After a lengthy battle with university officials, which came as the result of issues found in recent audits, ASMSU received a memorandum in April stating that if all funds were not moved on campus by July 1, no student tax would be collected for future semesters. The university also withheld collected tax money for the summer semester from ASMSU.

ASMSU President Evan Martinak said it was time to make a decision.

“We’ve been given an ultimatum,” Martinak said. “If you’re driving a car and someone puts a gun to your window, you don’t argue with them. … You get out of the car and you pick up the rest of the pieces later.”

Although he admitted to a long-time struggle with the university during the meeting, ASMSU member Mitch Treadwell said efforts to keep funds remaining off campus would do more harm than good.

“I can see no progress that can be made in pursuing this direction,” Treadwell said. “This course has caused … harm to ASMSU and our connection with the university.”

Despite ASMSU’s fear of its autonomy being compromised, Mark Haas, MSU’s Vice President for Finance and Treasurer, said it is possible for them to continue on the same path, regardless of the location of funds.

“We’re not asking ASMSU students to do anything different than the rest of the university,” Haas said. “The rest of the university has its funds on campus. … Having funds on campus still allows these groups to move forth and do the things they want to do.”

Martinak said he will meet with Haas and Denise Maybank, MSU’s Senior Vice President of Student Affairs, on Friday to discuss receiving tax money for the summer.