UMKC student organization budgets cut by 33%, the SGA aims to find a solution

 The Student Government Association (SGA) discussed at the meeting on Feb. 9, plans to create a new funding program to address budget cuts to student organizations. 

  “We received more funding than any other student org. this year, and that’s not going to happen again,” said President Andrew Tracey.

  Other student orgs have been dealing with budget cuts. The SGA wants to make funding more fair through a new program, potentially called RooTang, where student orgs. can apply for additional funds. 

  Manasa Sakthivel, comptroller and chair of the SAFC (Student Activity Fee Council), shared that 106 budgets were submitted totaling $44,437.70. The SAFC approved $19,000, which is all that they had allocated, with an overall percentage cut of 33% from each budget.

  After stabilizing from a chaotic period for the SGA, Tracey’s plans include events, increased visibility and transparency.

  Roo Refresh, a tradition started by former SGA President Yasmen Hassen, will be making a return in March. RooRefresh is a tabling event on campus where students can enjoy a beverage and give feedback to the SGA board.

  As for communication, Tracey said, “You should see soon on the SGA Instagram page an improved and refreshed social media presence. Now’s the time to just put our boots on the ground.”

  Amidst changing leadership and other issues, SGA has had to work around certain goals they have.

  “We’re kinda limited to some extent as to what we can do, and we’ve had some issues this past semester that have not helped our outreach at all. Our executive board going out ending this year, our goal would be to communicate about issues better,” Tracey said.

  He highlighted SGA’s role as a bridge between students and university administration. He is aiming for more transparency coming from the SGA board.

  In addition to the budget announcement, SGA elected a new Chief of Staff Angel Guadalupe and new Election Director Aubrey Bass. 

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