With several student groups’ budget deadlines having come, gone and been rescheduled, the need for more independent student watchdogs has become apparent.
The Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) released its 2019-20 budget, reflecting the anticipated effects of the now-appealed Student Choice Initiative (SCI), almost a month after Aug. 1, the release date mandated in CUSA’s bylaws.
When asked about this potential bylaw violation, Jacob Howell vice-president (finance) said it was caused by the uncertainty surrounding the SCI, according to an article in the Charlatan. In order to avoid potential sanctions for this bylaw infraction, CUSA passed a motion pushing back the deadline for passing the budget to September.
Now, students will enter the academic year with no idea where their levy fees are going to. Carleton’s Rideau River Residence Association (RRRA) still has not released its budget for this year.
This is not the first time. RRRA’s delayed budget from 2018-19 is still not done being reviewed, according to Douglas Cochrane. RRRA’s 2018-19 budget was delayed “due to discrepancies over executive tuition costs,” according to a December 2018 article in the Charlatan.
Without consequences, things are unlikely to change, and student governments should want to see improvements. They lose credibility with the student body–which is already in decline–when there are no repercussions or authorities in place to hold them accountable.
Creating these much needed mechanisms would be a smart, effective way of ensuring students’ money is being spent wisely.
Featured image from file.
