Run for the Money

Turning its attention momentarily from the problems of Harvard College to those of its own budget, the Student Council is attempting to provide for itself some measure of financial security, and is having a hard time doing it. The latest plan of a subsidy from the Administration seems likely to be turned down by the Dean's Office. With this, the Council, despairing of support within the University is considering applying elsewhere for assistance.

With every College organization, from varsity sports to the Band, being denied permission to solicit funds during the Program for Harvard College, it would seem grossly unfair for the Council, whose problems are not of an emergency nature, to enjoy such an extraordinary privilege.

Moreover, dependence on large-scale donations would make the Council susceptible, in a way in which other organizations are not, to influence from groups with special interests, who might want to see certain things done or prevented within the College. Should the Council be forced to seek outside support, they should be careful to avoid any sort of external influence.

Keeping in mind the difficulties and objections raised by soliciting funds outside the University, the Council should consider once more relying on the support of the student body, unreliable and inadequate as it may be. The Council, disliking the appearance of hoodwinking the incoming freshmen in order to raise funds, and quite rightly not wanting to suggest a compulsory universal student tax, now faces the problem of operating on what they consider to be an insufficient budget. However, it is not alone in this feeling, and should, like every other organization, try to make its activities fit the budget.

One way in which expenses might be cut would be to have the Council members themselves assume some of the paper work and secretarial duties which now consume such a large part of the budget. While the Council exists to serve the student body and the Dean's Office, it is also an activity from which the individual members principally derive benefit, and if support is not forthcoming from other quarters, these members should assume a major share of the burden.