The Student Finance Board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 24, included proposals from 10 organizations, all hoping to bring diverse and engaging events to campus throughout the year.
The largest request came from the Inter-Greek Council, which requested $29,715 to hold an event called “TCNJam,” a 12-hour dance marathon. As stated in its proposal, the event “exemplifies the core values of TCNJ by bringing together all aspects of the college experience.” In addition, the day would raise awareness of the impact pediatric oncology has on society, in addition to celebrating sponsors’ achievements in raising funds for The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation.
After a long proposal and much debate, the event was zero-funded.
Earlier in the meeting, there was a co-presentation by PRISM and The Women’s Center, who hope to jointly bring Janet Mock to campus next semester. Mock is a writer and trans-activist who also served as an editor for People.com.
The event was allocated $13,048 in funding, with a lecture and book signing scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 12, in Kendall Hall.
The College Union Board proposed “An Evening of Spoken Word” next. The event would feature two prominent spoken word poets in addition to a handful of student acts as openers.
For various reasons discussed among SFB, such as disorganization, the event was tabled and zero-funded.
Student Government proposed a “Homecoming T-Shirt Exchange” event, which is something new they hope to have on campus this year. The idea is to have students donate old shirts with logos from other colleges and high schools, and in return, receive a free shirt representing the College. Student Government hopes this event will raise school pride and boost morale for the football game. All donated shirts will be be given to a charity following the exchange.
The event, which is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 22, was allocated $1,396.50 to cover the cost of 350 shirts.
The Spanish Club proposed for the first time this semester to bring film producer Alex Rivera to campus. Rivera would be discussing his science-fiction film, “Sleep Dealer,” and the militarization of the US-Mexico border.
After being allocated $3,100 in funding, the club plans to hold the lecture on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
The Asian American Association proposed two events. The first was its annual Multicultural Buffet, featuring foods from various Asian cultures including China, Japan, the Philippines, India and the Middle East. The event, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Nov. 5, was allocated $3,604 to cover the costs of food and setup.
The second event was a lecture titled “Asians in the Media,” given by Filipino-American actor Dante Basco. Basco, who has lended his voice to hit series such as “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “American Dragon: Jake Long,” hopes to discuss Asians being stereotypical represented in the media.
Scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12, the lecture was allocated $3,870.
Next, TCNJ Muslims Student Association proposed for its annual Eid-Al Adha Dinner. The event is one of the two major Muslim holidays.
The dinner, which the club hopes to hold on Wednesday, Oct. 8, was allocated $4,236.61 in funding.
Chabad proposed next for their weekly Shabbat dinner on Friday evenings. While held off campus in the past, the attendance has gone up in recent years, and the original location can no longer hold all of the attendees. The organization planned on holding these dinners every Friday for the rest of the year.
Originally requesting $16,224, the organization was partially allocated $5,616 to cover nine weeks of dinners through the end of the fall semester.
To end the meeting, the Off Campus Student Organization (OCSO) was allocated $250 to host “A Warm Welcome,” a meet and greet with hot chocolate, scheduled to take place on Thursday, Oct. 9.
Finally, Pep Band, which was recently approved by Student Government, was picked up as an SAF-funded club.
