At two seminars last night in Boylston Hall, more than 100 student leaders were among the first to hear about the creation of a new $25,000 fund for student organizations.
The seminars covered financial management and alcohol at events sponsored by student organizations.
According to Coordinator of Student Activities Susan T. Cooke, the new Student Activities Fund will support large-scale purchases by student organizations.
Applications for the funds will be available this month and in February.
The Dean of Student's Office has also agreed to a one-year trial policy of granting organizations lump-sum checks at the start of the year, instead of reimbursing separate purchases, Cooke said.
Student leaders were enthusiastic about the additional funding.
"The new Activities Fund is great, because the purpose of a student group isn't supposed to be worrying where the next check is coming from," said Xunhua Wong '01, co-business director of the Harvard-Radcliffe Ballet Company.
Wong also said the new reimbursement policy would save a lot of time for student groups.
"Last year, our treasurer had lots of trouble with reimbursement," she said. "It took up a lot of time in menial tasks."
According to Cooke, recent studies have ranked Harvard behind Brown, Cornell and Columbia Universities in providing funding for undergraduate organizations.
"I'm not sure whether the ranking is correct," Cooke said, "but we're trying to rectify the situation."
"It's about time," said Michael M. Espiritu '01, a president of the Philippine Forum. "It's a small step in the right direction," he said, referring to colleges who he felt had been more generous in student grants.
Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III said one of the reasons the College decided to expand available funding was the increase in student organizations from 60 in 1970 to 250 today.
Cooke said the financial changes also stem in part from discussions last spring with the Undergraduate Council.
Currently, the council offers grants from around $250 to each organization. Cooke said a new fund was necessary for In reference to the financial changes, "I'mmore elated than words can express," said councilpresident Beth A. Stewart '99. Read more in News
