Florida A&M’s Student Government Association approved a $2.8 million budget for most departments and student organizations during Monday’s Student Senate meeting.
The disbursement of funds is one of the most significant responsibilities for student government.
Many students may not be aware of the impact SGA has on student life but nearly all decisions concerning funding for everything from student organizations to homecoming is determined by SGA.
Jacob Rios a fourth-year economics major who serves as the Organization and Finance Committee chair, as well as a member of the Activities and Service Budget Committee, played a large role in finalizing the budget.
His committee received requests totaling $4.2 million, almost twice the amount available to SGA, he said.
“We have to effectively distribute ($2.8 million) to every department and club. We want to make sure that the money is put to good use and that we are serving the student body to the best of our ability,” Rios said.
The ASBC had a new challenge this year as salary for the senate members was reinstated. The senate positions are historically paid positions.
However, the 47th Student Senate went a whole year without pay. Funds that were allocated during Monday’s meeting were stipends for the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of the 48th Senate.
The Student Senate is partnering with the Beta Nu Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. to create a Political Awareness Event open to all students and faculty. Rickie Plasir, a graduating senior and member of the Beta Nu Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. spoke on the event.
“We really want to draw in different crowds of people who might not be as involved in politics and inform students on current legislation that is affecting all of us,” he said.
He said he expects to have finalized details for the event by next month.
This month’s nomination for Senator of the month was Graduate Senator Tyler Hansberry. He was nominated in a clear majority vote.
Jaelen A. Jackson a third-year, business management scholar who currently holds the 47th SGA student relations committee chair, and now the 48th senate pro temp position, expressed his opinion on the Hansberry’s nomination.
“Hansberry absolutely deserves this. Senator of the month is a big accomplishment and he stood out among all these hard-working senators. His contribution experience and wisdom has been extremely beneficial to the Senate.”
SGA meets every Monday at six pm in the senate chambers. Documented minutes of the 11th session SGA meeting can be found at FAMU’s Student Government website under senate documents.