MOORHEAD – Two Special Projects and Initiatives Fund (SPIF) requests were discussed at the Student Government Association (SGA) meeting on Nov. 14. A request to help the Orientation Committee cover the cost of future Cobber beanies was tabled, while new winter activities were approved unanimously.
Beanie Purchasing
Senator Milton Hillegess introduced the Orientation Committee’s request for $15,000 from SPIF to purchase an additional 1,000 beanies. A total of $34,000 was needed, which exceeded the committee’s available funds. Hillegess reported the SPIF Committee’s recommendation as “tentative approval.”
Heidi Rogers and Anna Novasio explained that the college had exhausted all other funding sources and that no other funding could cover the cost of the beanies. Novasio proposed a new plan to set aside $10,000 annually for the next five years to cover future cost increases, as beanies are purchased every five years.
SGA members were initially divided on the issue, with most unsure of how to proceed. No one wanted to end the nearly 200-year-old beanie tradition, which was represented by Chad Lystad, assistant dean of students and director of student engagement, at the meeting.
The primary issue was whether covering the beanies fell within SPIF guidelines. Previous years’ Orientation Committee budgets had allocated $100,000 for beanies, so the $21,000 set aside for this purchase was insufficient.
Several senators raised concerns about whether this request met SPIF requirements. Three main issues were discussed:
- SPIF must benefit current students. Beanies bought in the upcoming order would be distributed to incoming freshmen in fall 2025.
- SPIF funding must be used within six months of allocation. While the beanie purchase would occur within a six month period—by early February—the beanies would be distributed through fall 2029.
- SPIF cannot be used for recurring costs. The beanies have been a longstanding orientation tradition for nearly two centuries.
However, a potential solution emerged: The Orientation Committee plans would set aside $10,000 annually for beanies, which will accumulate to $50,000 over five years. This would help ensure that future beanie purchases are self-funded.
Lystad noted that the previous beanie allotment was $7,000 and had been accumulated over three years, but the committee still fell short of the $34,000 needed this year. The exact origin of the $2,000 shortfall remained unclear.
The plan would allow for an increase of $16,000 for future beanie orders, which could address the $15,000 shortfall this year. Despite this, SGA members were uncertain if this request violated SPIF guidelines.
Two possible solutions were discussed. First, Senator Jon Marsyla suggested the possibility of reaching out to alumni.
“I’m curious to see if there’s been alumni outreach, since it’s a longstanding tradition,” he said.
This led to discussion of Giving Day on Nov. 21. Several senators expressed interest in using Giving Day funds to cover the beanies, but Rogers opposed this approach.
“How Alumni and Advancement work, they determine their fundraising priorities, and this has not been a need,” Rogers said. “Their priorities are set for the year, and probably for several years to come. So, that’s a no.”
Lystad added that the committee learned on Aug. 27 that the minimum order for beanies had increased from 2,000 to 3,000 per year.
Another suggestion came from SGA President Grace Halvorson, who proposed that SGA approve the request with a condition: The Orientation Committee would reimburse SPIF over the next two years, either at a rate of $5,000 per year for two years or $2,500 per year for two years. This “loan” system would allow the beanies to be purchased without SGA fully covering the $15,000 cost.
Ultimately, the discussion was tabled until the next meeting to address unresolved questions. SGA plans to revisit the issue at their next meeting before Thanksgiving.
Winter activities funding
After a brief discussion, the second SPIF request was approved without delay. Hillegess introduced a $9,000 request from SGA President Halvorson and Vice President Daniel Davies, along with the President’s Office.
The funds would support winter activities aimed at enhancing campus life. Halvorson said the goal was to “not just survive winter, but thrive.” Hillegess reported the SPIF Committee’s recommendation to approve the request.
Halvorson provided a breakdown of the request: $5,000 would go toward a boot hockey rink and equipment, $2,300 would fund a “Tree-Mendous Holiday Weekend” to light a holiday tree throughout the season, $2,500 would cover saunas during Winter Wellness Weekend, and $200 would be used for hot chocolate during finals week at the Bell Tower.
The only concern raised was whether this was a “tradition.” Ultimately, it was decided this was not a recurring tradition, as the boot hockey cost was a one-time equipment purchase and tree lighting costs would be absorbed by the facilities budget in the future.
The request passed unanimously, with Senator Kylie Brenny summing up the support: “This also provides a new source of belonging on campus, particularly at a time that’s really dark, and cold, and frankly depressing to be here. Also, providing belonging at a time when people spend more time in their own individual dorms because it’s not nice outside.”
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