Sixth College Council will be elected for the first time this week. After a year of challenges and attempts to establish the newest college, students will now be able to choose their council members.
The council for this year was selected through appointments by the Sixth College administration. While most of the council members will be selected through elections, some positions will be reserved for incoming freshmen.
“”Through this, they [freshmen] will be given the same opportunities that were given to us so that our college can grow together instead of separate,”” said SCC Chair Chris Sweeten.
The council started out with only $6,000 in the beginning of the year, Sweeten said, and had to watch its expenditures and function on a strict budget. Funding for organizations was also limited to groups that included Sixth College students.
“”Having to shift money from one account to another in order to keep a balanced budget was one of the biggest challenges,”” said Commissioner of Finance candidate and Finance Committee member Sergio Rodriguez.
Money was also scarce in terms of programs and events in comparison to the other colleges. One event which proved to be challenging, according to some of this year’s council members, was Spirit Night.
“”It worked out well; even though we spent only 200-something dollars, we still came in second place compared to the other colleges who spent around $3,000,”” Sweeten said. “”It taught us a lot about how to manage our money and how to squeeze every dime out of everything.
For some of those involved in council, learning how to run meetings and being organized has also been an issue.
“”Sometimes the meetings seemed to be rushed; topics would be introduced, but not enough discussion followed afterward,”” said Ex-Officio member and Finance Committee member Jeff Shih. “”Often there was confusion about future events because of this lack of discussion.””
The council has also been working with other colleges for events and to gain new ideas. Eleanor Roosevelt College and Sixth College teamed up together to organize a semiformal dance for students. Also, with the new Senator Exchange Program, members from other college councils have been able to give recommendations to the Sixth College Council.
“”The other colleges have worked very well with us and have been very open to us,”” Sweeten said.
The council is now looking to have $2,000 to go along with money received next year. A referendum calling for an $8 fee per quarter, to be collected starting fall 2003, will be voted on in the near future. According to Sweeten, surveys collected from students indicate that they are willing to pay the amount even though it is a higher fee than other colleges collect.
“”If we get the referendum to go through, we’ll be able to have a financial basis to go forward and have programs so that we won’t just be involving the Sixth College community, but we can involve other communities and other colleges,”” said Vice Chair Alyssa Teeter said.
Council members are also looking to gain more money. One of the main goals for next year is to go out into the La Jolla and San Diego area for sponsorships. A reserve fund has also been put into the constitution to set aside 10 percent of funds for programs.
“”I know there’s a lot of businesses out there who are willing to help us,”” said Programming and Public Relations Committee member and candidate for Vice Chair Pamela Lin. “”I think that as a council, although we’re low on funding, we should try to resolve it instead of going to the students and taking money from them.””
Candidates running for council positions are looking forward to an expanded budget and using it to fund programs.
“”If elected, I’ll try to be cautious with money since we don’t have that much,”” said Commissioner of Finance candidate Kiley Albrecht. “”I’ll make sure that everyone has enough to use for programming, make necessary cuts, but to be fair about it.””
Other candidates have other goals to improve student life in Sixth College and develop programs that can assist in unifying the college.
“”It is my goal, if elected, to provide for activities such as scavenger hunts, relay races and mixers so as to encourage interaction between all Sixth College students,”” said Shih, who is also running for commissioner of finance.
Some candidates are likewise looking forward to having Sixth College be recognized throughout campus and to the communities outside of campus. According to Teeter, who is running to be vice chair again, it is extremely important to make sure that the Sixth College name is known.
