The PFC approved the Career Center for a $288,902 budget Tuesday night, the results of which may lower the incidental fee next year. The $91,251 reduction reflects the University’s decision to directly fund the group.
“This is about four years in the making” said Deb Chereck, director of Career Center. She thanked Linda Brady, Mike Eyster and Francis Dyke. “They made it happen and we’re grateful,” said Chereck.
The reduction is a giant step in the group’s plan to move away from reliance on the incidental fee and toward institutional funding.
“We’re doing everything we can to get off [their] backs and I feel like we’re making progress in that regard,” said Chereck. “We expect about a $100,000 clip each year.”
Career Center expanded its facilities last year, extending drop-in hours and increasing the length of appointments to half an hour. The group offers a variety of services to undergraduates and graduates, including feedback on résumés and interviewing tips.
“I think it’s amazing,” said Student Senator Steven Wilsey. “It’s going to do a lot of good for students next year.”
Chairman Jacob Brennan expressed similar sentiments, adding “as a senior, I personally would like to thank you, because I’m using your center quite a bit right now.”
After their budget was approved, Chereck gave the board cookies.

Assault Prevention Shuttle’s budget gets a boost

After a fair amount of debate, the PFC voted to increase the Assault Prevention Shuttle’s budget 3.86 percent to $66,962.
The group’s request for an additional $35,942 to provide additional rides to students was rejected.
“We turn away about 40 students every night,” said Sheila Zigler, the group’s co-director of accounting.
The Assault Prevention Shuttle is a volunteer-run service that provides rides for students and faculty in an attempt to reduce sexual assault. The members of the group brought up the recent increase of such assaults on campus in the last few months.
Senator Diego Hernandez’s concerns about the group’s spending history were addressed by Finance Coordinator Matt Rose, who spoke to the group’s change in leadership last year.
Wilsey suggested an increase to cover the cost of gas, which the group accepted amid muffled complaints of “that’s not enough.” He also suggested the group be added to the list of recalls at the end of the PFC’s budgeting process
“It’s always kind of frustrating,” said Zigler of the budget review process. “At least it’s an increase.”