2008 Woodie Awards
Contingency fund controversy
Questionable approval of almost $5,000 for Bengal Dancer rings creates dissent among ASISU Senators
Stephanie Hall
Issue date: 4/16/08 Section: News
"I commend you guys because I know that work really went into your performance and everything, but I have to mirror the comments of Senator Bolinger," Senator Deanna Johnson said to the Bengal Dancers in the meeting. "I don't feel that this is really what the contingency funds are for. I think that the requests that we've already approved affect large groups of students and will continue to affect students from year to year, and I feel that this would help out you guys a great ton and you totally deserve it, but I don't feel that this is the proper use of these funds."
Bolinger said that the Senate recently approved decreasing scholarship funds because they felt it was wrong to take money from a lot of students to benefit a small number of students, and he feels that giving the Bengal Dancers rings is wrong for the same reason.
"As a former Senator, while attending a Senate meeting I found it discouraging that the Senate seemed hesitant to fund clubs pursuing money to help them attend academic conferences and promote ISU, while the Bengal dancers were given funds to buy items that were strictly for personal use and would not benefit any other student of ISU," said Nick Hutt, an ISU graduate.
Speaking in favor of giving the Bengal Dancers the requested money, Todd Itami brought up the fact that many groups on campus receive funding for similar items every year. He used letterman's jackets as an example, stating that he and many athletes at ISU receive jackets to commemorate their achievements. Itami also expressed that he felt the dancers deserved the money because of the amount of work and fund-raising their group does.
"By day one of these girls' participation as Bengal Dancers, they are already expected to come up with $700 in fund-raising per student on their own during the summer," Itami said. "Show me one other club within the Association that has fund-raising goals remotely close to that. There are none. On top of that the scholarship they receive only exceeds that by $50."
Senator Jason Andrus said that, while it is true that ISU has used money to benefit individuals in similar ways in the past, that doesn't make it right.
"Past history shows that ASISU money has been spent for personal reasons, and I hope it's something we can get away from doing," Andrus said.
Bolinger said that the Senate recently approved decreasing scholarship funds because they felt it was wrong to take money from a lot of students to benefit a small number of students, and he feels that giving the Bengal Dancers rings is wrong for the same reason.
"As a former Senator, while attending a Senate meeting I found it discouraging that the Senate seemed hesitant to fund clubs pursuing money to help them attend academic conferences and promote ISU, while the Bengal dancers were given funds to buy items that were strictly for personal use and would not benefit any other student of ISU," said Nick Hutt, an ISU graduate.
Speaking in favor of giving the Bengal Dancers the requested money, Todd Itami brought up the fact that many groups on campus receive funding for similar items every year. He used letterman's jackets as an example, stating that he and many athletes at ISU receive jackets to commemorate their achievements. Itami also expressed that he felt the dancers deserved the money because of the amount of work and fund-raising their group does.
"By day one of these girls' participation as Bengal Dancers, they are already expected to come up with $700 in fund-raising per student on their own during the summer," Itami said. "Show me one other club within the Association that has fund-raising goals remotely close to that. There are none. On top of that the scholarship they receive only exceeds that by $50."
Senator Jason Andrus said that, while it is true that ISU has used money to benefit individuals in similar ways in the past, that doesn't make it right.
"Past history shows that ASISU money has been spent for personal reasons, and I hope it's something we can get away from doing," Andrus said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 10
Kelie
posted 4/15/08 @ 8:28 PM MST
Spending money on championship rings from an ISU student fund is absolutely ludicrous. This money could have been used to pay for roughly two semesters of tuition for one student, which would have served the University far better than doling out rings to commemorate a national championship that will be largely forgotten even within the next year, let alone the vast majority of the student bodies' lifetimes. (Continued…)
Rodie
posted 4/16/08 @ 4:37 PM MST
I'm not sure about the response here that says to read the Bylaws... what exactly are you talking about?
The Constitution says that the Vice-President can only vote in the case of a tie, which clearly didn't happen, so even if some part of the article is erroneous, it still stands to reason that the Senate followed improper procedure, and the Vice - President who is supposed to be on top of procedure is the one who failed to comply. (Continued…)
Stephanie Hall
posted 4/16/08 @ 5:39 PM MST
Dear Anonymous Senator,
The Senate Rule Book clearly states that the Vice President is only allowed to vote in the case of a 2/3 tie, which was not reached. (Continued…)
Senator
posted 4/16/08 @ 10:05 PM MST
Steph- how is 2/3 a tie? The VP may vote "in case of a tie AND to make or break a 2/3 vote." READ IT AGAIN. The VP MADE a 2/3 vote. No violation.
And you are several weeks late with the news. (Continued…)
Stephanie Hall
posted 4/16/08 @ 11:31 PM MST
Senator,
2/3 is incorrect wording. "The President of the Senate shall vote only in the event of a tie and to make or break a two-thirds (2/3) vote."
Apparently you have some issues with the article. (Continued…)
Melinda Christensen
posted 4/17/08 @ 12:23 AM MST
It is understandable that confusion and controversy would follow this article. It is odd that the Senate bylaws do not follow the ASISU Constitution. I'm confused why we have a constitution if the Senate can create their own rules of conduct. (Continued…)
Bob Devine
posted 4/18/08 @ 1:13 PM MST
If the Bylaws state that the Vice-President can make or break a 2/3 vote then it is against the Constitution where it states that the Vice-President can only vote in the event of a tie. (Continued…)
Bob Devine
posted 4/19/08 @ 10:22 AM MST
By the way, I do think the Senate should be able to approve championship rings, if necessary, but one would think the athletic department should take care of these things for its athletes. (Continued…)
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