SAC approves annual group budgets

The Student Activities Commission (SAC) released next year's annual budgets on Monday, allocating a total of $415,000 to Student Council and SAC student groups.

The SAC board deliberated for about 12 hours on March 29 before finalizing the budgets, according to SAC Chairperson Elise Roecker. After reviewing budget requests and applying funding policy guidelines, the SAC distributed a summary of all allocations at this week's SAC General Assembly (GA).

Seven out of 64 groups received less than 50 percent of requested funds, and nine groups did not receive budgets because they failed to turn in budget requests by deadline. Last year, 14 groups failed to submit requests in time.

Roecker said groups were "in general... pretty well satisfied" with their budgets, although the SAC did receive some complaints. She emphasized that groups will have alternate means for acquiring needed funds.

"It's impossible for us to satisfy everyone completely, but a good deal of what we weren't able to fund during annual budgeting the groups can come back and request again during the year," said Roecker.

Twenty-six groups received over 90 percent of their requested funds, four of which were granted over 100 percent. Roecker said the SAC adds funds to groups who underestimate costs, even if the funds exceed the requested amount.

The largest budgets were granted to the JHU Band, with an operating budget of $13,839.22; the Barnstormers, with a $13,744.21 operating budget and the Ice Hockey Club, with a budget of $12,261.32.

Three a capella groups, the Ladybirds, Octopodes and the Sirens, received less than 50 percent of their requested budgets.

"Some a cappella groups requested funding for CD production for next year," said Roecker. "We only loan money for CDs, and we won't loan money during annual budgets, so we were unable to fund it now. Those groups will be able to petition the new board for a loan once it convenes after May 1."

Other policies that came up frequently during budgeting were gas and depreciation costs for University vans and personal vehicles, as well as "lowest cost" guidelines.

Roecker told group leaders that marked-up copies of their budgets would be available from their respective group liaisons.

She also announced that budget hearings will be held in May or September for groups who neglected to submit budgets in time.

The date of those hearings will be at the discretion of the new SAC board.

Also discussed at the GA were elections for next year's SAC liaisons. Roecker told group members that nominations will be accepted through Monday, and that individuals can nominate themselves.

Nominees will have the opportunity to submit candidate statements and will give a one-minute speech at next week's GA.

Up to two people will be allowed to speak on the candidate's behalf for a combined duration of one minute.