Platform

Professionalism

The VP of Student Organizations is paid nearly $4000 annually by the student body. Such a paid position demands a great deal of professionalism that has been lacking the past two years. Professionalism starts with answering phone calls and emails, but should also be extended to include communicating with student organizations before changes in the funding process occur in order to make sure that ASG is serving student organizations in the best way possible.

Funding Guidebook

Currently there is no comprehensive guidebook for student organizations when it comes to funding. A new funding guidebook should include specifics about the funding process including precedents and a detailed explanation of funding procedures.

Event Handbook and Registry

An event handbook needs to be developed that includes all of the on campus resources that Miami provides for student organizations. This will streamline the event preparation process and will help student organizations improve the events they hold on campus. Furthermore a detailed physical registry of events should be compiled in the Office of Student Activities and Leadership in order to aid students in scheduling events.

Fundraising

An ASG fundraising program would increase the amount of funds available to student organizations and would help build ASG’s alumni network. This would also show ASG’s commitment to providing for themselves and not simply looking to Miami to raise student fees.

Endowment

Each year ASG has a budget surplus that is simply carried over to another year. Instead of carrying it over, this money should be invested in an endowment. This would help provide funding for student organizations at greater levels far into the future and shows that ASG is taking proactive approaches to solving their own problems.

Debt Relief

Student Organizations on the whole currently have over $600,000 in debt. Much of this was caused by poor financial management of past members and advisors. ASG should be dedicated to helping these student organizations that first want to help themselves. For every dollar that a student organization raises to pay down their debt, ASG should be willing to match that dollar.

Winter and Spring Break Trips

Helping to provide funding for winter and spring break projects for student organizations should be a priority for ASG. Many student organizations take once in a lifetime trips over these breaks and bring their experiences back to benefit Miami’s campus. ASG should invest in these opportunities but do so by finding funds outside of the normal event funding cycle in order to retain low cutbacks.