Through the University Bookstore's surplus, student performance groups may soon gain better stage equipment at the Student Activities Building.
Last year's $50,000 Bookstore surplus most likely will go toward student performance groups and the Escort Service, according to Student Council President Abby Fifer.
Having reviewed the budgets of all student groups, she said the Bookstore's donation probably will be split between a new Escort van and lighting and sound equipment for performing arts CIOs.
"We wanted to use the money for something that would affect all students," Fifer said. Use of the Escort Service is pervasive on campus, but "even students who are not necessarily performers benefit from the performances of other groups."
Fifer said she based this decision on the most common budgetary requests of student organizations.
Kelly Harris, Student Council vice president for organizations, said a real need exists to make the Student Activities Building more viable for performing groups.
Creating an efficient lighting and sound system would help improve performances, Harris said. Performing arts groups already have spent their own money for similar improvements.
Fifer will meet with the heads of performing arts CIOs to get further student input on where the funds can best be used. The process, however, is still in its formative stages, and Fifer said it is "definitely not a done deal."
The Student Activities Building is not the only beneficiary under consideration, the Escort Service may also receive part of the Bookstore's surplus. No extra money was allocated to the University Department of Parking and Transportation this year. However, this program, currently offers about 50,000 rides to students per year.
Negotiations over use of the surplus began last summer during closed meetings between Fifer and University Bookstore Director John Keats.
But this is not the first donation the University Bookstore has given to the University.
According to Keats, the Bookstore usually contributes to the Endowment for Excellence, which funds need-based scholarships.
The Bookstore has contributed to the endowment for the past five years.
This year, "given the fact that we had a strong year, we were in a position to do more, hence our contribution of $50,000," Keats said.
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