The Student Senate allocated $5,000 from its surplus fund to one group Wednesday night and denied a request from another.
The Oregon Investment Group, a business school organization, requested $2,852 to attend the annual shareholders meeting for Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
Although club members said the chance to attend the meeting is a great opportunity, senators expressed concerns because the group is not ASUO-recognized and there is no way to transfer funds or oversee how the money is actually spent.
According to Senate rules, a three-fourths majority vote of the Senate is required to hear special requests from groups that are not ASUO-recognized. This vote failed and the group left with a suggestion from Sen. Jacob Daniels that they try to get a co-sponsorship from a group that is recognized.
The event in question is being held May 3 in Omaha, Neb. and the group plans to drive there in an RV (the next Senate meeting is May 2).
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. came to request $5,000 for their upcoming “step show,” which group members said is an important event for the black community.
Some Senators expressed concern that Zeta Phi Beta was not funded through the ASUO this year (meaning their request might fall under the same rules that prevented the request from the Oregon Investment Group from being heard), but the group is ASUO-recognized and can receive surplus funds.
Senators commended the group’s fundraising efforts and voted unanimously to pass the request.
– Jobetta Hedelman