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
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At the end of each year, ASISU has unspent money that they put into a contingency fund that can be spent or saved at the Senate's discretion. Groups at ISU can make requests to draw from this fund, and a two-thirds majority vote must be cast in favor of the request for any money to be disbursed.
The Bengal Dancers took first place in the Large Open Dance Division at the United Spirit Association (USA) College Dance Nationals in Las Vegas February 10-11. According to their contingency fund request, the Bengal Dancers wanted to commemorate the win at the prestigious competition by purchasing championship rings for each member of their dance team.
Of the 17 ASISU Senators in attendance at the March 10 Senate meeting, 11 voted to approve the disbursal of the funds, making the vote close to the two-thirds majority required to approve the request. Since the vote was so close, Bryan Wheat, ASISU Vice President, cast his vote in favor of the Bengal Dancer's request, giving it the required two-thirds majority.
According to Article IV, sec. 2, line 2D of the ASISU bylaws, however, the ASISU Vice President is only allowed to be a voting member of the Senate if a tie occurs, which was not the case in this situation. Even ASISU President Jennifer Brown was overheard during the meeting as saying that "He can't vote on this," referencing the fact that the bylaws state the Vice President is ineligible to vote on anything but ties.
While this issue received some debate by the Senate members, it was quickly squashed and they moved onto other business.
In addition, ASISU by-laws also state that "clothing, uniforms, or supplies shall not be purchased with ASISU moneys unless the articles stay within the club."
According to Jason Tolliver, Fiscal Officer of Student Affairs, however, there is an exception to this rule when it comes to national and state championships. Some senators felt that, even though the request broke no rules, it was still an unethical use of student funds.
"I really think the state and University policy is there for a reason," said Senator Mark Bolinger. "Because I don't think it's an ethical use of student money to be buying personal things with University money. I don't think it's what the contingency fund is meant to do."
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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