AAS Treasurer Paris Wallace '04 noted important changes in the process. The most drastic is the elimination of the appeals process, through which clubs could previously contend original allocations to them. The BC also announced a reduction of discretionary funding. Instead, the BC will allocate more money in the initial round of allocation. Each club must submit next semester's budget online by Wednesday, Nov. 5 to the BC's website. The BC has also emphasized that it will not accept late budget proposals.
The new policy has moved a substantial portion of the discretionary fund into the fund for recognized club budgets. The change allows the BC to give a club its allotted funds at the beginning of the semester rather than forcing a club to ask the BC for discretionary funds every time it needs money.
This new policy is designed to create a more efficient process, according to Wallace. With every budget being submitted online, all budgetary forms are now standardized.
According to Wallace, the elimination of appeals will streamline the entire funding allocation process. "It used to be that clubs were given very little money in the beginning, and then every time they needed money, they would come and ask the BC for money from the discretionary fund," Wallace said.
Wallace hopes that budget allotment procedures will become more efficient. "We decided instead of going back and basically redoing the budgets, it would just be better to get it right the first time," he said. "It also allows the BC to do budgets later in the semester. This allows clubs more time to get a better sense for what money they really need and leaves less to guesswork."
The announcement of changes to the budget policy comes a few weeks after the AAS approved a new system through which clubs and organizations gain AAS recognition. The new system forces a club to become more organized and visible around campus if it wishes to gain recognition.
"We figured that if you're a recognized club, now you shouldn't have to come and beg every time you need money," said Wallace. "Why not just get it right off the bat?"
Wallace was pleased with the initial reaction of the clubs. "I've already gotten a lot of positive feedback from club heads," he said.
BC sub-chair A.J. Korytoski '04, serving as ski team president, also faces the new policy from the club perspective. "I think [the BC] should give as much money as possible or as necessary in the initial budget allocation," he said.
President of the equestrian team Leigh Borum '04 hopes the policy change will benefit clubs. "What I hope is that more money will be given out during the original allocation ... it remains to be seen ... how it is going to work out," she said. "I think it's okay to give it a try."