The Residence Halls Association has reached into its pockets to help finance various student group events, but the organization’s generosity might lead to a shortage of funds.
Although student groups appreciate RHA’s willingness to help, some members of RHA’s General Assembly aren’t happy the organization has almost spent its entire General Assembly fund so early into the semester.
“The general assembly have put themselves in this position,” said Case Hall Rep. Adam Raezler, chairman of RHA’s budget committee. “In seven weeks they’ve spent nearly $18,000. In the next few weeks we are not going to have any money to give to student groups.”
The organization has given out $15,743 of the budgeted $18,000 in this semester’s general assembly fund. Eight different student groups have benefited from RHA’s money.
An additional $400 was given to five of the eight groups from the budget discretionary fund. The fund began with $5,000, but now only has $2,600 left.
The biggest contributions this semester have gone to Black Student Alliance and the Coalition of Indian Undergraduate Students - both organizations received $3,100. The alliance used the money to fund the Black Power Rally and the coalition will use its money to fund the Satrang show in spring semester.
RHA Comptroller Bryson Jacques said the reason the organization is willing to help various groups is because the events interest and benefit students living in residence halls.
Marc Johnston, co-president of the Asian Pacific American Student Organization, said the group was very grateful for the $2,100 his organization received from RHA to help put on its conference APASObilities.
“We’re very glad RHA was able to sponsor the event with us,” he said. “It’s our annual conference that deals with Asian-Pacific-American issues and vision for the future of the MSU community as a whole.”
But Jacques said he doesn’t think the dwindling of the General Assembly account is a problem. He also said if more money is needed, it can be re-allocated into the general assembly fund from the reserve fund.
There is $5,030.04 in the reserve fund, but such transfers would have to be approved by the General Assembly.
Jacques said it’s the General Assembly’s responsibility to have more debate instead of quickly approving a bill when one is presented. Bills that are presented at the General Assembly meetings must pass by a two-thirds majority vote, or if consent is called by a member of the General Assembly and no one objects, the bill automatically passes.
“I think it would be advantageous at least to question where money is going and how it is going to benefit constituents of RHA,” Jacques said.
