UA Budget Committee Issues 2011-2012 Budget Recommendation
Every year the UA is given around $1.9 million to allocate to the branches of student government for the upcoming year – money that funds Spring Fling, major speakers, Hey Day, Sophomore Skimmer, and, of course, every student group on campus. Our money comes from the Vice-Provost for University Life, and is pegged to the General Fee.
This year, a slightly higher projected General Fee increase meant that the UA’s budget rose by the same proportion as last year (4.0%) and so the UA was given an extra $74,000 to distribute. The actual distribution is done in a two-step process: the Budget Committee (consisting of Ali Huberlie, UA Treasurer, and UA Members Emerson Brooking and Jon Monfred) issues a recommendation, which is then considered by the entire UA in a lengthy public process that culminates in a Budget Decision Meeting where the UA at large may amend the Budget Committee’s recommendation before a final vote on February 27th.
The budget recommendation is available in an online Google Docs version.
We hope that you provide comments and feedback on this site! This is your chance to have your say on how your $1.9 million is spent! Check below the jump for a summary of key features of this year’s recommendation:
Key features of this year’s Budget Recommendation include:
- Block grant funding for MERT, allowing increased flexibility and freedom from the constraints of SAC.
- Increased flexibility within SPEC–more money in contingency and Fully Planned, allowing SPEC the freedom to find and put on the best events for students.
- An 18.7% decrease in UA Administrative expenses, allowing money to be channeled directly into programming for students, rather than office supplies.
- $1500 in Scholarship monies for the PennCORP pre-orientation program, enabling many students to engage in this valuable community service opportunity.
- A 5.87% increase in funding for SPEC, increasing the amount of programming available for all students on campus.
- A 2.07% increase for the Student Activities Council, allowing students to continue to engage in their all-important student groups.





