An excess of $1.2 million in segregated fees paid by students has allowed room for additional student groups to submit proposals for funding. Associated Students of Madison's Reserve Board met Monday night to hear their proposals in order to release its decisions Tuesday night.
\We are not obligated to disperse these funds,"" Chair Janelle Wise explained.
Some students, such as Student Services Finance Committee member Erica Christensen, argued that these extra funds should be returned to the students.
""A lot of students are paying for services that they will never use, or never benefit from. I can say that as a SSFC member,"" Christensen said.
Distributed equally, $1.2 million amonts to approximately $28 per UW-Madison student.
ASM Chair and UW-Madison senior Emily McWilliams contended that returning funds would be unfair for seniors who have paid more for these funds in the past four years then a current freshmen.
Other students, such as Cycling Club President and UW-Madison junior Steve Knurr, said he felt the process of distributing the funds was flawed, and organizations within ASM were favored in the forum. Knurr said he was also disappointed in the existing budget's shortfalls for club sports.
Student groups had to prove the need for funds was urgent, that it would further general student interests and that it is a one-time disposition.
Other club sports applying for funding included the UW Women's Lacrosse Team, and the UW Men's Ultimate Frisbee Team.
Many groups requested extra funding due to situations outside of their control, resulting in budget shortfalls. Ultimate Frisbee team captain James McMurray said the team required funds due to increased membership fees from the Ultimate Players Association and funds lost from a cancelled Midwestern tournament.
ASM's Academic Affairs Committee submitted a proposal for its textbook rental program. This has been a very popular issue on campus, due to the 10 percent increase in textbook prices each year.
Student organization Stop the War submitted three proposals, one of which requested funding for a keynote speaker.
Many other groups asked for financial assistance, ranging from the UW Kendo Club to Arab Students Organization.
