Correction (3/3/2023): This story originally misspelled Ayushi Mukund’s last name. Additionally, it included quotes that were misattributed. Both errors have been corrected.
In a later conversation with Kaleidoscope, USGA President Ritika Samant conveyed that the creation of the two new committees was not specifically in response to concerns surrounding USGA finances. This article has been edited to reflect that.
Update (3/15/2023): In a later conversation with Kaleidoscope, Ayushi Mukund and the Rangeela club clarified their frustration is directed at University Recreation, not USGA.
Ayushi Mukund, manager for the Rangeela club, spoke during the student forum portion of the USGA Senate meeting on Feb. 28 regarding funding for her club. She said that University Recreation mishandled producing information regarding the process of receiving funding.
“We have not received funding yet and have been struggling to even afford one competition. We have been struggling since last season due to lack of funding. We were owed $1000 last year, and we are owed $1500 this year,” said Mukund. “We have received misinformation about how to receive our money from last year and this year. We have filled out multiple forms, multiple times, just to be told they are the incorrect forms.”
Senator Jade Taylor asked about the reimbursement process through USGA finance, stating that she requested reimbursement from three different people and never received a response. Senator Gia Vollmer also expressed discontent with the USGA finance department.
“I do not fully support this budget and the process we set and have taken to complete it,” said Vollmer. “At the end of the day, our internal budget should not be a process that requires fighting for information for a number of months, both for members of USGA and any members of the student body.”
USGA VP of Finance Kian Kolahdouzan said that he agrees that the financing process is flawed and encouraged members to communicate their concerns with him.
“I think it can certainly be a quicker process. I am open to any suggestions,” said Kolahdouzan. “I am always happy to answer any questions you all may have. Transparency is one of my main goals in anything I do. It is disappointing to hear some of the comments, but I can hear the truth in them.”
USGA has issued two new committees: the “Code of Laws Revision” committee and the “Constitutional Revisions” committee. USGA President Ritika Samant said that the purpose of these committees is to aid in creating change and generating more transparency within USGA.
Samant also announced the appointment of USGA’s new web coordinator, Phaedra Manuel.
