With tuition at Syracuse University increasing by nearly $10,000 over the past 10 years, the $144.50 students offer up each year for the student activity fee may seem like pocket change. But now, students have a say in where their activities fee goes.

Student organizations hoping to gain recognition as an official organization by SU must go through the Student Organization Recognition Committee, which is composed of two undergraduate students, one graduate student, and a staff organization adviser.

The SORC evaluates each group, cutting ones it rules are not worth the cost, and passing on recommendations of qualified groups to the director of the Office of Greek Life and Experiential Learning for final approval. Recognized organizations are eligible for funding, can reserve rooms and meeting spaces, and can apply for other grants.

‘We wanted students to be more involved in the student organization recognition process, especially since the student activity fee is allocated by students,’ said Carrie Grogan, assistant director of OGLEL.

Grogan said the addition of the SORC to the process has not been difficult and has helped in the selection process of student organizations.

‘It’s been great,’ Grogan said. ‘Five heads are always better than one.’

Sara Young, one of the undergraduate members of SORC, said the committee ‘allows so there are not so many organizations, and gives students the chance to decide what they really want.’

This is important, explained Pat Wilcox, the graduate student member of the SORC, because while the pool of money from the student fee has not risen, the number of organizations asking for funding has increased.

‘There just isn’t enough to go around,’ Wilcox said.

Of the six groups that made presentations at the first meeting last month, only four received recognition, Wilcox said. While the others presented new ideas, they did not have a solid budget plan or effective plan for the proposed organization.

In addition to their presentation in front of the SORC, all groups seeking recognition must have a drafted constitution, a minimum of four members and four officers, in addition to other criteria. The SORC then evaluates groups on the basis of their mission and value to the Syracuse University community.

Joe Rinaldi, a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a music fraternity currently looking to reactivate a chapter at SU, said the process for his group has been easy so far. Rinaldi, who presents with his group to SORC on Oct. 24, said he didn’t mind having to go before the committee, but wished his group had known about it sooner.

Rinaldi encouraged other groups on campus to become recognized.

‘It’s not that hard and it’s really beneficial,’ he said. ‘You make a good connection with OGLEL, get publicity, and it feels like you are a part of the university.’

Published on October 12, 2004 at 12:00 pm