As a newly-elected Representative for the College of Engineering to the Michigan Student Assembly, I have had the privilege of not only getting a firsthand look at how our central student government operates, but influencing it as well.

The current MSA budget for the winter 2010 semester (as presented at last Tuesday’s General Body Meeting) totals $330,291.91. Of that, over $31,000 is allocated to MSA’s various committees and commissions, $200,000 is set aside for allocation to student organizations on campus and much of the remainder goes toward things like administrative costs, discretionary funds, a reserve fund, etc.

Students might wonder how MSA receives more than $330,000. The answer: the students themselves. If students take a look at their winter semester bill from the University, they will notice a $7.19 charge titled “Michigan Student Assembly.” Students don't have the chance to opt out of this charge. They can only hope that their money is being spent effectively unless they take an active role in student government.

As a representative, I would say that MSA does many great things. The funding provided to various student organizations on campus allows for everyone to get involved. However, I am not sure that all of the money is allocated in such a way that it has the greatest potential for impacting the student body.

I make this statement in response to a resolution set to be voted on by the assembly on Tuesday titled “A Resolution to Disburse $300 From Committee Discretionary for the Michigan Student Assembly Winter 2010 Retreat.” The Retreat took place on Jan. 30. “We’ll all be driving down to joyous Okemos, Mich. to spend some time with the Mahantis, chillin, playing ping pong, eating, and talking about MSA” said MSA President Abhishek Mahanti in an e-mail to the Assembly. The event was exclusive to MSA representatives, executives, committee and commission chairs and Central Student Judiciary justices. Students at large were not invited.

According to the resolution, the $300 will act as a reimbursement for the funds spent on food as well as transportation to and from Okemos. One could definitely argue that some expense for a retreat could benefit the assembly as a whole because it would facilitate discussions regarding MSA which could lead to a positive influence.

Whether or not the spending is justifiable, there is a clear issue with the way in which the funding of this event was approached. An estimate of a $300 expense was made without any idea as to how many people would participate. Given that 14 students participated, that would mean that $21 was necessary for each participant for a 24-hour event. This is a bit extreme, and seems higher than what should have been spent, proving that this approach to funding isn't very effective.

Instead, I believe that those planning the event should have had a clear indication of the funding that would be necessary before writing such a proposal. Guesstimating and later correcting the error doesn’t seem logical or responsible. There was an assumption that this funding would be provided when the resolution was written. Money has already been spent, which puts pressure on the assembly to vote in favor of the resolution instead of exploring the underlying issue as to whether or not this funding is acceptable. There was no clear indication as to what benefit would come from the event, which causes me to question whether or not the associated costs are justifiable.

MSA does many important things, and I am happy to be a representative. But it is time for the students to take a more active role in their student government. I encourage you to visit the MSA website and locate the e-mail list for your college, and request that the assembly address problems in a more logical manner to ensure the benefit to the student body. And don’t stop with this issue: Stay involved. Attend a General Body meeting or view a broadcast on WOLV-TV. When over $330,000 is being allocated and dozens of events are being held, it is important that every voice is heard. And as a representative, I want to hear your voice.

Sean Walser is an Engineering freshman.