Event Title
The Case for M.U.S.I.C. as a Fully Funded Council with Work Stipends
Location
Multicultural Center, Computer Classroom (Rm. 005)
Start Date
3-10-2014 12:00 PM
End Date
3-10-2014 12:50 PM
Description
Brandy Jones, Undergraduate, Sociology, and Member, Executive Committee, M.U.S.I.C. During 2013, URI Student Senate records indicate that multicultural student organizations (MSOs) representing an estimated 21% of the total undergraduate population were allocated $60,487, or 4.3% of the total $976, 413 budgeted from student activity fees paid by students. Despite their historic contributions to campus history as well as their current cultural impact, the MSOs draw almost all of their funding from the contingency category – the most vulnerable of the three categories of funding. Two organizations – Capoeira and the Latin American Students Association – are believed to receive token amounts from the “individual budget line” category – the second most secure level of funding. This workshop will build support and understanding for M.U.S.I.C. in its second appeal for recognition to Student Senate as a council/umbrella organization (a) whose primary purpose is to enhance the performance and status of the other multicultural student organizations; (b) whose own performance and status will be enhanced by access to a “full budget” – the highest priority budget category – bringing with it eligibility for stipends for M.U.S.I.C. officers; c) whose confirmation is expected to lessen the long‐dysfunctional dependence of the MSOs on “all comers” parties to supplement their revenues; and d) whose active advocacy would help to improve the inclusivity and receptivity to cultural difference of Student Senate, making it likely that culturally diverse candidates will compete more and persist longer.
The Case for M.U.S.I.C. as a Fully Funded Council with Work Stipends
Multicultural Center, Computer Classroom (Rm. 005)
Brandy Jones, Undergraduate, Sociology, and Member, Executive Committee, M.U.S.I.C. During 2013, URI Student Senate records indicate that multicultural student organizations (MSOs) representing an estimated 21% of the total undergraduate population were allocated $60,487, or 4.3% of the total $976, 413 budgeted from student activity fees paid by students. Despite their historic contributions to campus history as well as their current cultural impact, the MSOs draw almost all of their funding from the contingency category – the most vulnerable of the three categories of funding. Two organizations – Capoeira and the Latin American Students Association – are believed to receive token amounts from the “individual budget line” category – the second most secure level of funding. This workshop will build support and understanding for M.U.S.I.C. in its second appeal for recognition to Student Senate as a council/umbrella organization (a) whose primary purpose is to enhance the performance and status of the other multicultural student organizations; (b) whose own performance and status will be enhanced by access to a “full budget” – the highest priority budget category – bringing with it eligibility for stipends for M.U.S.I.C. officers; c) whose confirmation is expected to lessen the long‐dysfunctional dependence of the MSOs on “all comers” parties to supplement their revenues; and d) whose active advocacy would help to improve the inclusivity and receptivity to cultural difference of Student Senate, making it likely that culturally diverse candidates will compete more and persist longer.