Student government is finally beginning to take a student-focused approach to student funding. Thanks to an effort by Student Body Treasurer Zach Dexter, qualifying for funding from Student Congress just got easier. Organizational treasurers can now take the dreaded treasurer test online at their convenience. It’s a small step, but this action marks a big change in the way student government approaches student concerns.
During her campaign, Student Body President Mary Cooper made it clear that her primary goal was to, “help you do your job better,” and cutting the bureaucratic red tape is a good first step.
With more than 650 student organizations and more than $1 million in funding available, student finances are no small matter. The previous test forced treasurers to come into the Student Union during specified testing times in order to qualify for funding. This system was inefficient and an unnecessary burden that caused more problems than it solved.
An online test ensures compliance while making it easier for organizations to qualify for funding. Under the new system, a student interested in taking the test need only log in to congress.unc.edu and pass the test. If a student fails, they can retry in as little as 12 hours.
Of the more than 650 organizations, only 222 have an organizational treasurer, a requirement for funding from Student Congress. Such a large number of unqualified organizations has caused issues in the past, as dozens of clubs have been prevented from receiving funding due to a lack of a treasurer.
The only downside of the online test innovation has been the total lack of publicity. So far, the only proactive efforts made to inform student organizations have been a link on the Student Congress website and a tweet from Dexter. The lack of direct communication to either organizational presidents or treasurers regarding the change is unacceptable.
The Cooper administration is doing good work, but it will have to improve its communication with students if it wants the student body to feel any benefit from these changes.
