Technician
wednesday september
9
2009
Raleigh, North Carolina
Few organizations file for funds Appropriations committee expects groups to apply late though it complicates the process Ty Johnson
“No matter how much you advertise, groups wait until the last second to file. Last year we had 50 requests filed in the last hour of the system being open.”
Editor-in-Chief
Student Senate President Kelli Rogers
Filing for student organization appropriations funds has been open since Aug. 26, but only two organizations have completed their applications as the Sept. 15 deadline approaches. Student Government, which oversees the appropriations process, has $68,670 to disburse to Student Organization Resource Center groups this semester compared to about $89,000 that was available all of last year. The additional funds come from an increase in student fees. But while there is more money to be distributed, Student Senate Pro Tempore Jackie Smith said it’s important that groups not wait until the
last minute to file. “It’s bad because we cannot help them,” Smith said. “We need to help them.” Mistakes that could be caught early in the process and fixed could be more difficult to assist with later in the process, which could cost groups time and money. It makes the process easier when groups file early, Student Body Treasurer Elmo Lamm said. “If they submit it earlier they can have everything done,” Lamm said. “It will run smoother for both sides.”
When mistakes are discovered late in the process, Lamm said groups are given limited time to fix them, while there are lots of resources to help them now, from help sessions to consultations with him. “My office has been open for consultations,” Lamm said. “And I’ve had very few. Smith said the help sessions haven’t had many attendees either as the session Sept. 3 had just three groups represented. Groups that applied for funds last year may be able to get more this semester because of
the additional money the committee has, but Lamm said not all groups will get everything they request. Another problem that could prevent groups from receiving funds is if the organization fails to turn in its receipts from last year. Lamm said if there are any issues getting receipts together to call his office as soon as possible to take care of it. Only 17 groups have returned receipts on funds received last semester of 129 organizations that received funds. Former Appropriations Committee Chair and Student Senate President Kelli Rogers said the appropriations process is the best way for SG to reach out to students. “Appropriations is the biggest way that Student Government directly affects students across campus,” Rogers said, though she said late filers complicate the process. “That’s the most frustrating part with working with appropriations.
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President Barack Obama hands a microphone to Patty Briguglio, owner of MMI Public Relations in Raleigh, N.C. at a town hall meeting in July.
Becky Brulet/Technician ARCHIVE PHOTO
Scott Lassiter, Student Body Treasurer, addresses the Student Senate on his opinions about the Free Expression Tunnel Hate Crime Act up for discussion Nov. 12, 2008. “We can’t stop working until we are all satisfied and all united,” Lassiter said. Senators and students alike were invited to voice their opinions of the act.
Former Student Body Treasurer running for local office in Apex After resigning from Student Government, Scott Lassiter is campaigning for a spot as Apex Town Councilman Amber Kenney Deputy News Editor
Scott Lassiter, a senior in social studies education and former student body treasurer, is currently a candidate for Apex Town Councilman. Before entering the race for town councilman, Lassiter had an extensive past working with Student Government, which includes a three-term senate position and student body treasurer, he said. As a senator, Lassiter was involved in creating textbook rental programs and
was chairman of the tuition and fees committee, but Lassiter never finished his term as treasurer. “I resigned out of protest,” he said. “There were problems with budgeting restrictions and the University was not letting students have a say in how to spend their student fees.” “I hope things have gotten better now, but in all honesty, myself, and the position of student body treasurer, was rendered ineffective,” Lassiter said. Thomas Lamm, the current student body treasurer, has a different outlook on the treasurer position. “The effectiveness of the office is directly related to the effort you are willing to put into the position,” he said. Budget restrictions are of more relevance today then ever, and although
student government does not receive state funding, and therefore is not affected as greatly by budget cuts, student government has lowered spending and is taking the time to evaluate where the money is going, Lamm said. Lamm has always made serving the students a top priotrity. “If the treasurer is doing what he should be doing, which is advocating on behalf of the students, then there should not be too much trouble,” he said. When addressing his current campaign and reflecting on his history with politics on campus, the resignation from his position as treasurer will not hurt his chances of getting elected to Apex Town Council, Lassiter said.
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Obama’s National Service Plan targets students $4000 tax break offered to students who complete 100 hours of community service Jessica Neville Staff Writer
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden have unveiled a National Service Plan that promises to give Americans opportunities to become civically involved. The plan especially reaches out to college students by proposing a new American Opportunity Tax Credit worth $4000 a year in exchange for 100 hours of community service. The proposed incentive plan would enable students to graduate college with as many as 17 weeks of service experience. Students would not be directly paid the money, but would receive a tax credit for their service. In addition to the college student tax credit, the Obama Administration also wishes to increase the amount of Federal College WorkStudy funds appropriated for com-
History head implores students to aid Hillsborough E-mail instructs students to patronize businesses on Hillsborough Street Philip Meilleur Correspondent
The history department sent out an e-mail asking students to help support businesses on Hillsborough Street. Jonathan Ocko, professor and head of the department, sent the introductory e-mail to students. He said that healthy businesses on the main street attract prospective applicants and allow more dining options. “The restaurants and stores along it are having a hard financial time,”
Ocko’s e-mail said. “We encourage “I hate it, it’s so disruptive,” she said. you to patronize our friends across “Traffic is so much worse now.” Ocko said that due to construction, the street.” He said most shops had “c ro s si ng t he special deals or street has become coupons availa hassle.” able to welcome Phillip Macstudents back. donald, a sopho“We can’t asmore in history, su me people said he thinks have been here it’s a good idea all summer,” he Cara Smelter, sophomore in history to raise awaresaid. “And Hillness. “I’m more sborough Street conscious of it is a mess.” Cara Smelter, a sophomore major- now,” he said. Smelter said that the ing in history, said the construction e-mail made her happy to know that has had a big impact on her because other people are acknowledging the she goes out to lunch almost everyday. issue. “I feel the same way,” she said.
“I hate it, it’s so disruptive, traffic is so much worse now.”
“Here’s what’s going on,” Ocko said. “A double-whammy of recession and construction is hitting these places and they’re struggling.” Ocko said there used to be a better mix of students and faculty during lunchtime at almost every shop, but nowadays there is a divide between the different restaurants. The shops around Centennial Campus get a boost from the student traffic in that area, Ocko said. “I usually go to Five Points or Cameron Village because there is no point in going back to Hills-
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For more information: The National Service Plan has not yet been introduced as a bill in the House or Senate, but the Corporation for National and Community Service Web site provides information on it at www.nationalservice.gov Source: www.nationalservice.gov
munity service. According to reports from the Democratic National Committee, Obama and Biden “will ensure that at least 25 percent of Federal College Work-Study funds are used to support public service opportunities instead of jobs in dining halls and libraries.” Currently, 7 percent of Work-Study funds are used for community service. The Center for Student Leadership, Ethics & Public Service (CSLEPS) works to help students make connections in the community and promote social change. Mike Giancola, Director of CSLEPS, believes that the National Service Plan could have posi-
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