By Tyler Kerr

The Student Government Association at the University of Louisville recently formed the Club Programming Committee, in the hope of assisting Recognized Student Organizations in funding their events. The committee was formed in cooperation with the Office of Student Affairs.

According to the CPC purpose statement, “Club Programming monies are intended to afford recognized student organizations the opportunity to contribute to the quality of life by sponsoring special events and programs that may not be possible without this assistance.”

SGA President Brian Hoffman said, “We gathered about $30,000 for the semester and wanted to give it out based on wants and needs decided upon by students.” Hoffman hopes to see that amount increase to $50,000 in upcoming semesters.

Most programs received less funding than what they requested, causing cutbacks and plan changes in events, and even forcing some to be cancelled.

According to the Association of Black Students treasurer Demetrius Gray, ABS serves as an umbrella organization to 26 RSO’s and was planning a retreat for the executive boards of those groups.

“The retreat would provide leadership training, a seminar of focusing organization efforts on the group mission, and a reception with faculty and staff for improving student retention in the university,” said Gray. The retreat had to be cancelled due to a lack of sufficient CPC funding in addition to no other pool usable money.

Hoffman acknowledged that while there have been a few problems with the new system, it will be an efficient and beneficial way of funding RSO’s.

The CPC was organized quickly this semester in order to process the requests and decide on allocation of funds. As it is established, the committee consists of Dean of Students Dr. Michael Mardis, Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., along with six students from SGA.

Some students have voiced concerns about having such a small committee decide on what programs are being funded. Freshman business student Jake Galbertson said, “I have to wonder if some of the programs received more or less funding based on who people knew. A larger committee would provide a greater pool of ideas about what kind of events students want to see.”

Hoffman was adamant that he and others involved in planning the CPC took all measures to ensure fair practices.

“When we were forming the CPC we sat down and thought about how we could best create a group truly representational of our campus,” said Hoffman. He also added that there is likely to be an expansion of the number of student members as the CPC becomes more structured.

But Gray expressed concern that a larger group might do more harm than good.

“Larger panels can often lead to a slow decision making process,” Gray said. “A small, diverse group is more important.”

While the CPC was operating on a trial basis this semester, Hoffman hopes to see its’ continuation into the future because of the noticed benefits of the system. Hoffman said, “The CPC will receive requests and allocate funds the semester before the planned event.” According to this process, any group wishing to receive funds for the spring 2009 semester would have to submit a request during the fall 2008 semester.

With the new program in place, Hoffman is optimistic about its potential

“[The CPC] creates a formal process of allotting funds to get better programs, and it will only improve with time,” Hoffman said.

For more information about the CPC, visit www.campuslife.louisville.edu/cpcfundings08.