Editorial: Students suffer from SAFAC secrecy
Editorial Board
Issue date: 5/23/08 Section: Ed-Op
Two weeks have passed since the Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee originally released its allocations for the 2008-2009 school year. Every undergraduate at the University contributes to the pot of money SAFAC distributes. Therefore, it is important that the student body be assured that these funds are distributed in a fair way.
This money isn't like regular tuition dollars or lab fees students pay. Student life is one of the most important aspects of campus life. It defines the school, the campus and the students that go here. It allows students to explore their extracurricular interests and build connections that last a lifetime.
So, in the interest of learning more about SAFAC and this very important decision making process, The Triangle approached Joe Gonzalez, SAFAC advisor, for the amount of money each student organization requested, a list of which organizations appealed their original allocations and copies of SAFAC meeting minutes. We feel it is reasonable that students have access to this information because it is their money that funds student organizations.
In the end, after repeated requests, Gonzalez denied The Triangle its request for information, stating that SAFAC does not release this information and that their meetings are closed.
The lack of transparency should be very concerning to all students on campus. Most student leaders we talked to are very frustrated with the entire SAFAC process. They feel it is a bureaucratic nightmare with no clear process or documentation. None of them would go on the record, for fear of biting the hand that feeds them.
If the University is serious about improving student life, they need to reevaluate the SAFAC allocation process. It is absurd that this process is so closed, especially when much of the student body is displeased with it. Organizational leaders we spoke to are not being given reasons as to why their requests were denied. When they make an appeal, they are doing so without knowing why their original funding request was rejected.
This money isn't like regular tuition dollars or lab fees students pay. Student life is one of the most important aspects of campus life. It defines the school, the campus and the students that go here. It allows students to explore their extracurricular interests and build connections that last a lifetime.
So, in the interest of learning more about SAFAC and this very important decision making process, The Triangle approached Joe Gonzalez, SAFAC advisor, for the amount of money each student organization requested, a list of which organizations appealed their original allocations and copies of SAFAC meeting minutes. We feel it is reasonable that students have access to this information because it is their money that funds student organizations.
In the end, after repeated requests, Gonzalez denied The Triangle its request for information, stating that SAFAC does not release this information and that their meetings are closed.
The lack of transparency should be very concerning to all students on campus. Most student leaders we talked to are very frustrated with the entire SAFAC process. They feel it is a bureaucratic nightmare with no clear process or documentation. None of them would go on the record, for fear of biting the hand that feeds them.
If the University is serious about improving student life, they need to reevaluate the SAFAC allocation process. It is absurd that this process is so closed, especially when much of the student body is displeased with it. Organizational leaders we spoke to are not being given reasons as to why their requests were denied. When they make an appeal, they are doing so without knowing why their original funding request was rejected.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Ryan M.
posted 6/13/08 @ 2:09 PM EST
I think the triangle is wasting their time on the wrong issue. As an ex-leader of an organization with a lot of time put into allocations, I would never want my requests made public. (Continued…)
Student ORg. Leader
posted 7/07/08 @ 11:45 AM EST
Thank you Triangle for having the guts to go after SAFAC. SAFAC really needs to get their stuff together, and quickly because students are raging.
Jim
posted 7/14/08 @ 12:20 AM EST
I have to completely disagree with Ryan.
I'm sorry that you feel that greek life sohuld not be eligable for SAFAC funding, but we pay just as much into the system as you do. (Continued…)
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