As the year draws to a close and a new RRRA executive team has been elected, it has become apparent this year’s team has a lot to learn from last year’s executive.
This year’s RRRA executives have promoted their funding for clubs and societies and even used this as a campaign point during the Carleton University Students’ Association elections.
Although many clubs and societies are financially tied and were happy to have the extra support from RRRA, the association should have been more transparent about its finances to ensure the same experiences are being consistently provided to residence students year-in and year-out.
Next year’s RRRA executive should be critical of the way RRRA was governed this year and put the priorities of residence students at the top of the agenda.
There is not enough discussion happening surrounding RRRA’s finances—budget information should be more readily available to students. It is inconvenient that students cannot access the budget readily enough.
RRRA should strive towards financial transparency by having their budgets and meeting minutes on their website, instead of making these numbers inaccessible unless requested for.
Open and honest conversation about finances is key to a healthy student association, and RRRA should encourage these discussions and make them a priority.
