Leaders of student organizations joined other students and members of AUSA Senate at the president’s roundtable Jan. 23 to discuss funding, multiculturalism and future school events.
AUSA President Brian Kelley and Vice President Molly Brown welcomed the student leaders and mediated issues presented by students.
Organizations, including the Latino Student Alliance, complained of not getting enough funding from Senate this year to hold the events they want to.
Brown said that many organizations got less funding this year, and that an increase in the cost of RTD passes were part of the problem.
The increase of the student activity fee to $90 will help alleviate the problem and allow more funding next year, Brown explained.
Jermy Neil, head of the Board of Contingency, explained that organizations could benefit from the board and receive more money.
When organization leaders said they didn’t know what the board does, Neil explained that they allocate funding to organizations for emergencies or unforeseen costs. According to Neil, the board has $20,000 left in its account. Organizations, DU funded or not, may appeal to the board.
Discussion was also focused on construction, including future plans of a student center and renovation of the library.
Freshman Sen. Troy Hashimoto said that the majority of campus would like to see the library renovated and be more student-friendly.
The goal of the renovation would have the main level act like a student center and a place to hang out, including a cafCB) and more seating.
A new library altogether was considered, but it would cost $90 million as opposed to $30 million for renovations. An estimated time frame for the project is approximately two to three years.
DU also has a 10-year plan for a student center which would most likely include central housing for student organization offices.
Muslim Student Association president Abbas Jasser suggested that the Pioneer Carnival, held at the beginning of the school year, should wait until all students return to campus in the fall.
He also recommended that the event be more publicized and be held in both winter and spring quarters to give students the opportunity to join organizations throughout the year.
DUPB president Betsy Peterson responded that the event is mostly centered around freshmen getting involved and there is an issue of space allowing more students to come to the event. To this, Jasser suggested planners move the event outdoors in order to accommodate more participants.
Junior Sen. Alex Lomas talked about increasing participation for Winter Carnival and informed students that Senate just purchased 100 tickets to give away to students.
Brown and Kelley also said that they are working on having all Pioneer sporting events, including hockey, free for students.
This would be based on a first-come, first-serve basis in accordance with filling capacity levels.
