The Student Services Finance Committee voted Monday to minimally fund the Multicultural Student Coalition at a level of $10,600 after multiple amendments and debate in the second-consecutive meeting.
According to SSFC Chair Ellie Bruecker, this funding level will allow for, at minimum, an office, one student hourly position and basic office supplies.
Many SSFC representatives felt MCSC had made significant internal changes since it was granted funding eligibility last year, which are grounds for minimal funding according to SSFC bylaws. Changes included the removal of some programs which were originally proposed in the group’s hearing.
Bruecker said these criteria are in place to hold groups accountable.
“It is the hope that [MCSC] will be able to maintain some responsibility with funding and work themselves back up to a budget that is more responsible and better for the group,” said Bruecker.
Rep. David Vines spearheaded multiple budget amendments and said he supported approval of an amended funding level of $137,156.32 rather than minimal funding. The group’s original budget proposal was approximately $1.4 million.
However, the amended budget failed on a five to nine vote, leading to automatic minimal funding of the group.
Also in the meeting SSFC heard budget proposals from the Greater University Tutoring Service and the Medieval Warriorcraft League, which aims to promote the understanding, knowledge and practice of Hoplology—or study of human combative behavior.
Matt Manes, a representative from Medieval Warriorcraft League, presented a budget proposal of $136,662.29, over 50 percent of which was attributed to purchasing medieval weaponry and safety equipment.
Manes said because the organization is new, a large amount of funding is required to purchase equipment and emphasized that funding for equipment will decrease in future years.
However, SSFC members had multiple questions about the large amount of funding for equipment, as well as safety concerns.
Representatives from the Greater University Tutoring Service, which seeks to provide students with various tutoring resources, presented the group’s budget request of $174,968.20.
Representatives said the group’s primary budget increases for the upcoming year are due to the development of a new online tutoring program with new software.
SSFC will vote on final funding amounts for GUTS and the MWL at its next meeting Thursday.
