CU Backs Down On Slashing Student Government Budget

BOULDER, CO -- University of Colorado-Boulder administrators backed down Thursday after announcing they would slash the student government's $23 million budget by more than 90 percent. About 100 students demanded the resignation of CU Chancellor Phil DiStefano, who, they said, made a "unilateral decision" to wrest control of the student-controlled budget from the student government.

"If it were not for the students there would be no university in the first place—our voices should not be so easily dismissed," the CUSG posted on their Facebook page.

After the outcry, the university backed down and DiStefano announced on the CU website that the administration would delay the decision. DiStefano said the university would be “pulling back on the timing of this move in order to allow for further conversation and engagement with the students.”

The CU student government is unique among university student groups in the amount of financial influence (about $23 million) the group wields. Students oversee campus facilities, including the University Memorial Center and the Recreation Center. Administrators said students were losing opportunities to find cost savings on items such as negotiating food service contracts. DiStephano had suggested wresting most of the CUSG budget away from student control and giving it to the university. The proposed student budget was left at $1.5 million.

But several high-profile Colorado politicians jumped into the fray, including Congressman Jared Polis, now a candidate for Colorado Governor. Lawmakers said in a letter they had gained experience at CU student government that led to their careers as public servants. Those who sent a message to the university brass were Sen. Steve Fenberg, Rep. Leslie Herod, Rep. Dan Pabon, Rep. Joe Salazar and Rep. Jovan Melton, the Daily Camera reported.

"As former leaders of CUSG (then UCSU), we read about your recent decision regarding CUSG student fee autonomy with great dismay and shock," the letter read. "The opportunity we were afforded to be part of such a powerful and unique institution has had a profound impact on our lives. Simply put, we would not be where we are today if it wasn't for our experience in the CUSG system. We're concerned that your decision will effectively erase that opportunity for future student leaders."

Read more at the Daily Camera.

Image via CUSG Facebook