Student Council released funding requests from 161 Contracted Independent Organizations Friday.
While some CIOs like the Chess Club, which did not request any funding, are planning shoestring budgets for the coming year, many have followed the $30,000 example of the Virginia Women's Chorus, pushing the total allocations requests to $764,681.51. This year's requests add up to $85,538.83 more than last year's requests of $677,142.68.
Council is responsible for allocating money from the Student Activity Fee fund, into which every University student pays a $39 fee as part of his or her tuition.
In hearings this weekend, Council members heard a myriad of explanations for funding requests.
Blue Ridge Mountain Rescue, a search and rescue group, requested $10,973.
|
Its main expenses are operational, said Justin Reich, a member of the group's board of directors. Costs include equipment replacement and reimbursement for its volunteers' travel expenses.
The Objectivist Club requested $1,818. President Daniel Norton said most of this money would go towards hiring speakers and arranging a debate to highlight the philosophy of Objectivism.
Several groups requested SAF funding for the first time.
Chris Rodriguez founded the Organization for the Advancement of Hip-Hop Culture only two weeks ago. The organization requested $2,207. The money would be used to "bring awareness [of hip-hop culture] through various concerts and other events," Rodriguez said.
He said much of the money is for a turntable system that would cost about $1,400 and will allow the organization to sponsor visiting DJs.
The Jewish Heritage Program, founded last fall, was funded exclusively by donations last semester, but now it has asked for $7,426.
Founding member Ed Miller said the money would be used to continue the organization's format of holding events that promote Jewish heritage.
Council Appropriations Committee members said they had positive feelings about the process.
"I've been really pleased with how the hearings have been going," said Jamey Thompson, Council vice president for organizations.
Appropriations Committee Co-Chairman Nick Holmes said he is satisfied with the appropriations process so far. The organizations are "becoming more self-sufficient," Holmes said.
Committee Co-Chairman Jay Cost said this year's appropriations process is "going better than last year."
The hearing phase will be completed next weekend and will be followed by Council deliberations. Final allocations will be announced April 14.
Read More
Student Council passes proclamation to partner with U.Va. Wise SGA
By Lauren Seeliger | YesterdayThe dually elected representatives of each student bodies recognize the importance of embracing a strong working relationship.
Board defends DEI decision, avoids questions about DOJ in letter to Virginia GA
By Brendon Bordwine | YesterdayIn the letter, Debevoise partner David A. O’Neil reiterated that the Board could not speak on negotiations and discussions with the Justice Department.
A look at Virginia law: Could U.Va. have fought the Department of Justice?
By Cecilia Mould | 2 days agoEven if Ryan had felt he had a strong case against the Justice Department’s investigations, would the Virginia legal system have allowed him to seek supportive legal counsel?
