I’m writing in response to the article titled ‘SA analyzes sources for SU Ambulance funding’ published on Feb. 10. Each year the Finance Board within Student Association has very difficult decisions to make regarding how to allocate the limited funds found within the Student Activity Fee. Great campus organizations bring forth high-quality programs seeking funding each year. All organizations desire to make this campus a better place for all of us to enjoy. The programs get better and better every year. Unfortunately, there are so many great programs presented and there just isn’t enough money to go around. So the question arises, how do we solve this problem? We can either raise the Student Activity Fee to fund the enormous growth we’re experiencing within student organizations, or we can make sure that the Student Activity Fee is being spent effectively and efficiently.

Rather than look to raise the Student Activity Fee and place an added financial burden on students already squeezed for cash, the Student Life Committee will be investigating ways to save students money and make sure there is the greatest amount of funds available to all organizations on campus. While Syracuse University Ambulance is one of the areas we will be investigating, it is just a small piece of the big picture. We will be exploring creative solutions across the board to save money for students, not focusing specifically on one organization. SU Ambulance provides a great and necessary service to the SU community, and we would never advocate for an outright cut of its funding without first ensuring its continued success.

As we go forward I welcome any suggestions and creative solutions that you may have to make sure that the Student Activity Fee is allocated the best way possible.

Sincerely,

Neal Casey

Chairman, Committee on Student Life

Student Association