Referendum
Dates for referendum Petitioning period: March 3rd to March 17th
There are 3 referenda being run this year! Make sure to sign for the correct ones.
Why do I care (or don't care)?
The Referendum will directly impact you (financially) and the services you receive at Brooklyn College.
Can you summarize Referendum A: Forming the Participatory Budgeting Commission for me? (click on the arrows for more information)
Funding allocated to NYPIRG, an off-campus advocacy organization, will be decreased
This referendum would reallocate $2.00 of the current $5.00 allocation from NYPIRG, the New York Public Interest Research Group, a non-profit political organization based in Manhattan, to fund on-campus initiatives.
Club Allocations will see a slight increase
Brooklyn College has over 120 different student club on campus, and there's hardly ever a day without at least 3 events.
Given rising costs and higher student involvement, USG no longer has the funding to make ends meet for every club on campus. This referendum would give clubs access to more money to make events bigger and better.
The Student Center will see a small budget increase
The Brooklyn College Student Center has been entirely funded by Student Activity Fees for over 60 years, and hasn't seen a budget increase in over 10 years.
If this referendum passes, the Student Center will gain funding to start slowly bringing itself up-to-date, giving students an amazing place to hang out again.
Most importantly, the student activity fee WILL NOT be raised, so you won't even have to pay more to see more from your fees!
Can you summarize Referendum B: Increase the Student Activity Fee to Fund Intramural Programs for me? (click on the arrows for more information)
The Student Activity Fee will be raised by $3 for Fall, Spring, and Summer Sessions to fund increased Athletics Programming
The proposed increase in the Student Activity Fee for Athletics from $20 to $23 in the fall and spring semesters and from $10 to $13 in the summer session will directly benefit all undergraduate students by enabling the athletics program to:
1. Improve Facilities and Equipment: The additional funds will be used to maintain and upgrade athletic facilities, ensuring they remain safe, functional, and conducive to student use. Upgraded equipment will enhance the overall experience for both recreational and competitive sports participants.
2. Expand Intramural and Recreational Programs: With more funding, the athletics department can offer a wider range of intramural sports, fitness classes, and wellness programs, providing more opportunities for students to stay active and engaged.
3. Support Student-Athletes: The increase will allow for better resources, training programs, and travel support for student-athletes, helping them perform at their best and represent the college with pride.
4. Enhance Game-Day Experiences and Events: A portion of the funds will be used to improve the quality of athletic events, including better seating, promotional activities, and enhanced spectator engagement, further strengthening school spirit and student involvement.
Can you summarize Referendum C: Increase the Student Activity Fee to Fund Student Center Improvements for me? (click on the arrows for more information)
The Student Activity Fee will be raised by $5 for Fall, Spring, and Summer Sessions to fund improvements to the Student Center
1. Address Deferred Maintenance: Many of the Student Center’s spaces have suffered from years of deferred maintenance. Critical updates to building mechanisms and infrastructure are required to ensure a safe and functional environment for all students.
2. Renovate and Modernize Spaces: The increased funds will be allocated towards renovating existing rooms within the Student Center. These upgrades will enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of the Center, making it a more inviting space for students to gather, study, and collaborate.
3. Upgrade Furniture and Amenities: Many of the furnishings within the Student Center are outdated and no longer meet the needs of the student body. The proposed fee increase will enable the purchase of modern, comfortable furniture, creating social and relaxing areas for students to unwind between or after classes.
4. Enhance Student Engagement and Experience: A well-maintained and upgraded Student Center fosters a sense of community, encourages student engagement, and supports leadership development. Providing students with a welcoming environment strengthens the connection between peers and enhances the overall college experience.