The EMU Board of Directors approved its own $3.7 million incidental fee budget request Wednesday afternoon, although one member objected.
ASUO Program Representative Jack Crocifisso objected to the inclusion of the Leadership Resource Office (LRO) in the EMU’s budget request without the level of student input that had been solicited for the other new EMU program, KWVA 88.1 Campus Radio.
The LRO is set to receive $17,970 for its 2006-07 school year if the overall EMU incidental fee budget is approved.
Previously funded by Greek Life office general funds, the LRO was transferred to the EMU’s jurisdiction in the past year because student surveys highlighted the lack of central, nondepartmental leadership opportunities at the University several years ago, EMU Director Dusty Miller said.
“It seemed important that this centralized service be in a place that was central and where people felt comfortable,” Miller said. “This is one place where any students who want access to leadership resources and workshops can get it.”
Crocifisso was the sole EMU Board member to vote against approving the budget proposal, which passed 12-1.
“I think this is a great thing, but I’m concerned about this precedent of LRO becoming a program without student input,” he said.
EMU Program Representative Barett Volkmann said he understood Crocifisso’s apprehension, but the student surveys have shown that the program would fill a void in University leadership opportunities.
“One of the things we know students want from the EMU is more leadership,” Volkmann said.
The proposed incidental fee budget, which will be submitted to the ASUO Student Senate for approval next Wednesday, include budget increases for all operating EMU programs including the Outdoor Program, Club Sports, the UO Cultural Forum, the Craft Center and Child Care Development Center.
Later in the meeting, both Volkmann and Crocifisso were appointed to fill vacancies on the EMU Board Budget Committee.
Miller also asked the board to request that the University pin down its third-party vendor policy, which he said governs University departments that make contracts with outside cafes or restaurants to create an external income source.
“In a period of shrinking state support, departments are being asked to create income,” he said. “That will eventually impact EMU Food Services.”
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