The Student Services Finance Committee proposed changes to the committee’s standing rules Wednesday, which would include a $100,000 budget cap for all General Student Services Fund groups, excluding costs for professional staff and project assistantships.
The GSSF supplies money to registered student organizations, which provide direct services to students by meeting SSFC eligibility criteria.
SSFC Chair Ellie Bruecker said she saw a need for change due to increased numbers of groups applying for GSSF funding, adding there has been a “fairly significant amount of waste” because groups are also asking for more money than they need.
According to Bruecker, this extra money goes to the reserves, only available for use in instances of substantial need, but students are still being charged for it.
Representatives from four GSSF groups spoke in open forum to address their concerns.
One concern felt by Adventure Learning Programs members was the cap would would force GSSF groups to cut back.
Student Leadership Program member Kevin Pickett said he felt SSFC did not directly reach out to GSSF groups for collaboration on the changes.
However, Bruecker said she sent out multiple emails to GSSF groups asking for any input on changes but did not receive much feedback. She also said she took into account any feedback she did receive.
Bruecker said the changes are a “moderate compromise” and should encourage groups to budget only for what they need.
“I think it’s going to allow SSFC to budget more efficiently and not do things in such an arbitrary manner as we’ve had to do sometimes,” Bruecker said.
The committee will vote on the changes Monday.
