By Aislinn Keely
United Student Government (USG) Budget Committee opted to move the budget submission dates up due to this semester’s unusual spring break dates. Instead of the traditional March 1 to April 1 submission period, clubs are expected to submit their budget and operations packets from Feb. 19 to March 19.
The university has combined spring break with Easter break this year, since Easter falls on April 1, close to the usual spring break period. This ‘superbreak,’ as members of the community have dubbed it, would take up two weeks of the traditional budget submission period.
Having club leaders and budget liaisons away from campus for two weeks of the process may have caused problems, according to Kaylee Wong, GSB ’20, vice president of finance.
“That was going to be tough,” she said.
Club leaders often reach out to the budget committee for assistance in the process, including submitting packets for feedback and reaching out with questions, according to Wong. She said the budget committee was very concerned about not being as available for two weeks.
“It can be a confusing and mystifying process so we like to be a resource,” she said.
In addition to this, Wong said the Budget Committee sought to avoid forcing club leaders to spend their breaks on budget and operations packets.
“I think that’s unfair, I think we all work so hard at school, we deserve to have those two weeks to relax spend time with family, friends, do what you want without having to worry about your club’s budget packet,” she said.
However, the earlier budget dates put some club leaders under greater pressure, since they coincided with midterms. Sofia Fernandez, GSB ’20, treasurer for Musical Minds, said the budget timeline was already time constraining, and earlier dates could add to the stress.
“Some students cannot meet this new timeline, and penalizing the club with sanctions if they do not meet this new budget date should not be a consequence,” said Fernandez.
The decision on the date change coincided with Wong’s February election, when she filled the position vacated by Elizabeth Crennan, FCRH ’19, the previous vice president of finance. Wong said the decision to change the dates stemmed from the initiatives she focused on in her platform, when she spoke on being a resource for clubs.
“I recognize it can be so confusing, and when we’re wrapped up in our USG world we can think it makes so much sense because we’re constantly immersed in it,” she said.
Wong served as a club leader before her senator position, which she said gave her firsthand experience of the challenges that come with submitting budgets.
The earlier dates have changed the usual process for some clubs. The staff turnover of Fordham University Emergency Medical Serviecs (FUEMS) usually allows for the outgoing associate director to guide the incoming associate director through his or her first budget submission. This year’s dates do not allow for this, according to Ashley Katusa, FCRH ’18, associate director of FUEMS.
“While this doesn’t necessarily create problems, it will detract from the amount of training I’m able to do with the incoming Associate Director,” said Katusa.
Katusa also said the earlier dates will make it difficult for FUEMS to factor in later upcoming costs that cannot yet be accounted for.
“Ideally, I’d like to be able to factor in costs for the upcoming weeks, as a big cost of ours is our annual dinner,” she said. “A later budget date allows me to be more precise in the numbers I submit to USG.”
The most confusing part of the process is providing backup documentation, according to Wong. However, she said she found the USG site usgbudgetrh.info most helpful when she was a club leader.
“A lot of people look at Orgsync or on Fordham’s specific website, but there’s not a lot of resources there, but that USG specific website is super helpful,” said Wong.
In addition to the website, Wong cited information sessions as a good resource for new Eboard members or club leaders. The next session is slated for March 12.
“This is a great opportunity for new Eboard members or new clubs to come and get a glimpse into Orgsync as well as ask any personalized questions about the process,” she said.
Wong said she has not heard much feedback from clubs since the date changes, but that this can be a good sign that it is not having negative effects.
The date changes will not effect any other part of the budget process, according to Wong. Budget Day remains April 14, with clubs receiving notice of their funds after Student Life Council approval in early May.
Wong said USG plans to return to the traditional budget dates after this year, unless another timing issue arises.
