The Programs Finance Committee reconsidered the Multicultural Center’s budget Tuesday night, and in the process the MCC received a 7.6 percent increase in its budget.
The MCC was originally recalled before the PFC because of adjustments made to line items in the group’s budget. But MCC Director Erica Fuller also asked the PFC for an increase in the MCC’s advertising budget.
Last year was the only year the MCC had a rollover in its advertising budget, so PFC members were reluctant to give the MCC an increase in advertising funds for next year.
“The money wasn’t misspent. It wasn’t used efficiently,” Fuller said. “I dare to say if I were here next year that wouldn’t happen again. We will not be able to do anything with $250.”
PFC member Lawrence Gillespie wasn’t willing to give the MCC the $825 it was asking for, but he was willing to make a compromise from the original $250 the MCC was granted.
“As much as I know they need it, it’s been our policy that if a group doesn’t use it, it is cut,” Gillespie said. “I would be in favor of giving them half of what they had last year.”
But PFC member Marie Brink felt $250 was enough to sustain the MCC.
“It can get you started, and then you can use fundraising,” Brink said.
Before the PFC finally approved the motion to grant the MCC a $415 advertising budget, Fuller spoke in favor of the decision. While she recognized that a cut might be in order, she thought advertising funds would be crucial this year and next year to allow the MCC to publicize its upcoming events.
“Some people don’t even know what the MCC is. People of color don’t even know,” Fuller said. “We need to increase our visibility and right now that is primarily through advertising.”
The Women’s Law Forum appealed its original budget of $4,474 and left the PFC meeting with a new budget of $4,732 because a work study position was converted to the stipend model.
The stipend model will pay students a monthly flat rate in place of the hourly wages provided through work study.
The mission and goal statement for the Korean Student Association was also approved Tuesday because it was not approved during a previous appeal.