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.

Interested in a free ticket to the 2010 Spring Fling Concert featuring Snoop Dogg w/ Kid Cudi and Shwayze, a free t-shirt, and a chance to win other prizes? FlingSafe’s got you covered.

FlingSafe was created five years ago to prevent Fling from being moved out of the Quad and to keep our favorite University tradition alive. In recent years it has been extremely successful, and we are excited to bring it back in 2010.

FlingSafe volunteers give two hours of their time over the course of Fling weekend (April 16-17) to help keep their peers safe and happy, demonstrating to Penn administrators that we can take responsibility for making the weekend enjoyable for everyone involved. They do not write people up or get students in trouble. Actually, they do the opposite: FlingSafe volunteers look out for the best interests of their peers, ensuring that no one suffers unnecessary administrative or health consequences.

Click here for the application, due March 29 at midnight. Volunteers are required to attend one training session prior to Spring Fling (April 4 or 5). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dasha Barannik.

1) T-shirt Design Contest

WHAT? Awesome, flashy, glamorous, design submissions are needed for this year’s Spring Fling T-Shirts! Be creative and use this years Fling Theme (required): ‘Some Flings Do Come True’
WHY? Winner receives: $100, 2 FLOOR PASSES to the Spring Fling Concert, and the chance to have YOUR design featured on all Fling related merchandise!
WHEN? The contest runs from February 1st-February 22nd
HOW? Submissions should be sent to fling@specevents.net. Files must be in .tiff, .jpeg or 300+ dpi format. No alcohol or drug references are permitted in potential designs.
For more information please contact fling@specevents.net.

2) Upper Quad Student Vendor Applications

If your student group would like a venue in the Upper Quad during Spring Fling, please fill out the application and return it to the Office of Student Life (2nd floor of Houston) by 2/17.

3) Submissions to perform in the Quad

SPEC Spring Fling has officially opened up for submissions to perform in the Quad during Spring Fling! We are looking for dance groups, bands, singers, and any other fun performers to participate. If you have an account with SonicBids we prefer that you submit through our Gig Listing http://www.sonicbids.com/UPennSpringFling! However, if you don’t have a SonicBids account you may email Talisa De Carlo at talisa@specevents.net with your submission or drop it off in the OSL of Houston Hall. This submission should including a Demo CD (or website) and contact info. The Deadline is March 3rd with no exceptions. We look forward to looking over your submissions!

4) Guest Passes

Guest Passes for Spring Fling will be sold from 3/29 to 4/14 from 11-4 pm, outside the Office of Student Life on the 2nd floor of Houston Hall. Each student will be able to purchase up to 2 guest passes, at $20 a pass.