The Observer, March 9, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 20
Editorial: Pros and cons present in student group collaborations
It's no secret that Case students are a busy, sleep-deprived, and driven group of young over achievers. These qualities and circumstances are reflected by over-booked schedules and the number of USG-funded student organizations which currently exceeds 140. Although there is already such a plethora, the number continues to grow. However, with the mass funding process looming, USG may be looking for ways to consolidate and possibly reorganize student groups.
The student government currently has plans to whittle down the number of student organizations requesting funding each semester by combining groups with overlapping interests. This collaboration has already occurred for the Speakeasy Solstice Collective, which combines two of Case's a cappella groups into one money-requesting entity. With a significant number of groups having overlapping mission statements and co-sponsoring many of the same events, consolidation of these groups can only make the funding process easier.
Any student group affiliated with USG automatically gets a $50 budget. If four or five or several more groups combine, that missing allotment needs to be taken into consideration in the funding process. Consolidation should make the funding process easier, not make it easier to deny groups funding.
Another problem with consolidation is the removal of a student's ability to choose the groups he or she wants to be affiliated with. Combining groups can take away the element of diversity that is a backbone of any college campus. Although two groups may be similar in nature, their members may be completely different or at odds with one another. Putting the two groups under the same blanket heading may cause internal strife in determining who will lead the collective group or cause students to re-evaluate their membership in a specific group.
While consolidating smaller and similar groups may have its disadvantages, there are also some advantages that come with the change. With so many groups and events, over-programming is highly likely to occur. By coming together to sponsor one major event with an overarching theme, attendance rates can increase and the energy and attention of students can be directed to one cause. In many cases, student groups have overlapping memberships and the collaboration would keep these members from being stretched thin between all of their groups. Students might also be more easily able to find groups that fit their concerns and needs and thus be able to play a larger role in them.
When combining groups into larger collectives, both USG and student groups should really consider the advantages, disadvantages, and the true purpose of each specific group. Strongly established student groups may not need to join with other groups, but they may be able to help newer or smaller groups advance their aims. No group should be asked to give up its identity, as diversity is priceless, but the ability to work with other, similar groups may help improve an organization and its members in the long run.
