*Note: I brought this subject to the attention of Cara Bilotta shortly after posting this blog. the response was quick and favorable, and I have been told that VSG will seek to publicize its budget in the fall. The timing of my complaint made it difficult for VSG to take the necessary actions before its last meeting of the spring. I commend VSG for its commitment to openness with students.

Looking through the list of organizations that received AcFee funding this week, one can't help noticing that one organization in particular is missing: Vanderbilt Student Government. In its first AcFee allocation, VSG doled out just under $1.4 million. In all, 122 student organizations applied for funding.

Many of these groups were arguably short changed, while others may have been given more than they need. The AcFee list will be closely examined by many. By not releasing the 2007-08 VSG budget along with the others, VSG does not subject itself to the same scrutiny that other organizations receive.

Because VSG is actually charged with AcFee allocation, its budget must be monitored closest of all. Of course, AcFee has never been known to be a transparent process. Allocation remains a closed-door event.

VSG's constitution states that its budget will be "no less than the sum total of the Student Government Association's budget and Interhall's budget for the 2006-2007 school year." This, of course, sets a minimum, but gives no maximum amount of money that VSG can be awarded.

I hope I'm wrong and that VSG has already willingly announced its budget to The Hustler. If so, I apologize and will delete this. If not, it is a shame that our student government has the power to release the budgets of many other organizations to the press, but does not readily make available its own. Clearly, reforms are needed for next year's AcFee allocation.