University President Dave Frohnmayer has agreed to all eight proposals for how to spend over-realized funds approved by the Student Senate in early May.
A memo from Frohnmayer to ASUO President Jared Axelrod and Vice President Juliana Guzman describes Frohnmayer’s approval of the proposals.
Although there has been some question over the legality of using the funds for construction projects, such as the proposal for $100,000 for improvements to the Robinson Theatre or a $300,000 proposal for a “multicultural wing” in the EMU, Frohnmayer signed off on these proposals as well.
“I appreciate the thought and care that the ASUO Senate and Executive devoted to this process,” the memo reads. “I believe that the proposed expenditures provide for the cultural and physical development of students and that they all meet the criteria specified in the ‘Clark Document’” (the ASUO governing document that outlines the proper use of incidental fees).
In addition to the $835,784 in total over-realized funds that will go to the eight projects approved by the Senate, Frohnmayer approved an old request from the Student Recreation Center.
On Feb. 7, the Senate allocated $72,000 to the rec center to help fill an equipment reserve fund mandated by the Oregon University System. The request was delayed because rec center officials realized the money would be used to replace equipment other than what the Senate knew about.
The request was not resubmitted to the Senate, but Frohnmayer approved it along with the other eight requests.
Axelrod said he hopes the proposals will come to exemplify the work students have done and benefit the mission of the University.
“It feels good,” he said. “It’s great to see that the ASUO really came together and really made some positive, long-lasting change on this campus.”
Axelrod said the final step is for the money to be transferred to the accounts for the over-realized proposals.
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