SSFC continue to refine GSSF process

by David Brazy

December 9, 2010

SSFC_MN — SSFC member Cale Plamann discusses the benefits and drawbacks of sending auditors to GSSF groups instead of holding hearings.[/media-credit]

The student government took another step toward reworking the way it distributes segregated fees to student organizations in their meeting Thursday night.

The Associated Students of Madison Student Services Finance Committee debated and ultimately agreed to work on adding three auditors to the General Student Services Fund allotment process.

SSFC Chair Matt Manes said the current plan would have GSSF groups apply for funding every three to four years. Currently, groups must reapply every two years and have auditors check up on the groups twice a year to make sure they are providing the services they said they would.

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If the groups are doing a good job, Manes said, they would not have to go through eligibility that year. However, if the auditor finds the groups are not providing the services, they would have to reapply for eligibility.

Representative Jair Alvarez said he liked the idea of using auditors, as long as the groups were given enough notice before the auditors came.

“I like this idea, it’s like a secret shopper,” Alvarez said.

SSFC Representative Sarah Neibart said she was skeptical about the plan because the student groups can use the eligibility hearings as a way to define what the core services and goals of their organizations are.

However, SSFC Representative Rae Lymer said many of the groups she talked to were on board with the plan.

“I have met with multiple groups and everyone I have run this by has been really perceptive to this; I think they would be really involved in the process,” Lymer said. “We want to help [student groups] grow but keep [the groups] responsible.”

In the current SSFC budget the three auditors will be paid a $4,000 stipend for the year, according to Manes.

“It doesn’t pay for food and rent for an entire year, but we are getting people that want the work experience,” Manes said. “I think that is an adequate reason to fund the positions.”

SSFC delayed voting on their budget because several representatives wanted to discuss altering the stipends for students who serve on the committee. Manes said he was not prepared to have that discussion Thursday night.

SSFC also approved the Student Judiciary’s 2011-12 budget at $47,225.34 during the meeting.