The Student Government Association (SGA) granted the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) $2,100 following their contingency at the Dec. 10 meeting.
NAfME asked for money to help them attend an ILMEA conference taking place in Peoria, Ill., which would host many speakers and professionals to meet with the members of NAfME. There are around 45 students who are members of NAfME at Augustana. The contingency asked for money to reimburse members on their registration fee of $35, with almost all other money paid for out of pocket or through fundraising.
After a short deliberation, SGA awarded the full $2,100 that was asked for in the contingency. The contingency was passed in a vote of 25-0-1.
The reasoning behind SGA’s decision was straightforward. Along with having a very well-written contingency, NAfME asked for a small amount in regard to full cost. It would cost about $260 per student planning on attending the conference. With around 35 members attending, it would cost almost $9,000 total.
Since the members were willing to pay for so much out of pocket, SGA was very quick to realize their dedication and grant the full $2,100. The $35 would reimburse the students registration, plus supply a little extra for other students who would attend knowing their registration fee was covered.
SGA President David Sommers said that the senate moved to grant the money for multiple reasons, including the leadership experience they will gain and the workshops they will attend that are focused on the arts.
“Having this new knowledge and passion, they will be able to not only bring this back to Augie but also the surrounding community through events I’m sure NAfME will be putting on throughout the year,” said Sommers.
Sommers also said that a large reason was the amount of money students would be paying out of pocket to attend. Each student would be paying $257.23 each, along with fundraising already done by the organization.
Committee meeting highlights include the Rotating Committee meeting with faculty to try and get them to use the new Starfish tool more often. Campus Improvements will also have a “Where I Fell” box set up in The Brew after break for students to raise awareness of icy spots where they feel so it can be salted more often.
