Though it may come as a surprise to the typical L&S undergrad, the Associated Students of Madison is not the only student government on campus. In fact, most other schools (including the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Engineering) have their own student councils. UW’s little student governments may not have ASM’s power to tax and spend, but they nevertheless provide outstanding services for their constituencies.
How much do they cost?
Tonight, the CALS student council is requesting a meager $12,500 (an 8.5 percent increase over this year). While it’s not a lot of money, the CALS student council promises to produce a newsletter, host workshops and brings speakers to the CALS campus. More importantly, the CALS student council can provide a central student voice in a rapidly growing and evolving school.
While ASM demands attention because of its official power to tax students, it’s unfortunate that UW-Madison’s other student governments are often ignored. They represent the best in collective student activism: They directly and efficiently represent their constituencies’ concerns, while at the same time providing academic and career assistance.
Other budget requests
In addition to the CALS student council, Sex Out Loud and the Campus Women’s Center are also receiving their budget verdicts tonight. The Campus Women’s Center is requesting a 16.2 percent increase (modest compared to many groups) as part of an ongoing effort to broaden its mission and goals. We applaud the CWC for recognizing that women’s issues are not limited to reproductive and economic rights and wish them the best of luck before ASM.
For its part, Sex Out Loud is requesting an eye-popping 43 percent increase over last year’s budget. Never mind that they could not explain why they have 16.4 percent of their budget remaining from last year. The increase would mostly go to pay for more staff hours and a new office space. Last year, Sex Out Loud received an extra $3,235 increase to move to its present office space on State Street. Now, that office is not good enough and Sex Out Loud wants a $3,600 increase to find a better home.
Sex Out Loud provides a valuable campus service. But for now, they should do it in their year-old office.
