In an effort to help increase the accountability of U student groups, student leaders are changing the way organizations can transfer money.
When a bill passes the Associated Students of the University of Utah’s Student Senate and General Assembly, it is broken down into line items, or specific categories of expenses.
ASUU’s Finance Board Director Jared Stoker is changing the guidelines for line item changes.
Previously, student groups would send in a request of transfer to the finance director for approval. The Senate and Assembly chairmen will now have to decide on the changes. But if they, along with Stoker, decide the requested changes are drastic-such as the transfer of a large amount of money-then the transfer must be presented to the Senate and Assembly, who will vote on the changes after questions and debate.
“I’m not comfortable with the power it [currently] gives me, so this is a way for me to give the power back to the Senate and Assembly,” Stoker said. “This will also save time from submitting a new bill because it will be a simple yes or no vote.”
Peter Plaizier, a second-year Assembly member and newly appointed parliamentarian, believes the new procedure will only hinder the Assembly if the decision ever comes down toput to a group vote.
“The idea would only lengthen the meetings over a simple line item,” Plaizier said. “The Assembly shouldn’t have to deal with minute changes. [Stoker’s] idea of making students more accountable is good, but this method isn’t the best way.”
Plaizier adds most student groups also don’t have the time commitment to attend numerous meetings to explain transfers.
Another reason for the change, according to Stoker, is student groups usually aren’t fiscally responsible with the way they submit bills and how they spend their money. For example, some groups will overspend money from one area and take funds from another without filing an official request for the transfer.
“This is just a way to make students think twice about throwing their money around in any way they want,” he said. “We want to make sure they don’t spend it all in one time, and since it’s ASUU money and student fees, we want to know where the money is going.”
Student group members have mixed reactions to what will make student organizations more effective.
“This just seems like it’ll be more of a hassle for groups. I don’t want to explain my every move. If I spend my money on something else and it’s related to my club, what difference does it make?” said junior Amer Mikail, who is a member of the American Medical Student Association and has experience with line-item transfers from last year.
The new guideline changes will go into effect on June 1, the beginning of the 2003-2004 fiscal year.
Some students agree with the decision to increase the accountability of students leaders.
“I don’t think groups spend their money irresponsibly, but at least now ASUU will know why they’re not spending in some areas, and if they actually do waste it,” said Nick Zarbock, a sophomore biology student.