Though some student groups might not like it, the new application process for acquisition of office space in Kerckhoff Hall is a positive move toward establishing a more sound and equitable means of distributing the space.
The last time the Undergraduate Students Association Council decided to mix up how the Kerckhoff offices were divided among student groups was 1996. And even then the process was shrouded in obscurity and rumors of partisan politicking.
Last year, for the first time in recent memory, the undergraduate student government decided to make a committee that, along with a new set of guidelines, would have the responsibility of equally dividing the office space ““ including mailboxes and lockers.
Now, with a clearly delineated set of qualifications, all student groups can apply for the space instead of just the traditional student advocacy groups.
The criteria in the application include how long the group has been registered with the Center for Student Programming, how many years they have applied or been eligible for campus funding, and whether they have used campus facilities before.
This year’s councilmembers said they are very supportive of the changes in the system, and the changes were a result of a collective effort.
It is always good to hear that USAC is working together, but in this case, it is especially significant. This new system offers a new and effective means of providing office space to all groups who feel the need to have such space, and it eliminates any favoritism that would have been a part of previous space allocation decisions.
It allows all groups to voice their need, and decisions will be made based on a point system determined from the newly stated criteria. Partisanship, if it ever played a role in allocation before, will be eliminated.
Some groups who already have space in Kerckhoff may have reservations about the new application, while others, such as the Queer Alliance, have said they would protest if they were even asked to reapply. Their concern is understandable, as they are certainly worried about losing their office space.
But groups with space should realize that they are not the only ones who need, much less deserve, the space in Kerckhoff. Space distribution should be equitable; all registered student groups should have the opportunity to access the space.
That said, it is entirely possible that all groups who have space in Kerckhoff would retain it after reapplying. In that case, groups seeking space might feel irked by the fact that no new groups received offices. But it is important to remember that the new system in place deals with groups in a fair manner.
When considering past changes to USAC policies, this change is part of a larger trend in the council’s seeking to make the distribution of association resources more impartial.
In fall 2005, the allocation process for the Student Organization Operational Fund was changed, requiring quarterly application for funds rather than a yearly application. This change opened up more opportunities for student groups to obtain funds, making for a more evenhanded distribution.
Treating all student groups equally and dealing with them in a fair and transparent manner can only serve to help further provide for all registered student groups.