Things are generally looking up for student organizations. The Undergraduate Assembly’s 2010-2011 budget is increasing by 3.76 percent, and more money is slated to go to the Student Activities Council, which provides a large source of funding for many clubs.
But not all students are happy with the tentative budget proposal, and with reason. For example, despite a request from Social Planning and Events Committee to Represent Undergraduate Minorities, the Multicultural Scholars Weekend for prospective minority students didn’t receive any of its requested funds.
This setback is particularly problematic. The program may not be directly relevant to current students, but this event helps persuade accepted students to enroll. Minority high-schoolers often feel intimidated applying to Ivy League schools, and students should not give potential applicants any reason to think Penn isn’t diverse and welcoming.
As discussions about the UA budget continue this weekend, we encourage reconsidering the allocation of funds to the Multicultural Scholars Weekend, as well as providing funds to other groups left out of the initial plan. While this event may not be quite as flashy as Spring Fling, it provides a valuable service to the University and should not be cast aside. Since the UA has more money to dole out this year, it should spread the wealth to as many groups as possible with legitimate needs for funds. And if the Multicultural Scholars Weekend still comes up short, we hope the Admissions Office and other sources can help pick up the tab.
