During the final ASMSU Student Assembly meeting Thursday night, members addressed campus issues and events, as well as bills to increase interaction with the East Lansing.
MSU's undergraduate student government also passed its 2004-05 budget.
"The budget has passed - the celebration may commence," said Missy Kushlak, Student Assembly chairperson.
Originally, the budget had a shortfall of almost $32,000. Group allocations were pared down until the deficit was about $9,000. A new legal contract with ASMSU lawyers balanced the budget.
Members allocated more than half the Special Projects Fund left for the year to various projects, including the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Indian Culture Show Satrang and promotions for Welcome Week events.
All money left in Special Projects at the end of the semester rolls over to the next session.
"It's money just sitting," said Glenn Sterner, representative for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. "If we can put that to benefit student programming, I think that's more important than staying in Special Projects."
The National Pan-Hellenic Council will put $2,000 from ASMSU toward a scholarship dinner open to the public on Friday in the Union Ballroom.
The bill was debated almost evenly and originally failed, until vice chairs realized votes of abstention aren't counted in a two-thirds vote.
"This is a good opportunity for ASMSU to help out a group that doesn't ask much of our council," said Andrew Schepers, Student Assembly vice chairperson for internal affairs.
An additional $9,000 originally was slated to be given to the Department of Student Life and, after lengthy debate, was given to Satrang, an Indian Culture Event to be held on Saturday.
Finally, $750 went to promote Welcome Week events, which tentatively are scheduled to include a TasteFest with local restaurants and a concert series.
Jason Bucholz, Eli Broad College of Business representative, said Dashboard Confessional is being considered for a Saturday concert.
ASMSU has been working this semester to develop events on campus and East Lansing such as the TasteFest, and voted Thursday to make April "Lock Your Doors!" month. During the month, ASMSU members will remind students that one of the best ways to prevent property crimes is by locking car and residence doors.
For more information, visit http://asmsu.msu.edu or call (517) 355-8266.
