In the last week of budget hearings, the Programs Finance Committee postponed the Black Student Union’s hearing because not enough PFC members could vote for the group’s budget.
The PFC decided that committee member Lawrence Gillespie could be perceived as having a conflict of interest with the group’s budget because he is a former BSU member. Only four PFC members attended the meeting, and PFC rules require that at least four committee members vote. Since Gillespie couldn’t vote, the PFC chose to postpone the BSU’s hearing.
This is the second time the PFC has postponed a group’s hearing due to lack of quorum, or not having enough voting members. The Multicultural Center’s budget hearing was postponed for the same reason.
PFC Chairwoman Mary Elizabeth Madden said that absent PFC members haven’t consistently caused a huge problem, but in the last few meetings, lack of attendance has forced the committee to postpone two group budgets.
Although the BSU will have to return for a hearing, the American Institute of Architecture Student’s budget was approved.
The AIAS asked for a 32.2 percent increase, but the PFC gave the AIAS a 1 percent decrease instead because the group had a high rollover from last year. Gillespie encouraged the organization to spend its budget wisely next year, so it will have a better chance of getting more funds.
“If you can show that you can be fiscally responsible, then maybe you’ll be able to get an increase next year,” he said.
All groups have until 5 p.m. Tuesday to appeal their budgets. Beyond this deadline, they will have to appeal to the ASUO Senate.