A cappella groups lose SAC funds

The Student Activities Council voted last night to postpone its decision on funding for a cappella groups, revoking funding until SAC meets again next month. SAC Finance Committee members recommended that no funds be given to a cappella groups after reviewing the groups' budgets and deciding they could survive on their own. The general body agreed to follow the committee's suggestion until the issue can be revisited. SAC Finance Chairperson Michael Graves said his policy is justified, adding that all groups reported profits of over $1,700. "They can fund themselves," said Graves, a Wharton and College sophomore. "Students should only pay once to see these groups." SAC is funded from a portion of the $695 general fee students pay with their tuition, and students must also buy tickets to see the a cappella groups sing. Funding for a cappella groups was a hot topic last semester when SAC Finance recommended that the groups charge $2 admission for their shows as opposed to the $5 they have traditionally charged. In December, SAC's general body rejected the recommendation and ticket prices for a cappella performances stood at $5. But the body stipulated that SAC Finance could review the a cappella groups' budgets because the figures were based on the lower admission price. The general body postponed the vote because a cappella members said they had not had enough time to review the finance committee's findings. Counterparts singer Sean Aherne said he was not told about the committee's findings until late Wednesday night, and called for a postponement until further review of the facts. "We weren't able to speak to them before this meeting," the College junior said. Many singers said last night's decision has put their organizations into financial limbo. "They're voting to have a policy to stay in effect which never went into effect," said Pennsylvania 6-5000 member Mike Phillips. "Now we won't be able to get at the money for almost an entire month," the College junior said. "It's an important month because our show is coming up." "SAC has killed the a cappella groups," said College junior and Counterparts member Seth Goren. The meeting was punctuated by frequent debate on parliamentary procedure and tension between the finance committee and the a cappella groups. "That was one of the poorer run meetings by SAC Finance I've seen in a long time," College senior Andy Roth said after the meeting. "Most SAC meetings are better than this," SAC Chairperson and College senior Brandon Fitzgerald said. "But when you have a group of 150 people, things can break down." Departing SAC adviser Albert Moore, who leaves his post today, offered a speech of conciliation to the body. "When you come to meetings in the future," Moore said, "I hope you will find each other more cooperative and organized. SAC should be like a family." The body also voted on next year's finance committee members. Winning were Wharton sophomore David Browne, Wharton junior Stanley Rowe, and Wharton student Ronan Stauber.