Student Government has found a way to make its multimillion dollar budget more digestible to students.
Senate Budget and Appropriations Chairman Joseph Michaels founded “E-nitiative,” a three-step plan aiming to educate, elevate and empower students in the budgeting process.
The first of two town hall meetings within E-nitiative is “Speed Budgeting,” held in the Grand Ballroom of the Reitz Union from 5 to 6 p.m. today.
The meeting will include how to create a budget disk to get on the SG budget, read the SG financial codes and understand the 5 percent cut to the 2014-2015 fiscal year budget.
Michaels also created SG brochures and a cartoon presentation for easier understanding.
This year, SG banked an activity and service fee budget of $18,992,000. That money stems from the activity and service fee, which is $17.35, for every enrolled credit hour. This money is divided among recreational sports, student activities and involvement, the Reitz Union and SG for allocation to student organizations.
Student Body Treasurer Jayce Victor saw an opportunity in collaborating with Michaels. As part of his platform when he campaigned in Spring, Victor worked to hold town hall meetings for student groups to increase transparency.
“Part of holding myself accountable is knowing where the money is going,” he said.
On Sunday, the second town hall meeting, the Student Government Forum, will be held in the Rion Ballroom from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Students will be able to voice their concerns and offer feedback to SG. Student Body President Christina Bonarrigo and Senate President Lauren Verno will lead the forum.
A version of this story ran on page 3 on 9/17/2013 under the headline "SG to teach budget process"
