The SFC has allocated discretionary money extravagantly this semester; we must question the policy governing how funds are allocated from the discretionary fund. The current procedure appropriates money from the discretionary funds to individuals and clubs on a "first come, first serve" basis. While only clubs and organizations can apply for budgets, discretionary funds are available to students in addition to clubs.
Rather than the current "first come, first serve" system, the SFC should divide the semester into quarters, with funds earmarked for each quarter. Students would have the opportunity to apply for funding within, for example, these four time periods. There could then be a regulation dictating how much funding must remain in the budget at the end of each quarter. To account for the higher volume of applications in the first few weeks of the semester, the fund should be front-loaded, allowing for more spending earlier on while many clubs are in the stages of planning for the coming semester. "First come, first serve" would apply each time a new quarter began. This system would benefit those who plan their events and needs far in advance, facilitating the process for everyone involved.
These funds are termed "discretionary" for a reason; it would be wise for the SFC to consider using more discretion when distributing money, keeping in mind that it comes from every student's wallet. The SFC should institute a system of checks for large discretionary allocations that requires SGO approval for allocations over $3,000 and student body approval via referendum for allocations over $7,000.
The process of allocating discretionary funds should be flexible enough to provide the valuable services that it can bring to the whole campus. But the SFC must take precautions to guard against such an important fund running dry.