How do you budget fun?

Who has the time to plan and maintain a budget? SGA Financial Officer Erika Stranghoener does.

Each year, she leads Student Government Association through painstakingly allocating its $800,000 grant, which comes from your tuition dollars. Incoming executives select the percent of their money that will go to various core functions: hiring speakers, publicity, food, etc.

Last night, Student Senate went through the biennial ritual of budget reporting. The entire assembly, seated around the table in the David E. Johnson boardroom, listened as executives walked through their line items. The budget was projected on a large screen at the front of the room. What is the point of this charade? Since senators represent you, and you fund our existence, the process guarantees transparency and accountability to make sure executives are spending their money wisely.

Senators can--and do--ask very specific questions. Thorson Senator Charles DeBeck had such a question during last night's meeting.

"I notice the Political Awareness Committee has already spent most of its hospitality budget (used to provide food and lodging for visiting speakers). What will happen to the spring speakers?"

PAC Coordinator Laura Groggel replied: not enough money was allocated into the relatively small account at the beginning of the year, and the number will have to be adjusted. Plus, there's a backup account for meals in the Caf.

Little things like this may not seem a big deal. But the process guarantees that money is spent frugally and responsibly, and when you're dealing with tuition dollars, that makes a difference.

Senate Remixed: now with twice the insight

Who gives a darn about Senate?

The executive arm of Student Government, Student Senate votes on all financial proposals and is the administration's first point of contact for campus issues ranging from financial aid to food in the library. And since these issues affect your life, there are a lot of reasons to stay attuned to what happens each Tuesday night in the David E. Johnson boardroom.

In the past, we've been less than stellar about keeping you updated about what we're working on through this blog. Truth is, there's no reason why you should have to read the minutes each week (although you're certainly welcome to). That's why from now on, the new Senate Remixed will include insider commentary on Student Senate, as well as the executive branch of Student Government.

We've even enabled commenting so that you have a way to talk back. And yes, we do check for comments, because we like the love (even if the your opinions are less than complimentary!).

Caf Fast, Senoir Campaign discussed in senate

Another thrilling session of Student Senate occurred on Tuesday, 13 Nov 2007. Some of the highlights include:

• A presentation by Matt Fedde from Partners in Annual Giving. Fedde is looking for nominations for the Senior Campaign. If you know someone who would be good for this committee, please contact him with your nomination. Anyone can nominate a senior for the committee. The Senior Campaign is a great way for the Senior Class to show their support for St. Olaf, and having a high participation rate helps St. Olaf’s ranking in various annual reports.
• Voting on CAF Fast proposals. The Senate is in charge of choosing what organization gets to organize the CAF Fast each semester. Thursday Night Bible study was the only application we received. They will be organizing the CAF Fast in the next few weeks as a fundraiser for their Spring Break Mission Trip to Nicaragua.
• A report from the Multicultural Sub-Committee. The sub-committee wants to find ways to increase attendance at multi-cultural events. These events are always fun and interesting. If you have a chance to go to one, do it! You will not regret it!

Upcoming SGA Events:

• Last Chance for Africa Weeks’ Fun! Karibu is sponsoring a Pause Dance on Saturday.
• Student Alumni Association is hosting a “Kitchen Skillz” Session on Saturday from 2-4 with Bon Apetit’s own Peter! There are only 20 spots! Sign up by emailing kitchen-skillz@stolaf.edu.
• SAC Movie this weekend is Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, showing on Saturday at 7 & 10, and Sunday at 3.
• Leaf Raking in Northfield with Volunteer Network on Saturday. Contact VN Coordinator Victor Wong for more info.
• Applications for Student Life Senator will be available outside the Student Activities Office on Monday, November 19. They are due Friday November 23. This is a final opportunity to be senator this year! Contact Ishanaa Rambachan for more information.

Students are always welcome at Senate Meetings, Tuesdays at 6:30 in the David E. Johnson Boardroom. Contact armtroe or rambachi for more information.