SA Budget Planning Committee promising
In order to ensure that any budget cuts required in the future are made with attention to students' opinions, the Student Association has established a Budget Planning Committee to represent student interests in budgetary issues to the Dean of Undergraduates and the Office of Finance (see story, page 1). This step, if properly enacted, will promote a financial system that works with, rather than against, the student body and produces outcomes that, if not optimal, are at least mutually agreed to be the best options under the circumstances.The SA has decided to limit the committee to six student members. While this small size will allow the program to be more efficient, it also risks reducing the influence of the committee into obscurity. Such an advocacy organization can only succeed if it truly voices the opinions of all it represents.
We urge the SA to think beyond traditional power centers when choosing the members of the Budget Planning Committee. These students will represent the interests of all colleges, majors and student groups. As such, its members should come from as many of these groups as possible, not just the traditional family of SA governance.
Once chosen, these members must make themselves visible and receptive to the entire community. If students are unaware that the group exists or feel they can trust its members to properly relay their concerns, they will not be able to use this resource to make their voices heard.
The SA has taken a great first step in the establishment of this committee. With proper attention, the Budget Planning Committee has the potential to be a strong resource for improved communication between the administration and the student body.
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