“It’s their prerogative to show up or not.” – Dan Bahr, Student Appropriations Committee chairman

Only one student organization that submitted a funding request to the Student Appropriations Committee showed up at the committee’s meeting on Thursday, Sept. 7, to allocate funds for student organizations.

Out of the 14 organizations that submitted a funding request, only Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering Honor Society, had a representative present at the meeting. Several requests were tabled until committee members could meet with organization representatives to discuss their needs.

Student organizations submit funding requests to SAC for things such as travel expenses and day-to-day operational supplies. All organizations that had requests under review at the Thursday meeting were notified in advance.

“Each group that was under funding review was contacted through e-mail,” said SAC Chairman Dan Bahr. “It’s their prerogative to show up or not.”

Most organizations received a portion of the money they requested, with the lower payouts mostly being attributed to finding cheaper alternatives for travel and lodging expenses.

A motion was later passed to create funding caps on registration fees and office supplies. Organizations will get no more than $216 for phone fees, $25 for printing supplies, $50 for miscellaneous office supplies and $100 for a group banner. The caps are flexible, but give the committee a basis for allocating funds for common requests.

“The purpose of the motion is to remain consistent and treat every group fairly,” Bahr said.

Organizations must also file any funding requests eight weeks in advance. This is a change from the allotted six weeks’ notice that was required by SAC last year.

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