EDITORIAL: CSUN: Keep funding student orgs

CSUN’s approval of $2,000 toward expanding the Rebel Recycling Program into Thomas & Mack is the latest in a series of actions over the last several Senate meetings that show they have been choosing wisely in funding programs that benefit the long-term wellbeing of the university.

Our Sept. 24 editorial voiced our support for the textbook reserve program, which was later approved at the Sept. 28 Senate meeting, and called for CSUN to prioritize similar academically beneficial programs. At this meeting, CSUN also doubled the funds available for emergency aid.

There’s another area CSUN should consider reworking its funding process for: student organizations and organization-led programs.

Some of the most memorable programs on this campus – ones that have had a substantial impact on the entire university community – have been put on by student organizations.

Incumbent senators and those running for the first time must make note of the impact these students have on our campus when planning for the upcoming Senate session.

This semester alone, we’ve already seen how these programs benefit the academic community at UNLV.

The National Society of Black Engineers hosted their New Beginnings Mixer at the start of the school year, inviting student organizations to showcase their contributions to diversity and inclusion. They welcomed a motivational speaker and welcomed students from every corner of campus to celebrate a fresh start.

The Student Organization of Addiction Professionals has been giving UNLV’s name significance in their field, hosting events that promoted awareness of ways to prevent addiction, including among college students.

And more exciting and meaningful events are coming up:
The Phi Beta Sigma fraternity held a gay marriage forum, in which they welcomed debate and academic discussion of this hot social and political topic, with a view toward building an active campus community. Phi Beta Sigma will host a forum on views and significance of Jesus in different faiths, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15 in Student Union Room 224.

Colleges against Cancer is being revitalized at UNLV. Their first event will be held Oct. 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., tentatively on the North Field sidewalk. The event will be aimed at helping students learn what to look for in order to catch breast cancer early. In addition to supporting research, the organization works to implement the goals of the American Cancer Society at UNLV, through advocacy, cancer education, the Relay for Life and survivorship – a benefit to society at large.

The Sierra Student Coalition is supporting UNLV’s sustainability research initiative. On Oct. 22 at the North Field, the group will host an  event from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. featuring everything from solar-powered documentaries to an Earthstyles Lounge, designed to teach people about sustainable lifestyle choices. The organization is also making the efforts of UNLV students known at the community level – on Oct. 23, they will sponsor a rally at the Las Vegas City Hall – to raise awareness of the very same climate change issue.

There is no better way to help students than by giving them the resources they need to make their own ideas and passions come to life. We support CSUN’s choices to fund student organizations and, encouraged by the remarkable show of diligence and vision we have seen from student organizations already this year, we hope the undergraduate student government will continue to stress its ideological and financial focus on these crucial aspects for student life.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The original version of this article misstated the dates of the Sierra Student Coalition’s event. This version corrects the error and adds the date of an additional rally they are hosting.

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