Various campus student groups have seen substantial increases in
funding this year, enabling them to improve and increase their
programming, activities, equipment and advertising.
The increase is a result of this year’s newly implemented
base budget allocation process by the Undergraduate Students
Association Council.
Some groups who did not meet the minimum criteria as stated in
the USAC bylaws were still granted funding; however, it fell below
the typical $500 minimum allocation.
One such group is the Iranian Students Group, which the Budget
Review Committee deemed did not meet a guideline that called for a
group to stimulate on-campus discussion.
Babak Khamsi, an officer for the Iranian Students Group, said
the funds will go toward the group’s largest annual event,
the Persian New Year in March, which costs about $3,000, but noted
that they are extremely disappointed with their allocation.
“It’s so insignificant an amount that we’re
not counting on it. We’re still going to have our events, but
we’re going to have to find other sources of funding,”
Khamsi said.
The United Arab Society, which received the largest increase
among student groups ““ $2,380 more than last year’s
$480 ““ plans to use the allocation for its annual culture
night and outreach education programming aimed at dispelling
untruths and misrepresentations about its community.
“The increase in funds gives us more power in which to
further expose the campus to our culture and our political
causes,” said UAS President Maraam Haddad.
She added that the group is also interested in creating
coalitions and co-sponsoring events with other campus
organizations.
Likewise, the Indian Student Union will put its additional
$1,710 in funds toward its annual culture show in the form of
programming, graphics and advertising. The show costs upwards of
$25,000.
ISU Internal Vice President Kavita Reddy is hoping that the
increased advertising made possible by the funding will promote
awareness and attract more people.
“There’s a lack of South Asian programs on campus,
so the culture show fills a void. There’s a lot of interest
in South Asian culture on campus but there aren’t any venues
for that to be filled,” Reddy said.
With $1,180 more than last year’s $555, the Political
Science Student Organization will also increase advertising
expenditures in an attempt to get its name out and attract higher
attendance at events.
The group sponsors Career in Politics symposiums, and hosts
groups such as the FBI, Peace Corps and American Civil Liberties
Union. While some of these are politically-oriented fields, the
group said these resources are not limited to political science
students, but are open to everyone.
“Our events are designed to serve the student body,”
said PSSO President Amber Richer. “It has made a big
difference when people know what’s going on.”
Jewish Student Union President Robert Hurwitz said the
group’s $1,467 funding increase means everything JSU does
this year will be new since the organization was “crippled in
the past by the budget.”
The group is planning a large cultural show in the spring to
promote cultural awareness on campus which was not possible before
due to lack of funds.
“With the larger budget we can also engage in outreach to
potential students, thereby showing students there is diversity at
UCLA and we are but a face of that,” Hurwitz said.
Up $1,157 from last year, Interfraternity Council Treasurer
Jason Bow said his group will put its funds toward programming such
as motivational and educational speakers that promote awareness on
issues such as sex, hate crimes and drug awareness.
The group will also continue to play an active role in its
Operation Clean Sweep, which helps clean the streets of Westwood
and fraternity row, the Greek-sponsored Dance Marathon, and
homecoming events.
“The referendum is a culmination of improved relations
between USAC and IFC,” Bow added. “We’ve made big
strides.”
While others focus on programming, the Chess Club, which
received funding for the first time this year, is using the funds
for equipment and education.
“You need a coach and you need equipment,” said
Chess Club President Shantanu Deshpande. “Those are the
absolute essentials.”
The funds have enabled the group to buy new chess sets in
addition to clocks ““ a requisite for tournament play ““
which it did not have before.
The club is also looking for a coach. In the interim, the funds
enable it to receive instructional sessions with stronger
California chess players.