By Beth Goodbaum
Several University clubs and organizations are facing deactivation or budget suspensions by failing to meet Student Government Association (SGA) guidelines.
All of the clubs under SGA violation, including Spectrum Players, Pre-law Society, Font, Men’s Lacrosse and the Organization of International Students, received a memo issued by SGA on Oct. 20, which states they failed to either submit necessary paperwork or attend the mandatory SGA club meeting earlier this month. The clubs threatened by a potential frozen budget were granted a one-week “grace period” to hand in the mandatory materials in order to return to normal status.
Kathleen Hunker, the club affairs chairperson for SGA said out of the approximately 100 existing clubs on campus, only 40 club representatives attended the mandatory semi-annual SGA club meeting held on Oct. 11. She added every organization was given sufficient notice prior to the meeting.
“Before this meeting, clubs were given three weeks warning,” Hunker said. “Notices were distributed to organization mailboxes, dorms, each club’s office space and were even posted in the SGA office.”
Hunker explained the clubs fall under violation because according to the SGA constitution, club representatives must attend the rules and appropriations committee meetings held once a semester.
A large number of the clubs that did send representatives to the mandatory meeting did not bring in the proper SGA paperwork, which include a roster of at least 10 undergraduate members, a list of club officers and the name of a faculty advisor.
Fatima Hassan, the SGA rules committee chairperson explained the reason behind the confusion.
“I think that part of the problem is that many clubs filled out a roster sheet which was requested by Student Activities, not realizing that Student Activities has its own set guidelines,” Hassan said.
Hassan added since the budget suspension memo was issued, she has spoken to several club representatives who have given her the necessary paperwork.
“Right now, there are fewer clubs in violation,” she said. “I just want people to know that I don’t want to penalize clubs, I just want to make sure all procedures are done properly.”
Hassan suggested club representatives check their mailboxes regularly in order to avoid any further violations.
Deactivated Clubs as of Oct. 27, 2004
Economic Association Hofstra Gospel Ensemble PACSociety of Success & Leadership Philosophy Club PrismNational Association of Black JournalistSpectrum Players APHOSChinese Hofstra Integrated American Chemical Society ASCEEconomics Clubs Men’s Lacrosse TrailblazersNational Broadcast Society Engineering the Future NAACPFinancial Management Association Advertising Society NSBEAfrican Peoples Organization Spanish Club Pre-LawOrganization of International Students Protestant Community NonsenseKorean Student’s Association Roller Hockey Club Rube Goldberg Asian American Association Access for All SNAP American Sign Language Club American Society of Quality Hofstra GamersPartnership for Student Senior Alliance Masquerade Theatre Company