too late for students to do anything.” Said Littleton, “When more students speak out, stuff changes.”
