University Fundraising Contract is a Step in the Right Direction, but Red Tape Remains

If there is one thing that students complain about the most at GW - aside from high tuition and dining options - it's the bureaucracy and red tape that hinder the ability to get things accomplished. It's time to refocus the University's efforts and remove some of the hurdles and red tape that student organizations face when booking events.

The GW Hatchet reported that the University is "developing a contract to regulate on-campus student organization fundraisers that collaborate with food vendors such as Crepeaway, Pita Pit and Campus Fresh." While this is certainly a step in the right direction and University administrators should be commended for progressive action, there is another problem they need to address.

"Assistant Vice President for Events and Venues Michael Peller - who declined to comment on the specifics of the contract until it is finalized - said the University wants to ensure that students make a profit from on-campus fundraisers, despite charges from the University for services like renting out Kogan Plaza or UPD presence if cash is on site."

The last part of that quote sheds light on the additional problems. The University fees involving booking rooms for student organizations, the regulations for food vendors allowed to cater events in the Marvin Center, and the list goes on and on. Again, it's great to see the University do something in the best interest of student organizations, but several other hurdles exist that take away from fund-raising profits. They don't stem from vendors like Crepeaway or Pita Pit, they stem from the University itself.