The Board of Governors will only release select funding to Carleton’s two student unions after they refused to present their financial audits to the board by Nov. 1.
Earlier last week, the board requested access to the financial audits of Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) and the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) regarding student funding. Since the unions refused, the board withheld funds necessary to continue the operation of many student services.
“We, as per the decision of the board, have undertaken a partial disbursement of the fees to ensure the health and dental premium is paid and that the clubs and organizations receive their funding,” said Jason MacDonald, director of the department of university communications.
The board’s motion stated that if CUSA provided proof that the money is needed and why it’s needed, the university would release enough money to pay for functions in November and December.
“We are a separately incorporated body from the university itself and we are accountable to the students of the university, not the members of administration,” said CUSA vice-president (finance) Meera Chander.
“However, it is for the students to decide what their money should be spent on and not the university’s administration,” Chander said.
According to Chander, CUSA has currently not received any of the money from the student fees that students have given to the university.
There are still attempts being made to work with the administration to come to a fair agreement that recognizes CUSA’s autonomy and provides the university with some assurances that the fees they collect on behalf of the union are going to the organizations they are meant for, Chander said.