Class boards in need of money

The bylaws have been written. They even have a name. But as the apparatus for freshman, sophomore and junior class boards begins to fall into place, something is still missing -- money. The boards have been in development since September and now the founders are looking for someone to sponsor their efforts to "boost school spirit" and provide events to keep classes "united." In a closed meeting held last Friday, Undergraduate Assembly members and University administrators talked about different funding possibilities. "We're hoping that all of the avenues where we are trying to get money -- that includes the UA and the administration -- will be in place soon," said class board co-founder and College sophomore David Yarkin. Co-founder Jason Diaz said the University has already provided a preliminary sum of around $1,000 for class flags and elections, which will be held before the school year ends. The University likes the idea of class boards because they provide more student activities, Wharton sophomore Diaz said last night. But the board founders said they will not be asking for exorbitant expenditures. "We would love as much as we could get, but realistically we are just asking for the amount we need," Diaz said. Diaz added that he hopes to defray costs by acquiring corporate sponsorship for certain events, citing the example of possibly holding a "Taco Bell Class Olympics." UA members said the group will try to grant money to the class boards, but has yet to do so. Nevertheless, UA Treasurer Eric Leathers said the UA is "committed" to making sure class boards are funded. "They've made a great case for the necessity of having someone to foster school spirit and class ties," Wharton sophomore Leathers said. "They deserve to be funded." But before funding starts, the bodies must be approved by the UA, Chairperson Jeff Lichtman said last night. "We've asked them to write a specific proposal, as well as outline goals," College senior Lichtman said. "After that, we want to start as soon as possible." Diaz said the boards' formation is ironic, adding that in 1973, similar class boards were disbanded by the student body. "This would be the 20th anniversary of the last time we had class boards at Penn," Diaz said.