Popular programs could get the axe if Rec Center loses funding; as it stands now, students shouldn’t notice a difference
This eleven-part series is an in-depth look into the 2007 University of Colorado Student Union budgeting process. Every year, UCSU is charged with distributing more than $30 million in student fees, controlling more money than any other student body in the nation. This series, running over the two-week period that the budgets sit in the hands of the Legislative Council, will explore the process, the people and the effects of the decisions made by your student leaders.
The CU Recreation Center is an active hub on campus. With over 5,000 students in and out daily, it is one of the most-used facilities at the university. With most cost centers facing impending budget cuts, what will this mean for the rec center?
UCSU Budgets 2007: CP’s 11-day Series
Part 1 | The budgeting process – How it works
Part 2 | Ups and downs – Tracking the past
Part 3 | A hardline approach – Determined council seeking 0 percent
Part 4 | Rec Center – Unscathed, but for how long?
Part 5 | UMC – Between a rock and a hard place
Part 6 | Wardenburg – Struggling to stay afloat
Part 7 | Ghosts of budgets past – Previous mistakes haunt Wardenburg today
Part 8 | A community responds – Students on their health center
Part 9 | Taking the brunt – Advocates in danger of losing their programs
Part 10 | Life changer or money waster? Controversial alcohol program on the block
Part 11 | In the public eye – Bracing for the $30 million dollar decisions
If budget proceedings in Legislative Council continue in the same direction they have been, the Rec Center is facing only $20,000 in cuts. Compared to the $600,000 that Wardenburg was denied, this seems like a drop in the bucket.
If the budget is cut as the Finance Board recommended, the Rec Center will have to phase out their mountain rental program. This means students will lose a resource to borrow camping equipment. However, the Outdoor Program and other equipment checkouts won’t be affected by the cut.
If the budget is approved as it stands now, the Rec Center won’t feel much of an impact.
“If the budget passes as is, it will allow the Rec Center to take care of some important maintenance and facility upkeep projects that we have not yet had the resources to do,” Recreation Center Board Chair Carrie Levi, a senior history major, said.
These projects include new water condensation pumps replacements in the aging building.
In the long run, as long as the budget doesn’t face any drastic cuts while in front of the Legislative Council, the center will be fine.
“I like the Rec Center because of the variety of classes and activities,” said Casey Burney, a sophomore finance major. “I think it’s great that there is a convenient place on campus for students to try a lot of new activities. I just hope that they don’t cut programs a lot of students use.”
If the Rec Center loses funds, however, it probably won’t even be noticed by many students.
“If more cuts are made, users could see programmatic aspects of the rec center change, but for now, we are not anticipating that. The everyday user of the Rec Center will not be drastically affected by the cuts that could take place,” Levi said.
The budget has gone through preliminary hearings in front of Legislative Council and still faces two more readings. Although there is still much of the process left, the Rec Center Board is optimistic.
“Since the entire budgetary process is not over yet, it’s hard to say. We have a positive outlook on how things have gone so far,” Levi said. “Legislative Council has made many changes this year to budgets, so I am eager to see how things will be handled the rest of the year and in the future.”
Wednesday: Unusual compromises, ‘rainy day’ funds – the UMC’s budget is anything but straightforward.
Stay tuned to thecampuspress.com for continued coverage, live blogs of the Thursday night meetings and breaking developments as they arise.
