A “lack of fiscal responsibility” and numerous violations of its constitution may cost the African, Latino, Asian and Native American Programming board (ALANA) 20% of its byline funding in the 2014-2016 cycle, according to a report by the Student Assembly Appropriations Committee.
The funding for ALANA comes directly from each student’s activity fee. Last year, the cost per Cornell University student for ALANA was $8.75.
After public evidence demonstrated that the organization spent exorbitant amounts of money on things like fancy dinners and ill-attended events, the Appropriations Committee decided to adjust the amount to $7 per student for the next cycle. The funding allocations for the next cycle will take effect in one year.
One source told the Cornell Review that the club spent $18,000 on a one-day event that only 200 people attended. The appropriations committee expects organizations to spend $20 per person maximum. However, the cost per person often exceeded this amount with ALANA.
According to ALANA’s budget application, MCFAB Rap Sessions cost $91 per attendee, BSU’s Conference cost $127 per attendee, and NASAC’s concert cost $92.3 per attendee. The E-board even spent $450.75 on pins just for themselves.
The Appropriation Committee’s recommendation will save Cornell students approximately $23,625, with an estimated 13,500 undergraduates paying the student activity fee.
ALANA is one of approximately 30 byline funded organizations on campus, who receive money directly from the student activity fee. Every two years, that funding is reallocated after a thorough review process by the Appropriations Committee. While byline funding gives groups more flexibility in how they spend their funds, the increased freedom comes with increased responsibility.
For comparison, Outdoor Odyssey receives $1.25 from the student activity fee.
Allegations came out at last week’s meeting between the Committee and ALANA. But before the decrease in funding goes into effect, the recommendation will need to be approved by the general student assembly.
good reporting