Student Gov. preps for the budget season

Yesterday, the Minnesota State University, Mankato Student Government met with a vacancy election and a presentation to prepare the senators for the upcoming budget season. 

John Bulcock and Emi Menk, advisors for the government, presented to the senate to lay the groundwork of information that senators will need to know as budget season approaches. 
Currently, organizations that are funded by the Student Activities Fee are presenting to the Student Allocations Committee to make their case as to what funding they should be allocated in from the budget next year. 

After these presentations, the Student Allocations Committee works to find a recommendation of how much money should be allocated to each organization. After this recommendation is given, the Student Government deliberates and votes on the final budget. 
That budget is then sent to higher administration for approval, and finally approved by the President of the University. 

The other budgets that are voted on by the Student Government include the Intercollegiate Athletics Fee, the Student Health Services fee, and the Student Union Fee. These budgets are developed and proposed by the Athletics Department. 

Newly elected Senator Darlington presented to the senate, discussing conversations that he had with students about large concerns. These concerns include international student’s confusion on obtaining a social security number as well as health insurance issues amongst international students. 

Student Government veteran Senator Haq also presented, discussing the success and progress of her project regarding providing free feminine hygiene products in the bathrooms on campus. 

“We have been able to work it through to the University to have free feminine hygiene products” said Haq. 

There was also a vacancy election held at the meeting. Anabelle Einhorn, a remote student who recently transferred to MSU, ran for the College of Allied Health and Nursing senate seat. She was sworn into the senate via Zoom.

Bulcock will be going on sabbatical for the remainder of the semester starting on Sunday. During his sabbatical, Bulcock plans to travel throughout Europe, starting in London. 

“I’m excited about the opportunity to recharge and develop professionally,” said Bulcock, “I’ll miss the people I get to see on a day to day basis, but the opportunity to do this is something I look forward to.”

Emi Menk, who currently works as the assistant director for RSOs, leadership, and nontraditional students, will be taking his place for the rest of the semester as the faculty advisor. 

“I have big shoes to fill,” said Menk about taking Bulcock’s place. “It’s a new experience, but I am excited.”