The Student Finance Board (SFB) fully funded the Black Student Union's (BSU) $10,700 request for events comprising the upcoming Black History Month.
The planned events for February include an opening ceremony, lectures and presentations, and step team and jazz performances.
SFB members voiced concern over expected attendance. Because so much money is going toward the BSU events, SFB members want to ensure the events draw large crowds.
Jon Borst, SFB executive director, insisted that publicity focus on gathering students at the College to attend rather than people off campus.
Although BSU had planned on printing 500 postcards to promote an open mic night, it was requested that the postcards be used to promote the keynote speaker instead.
SFB members were also concerned by BSU's funding request for two step shows.
The opening ceremony for Black History Month is scheduled to include a step performance by Afro-One Step/Dance Team, and a separate performance by Step Africa is scheduled for a later date.
Financial Director Steven Oliveira pointed out that SFB is funding two step shows, but a motion was passed to fully fund both as the popularity of the first performance could boost the popularity of the second.
SFB's Las Vegas Late Nighter, which is scheduled for March 24, required additional funding to add more activities.
The event is part of SFB's ongoing UV Late Nighter activities, which take place in the Travers/Wolfe dining hall. SFB allocated about $5,300 toward the new activities.
The original plans for the Late Nighter had included only blackjack and roulette tables. The additional funding will go toward a balloon animal artist, a DJ and video dance party, a caricature artist, a photo booth and an artist who creates jewelry out of forks.
Borst agreed with CUB "that in order to enhance the program, a few additions needed to be made."
Borst agreed to fully fund the new activities, although he did require that the proposed "butt sketch artist" be dismissed from the event.
Additionally, SFB scheduled its mandatory budget retreat for late March and scheduled elections for two recently emptied SFB positions.
