ASUSU to help fund writing contest
After another lengthy discussion concerning funding of the Creative Writing Contest (CWC), Associated Students of Utah State University voted to co-sponsor the contest by donating $975 as award money for the winners.
The three dissenting voters raised concerns as to how ASUSU was approached for funding, CWC’s budget and the lack of effectiveness of CWC’s current budgeting strategies.
“It is our duty to look at all the budget and make sure they don’t cut corners,” Steve Kindred, ASUSU student advocate, said.
Kindred proposed ASUSU take a closer look at CWC’s budget to ensure money was being spent wisely. He felt CWC was spending too much on advertising.
“The budget’s not as frugal as it should be,” Kindred said.
Kristen Stokes, Family Life senator, agreed. She said she felt that by funding the contest ASUSU would be setting a precedence which would make it easier for other organizations to ask for money and procure funding for various events.
“It is setting a precedence. If we pass this, [the creative writing contest] will be bailed out a second time,” Stokes said in reference to CWC acquiring one-time emergency funding for the contest from Student Services Vice President Patricia Terrell last year.
“I think we’re getting mired down in the nit pickies,” said Activities Vice President Andy Dilley. “Where looking at the budget is important, I think we need to look at whether or not we will fund this.”
In regards to the budget, Dilley said they shouldn’t analyze how much money was being spent on advertising. He said the council should instead focus on how the money donated from ASUSU would be spent.
“We know exactly where our money is going. It’s going to award money,” he said.
Academic Vice President Andy Haws agreed.
“We’re missing the larger issue here. This is a one-time thing. This is going to benefit a lot of students and give students an opportunity to excel in academia,” Haws said.
ASUSU also approved and voted in the new Utah Intercollegiate Assembly (UIA) delegates for the 2001-2002 academic school year.
“This year is going to be the strongest delegation in the state,” UIA President Braden Jenkins said.
The UIA writes resolutions and lobbies for higher-education needs for students throughout Utah.
“This is our voice,” said Executive Vice President Celestial Starr Bybee.