Many of Dartmouth's student organizations may have to reevaluate their budgets in light of the current financial crisis, according to student leaders and College officials. While most groups are still operating normally, some have already cut back on their expenditures.
Eric Ramsey, chair of the Undergraduate Finance Committee, said several organizations have internally discussed preemptive plans to minimize the impact of reduced funding in the future, but few groups have been affected adversely by the economic downturn thus far.
"The economic impact really hasn't been felt, yet," said Ramsey who also serves as the director of Collis Center and Student Activities.
The men's ultimate frisbee team has traditionally travelled to a winter tournament in Las Vegas, but this year the team will travel instead to New Orleans, a less expensive destination.
"We've been told to expect a really major decrease [in funding] -- maybe only a third of what we got last year [from the athletic department]," team captain Owen Roberts '09 said.
In addition to funding from the athletic department, the team accepts contributions to the Friends of Ultimate Frisbee fund. The players also use personal funds to cover some expenses, including the cost of uniforms and transportation to tournaments, according to Roberts.
The team is committed to keeping player expenses as low as possible, Roberts said.
"We don't want this to be a sport that certain people can't play for financial reasons," he said.
The team already operates on a relatively low budget, Roberts said, so it will likely not have to make any long-term changes as a result of budget reductions, though it may experience temporary difficulties.
Programming Board has not yet needed to reduce spending, according to programming co-director Brevan D'Angelo '10. Members are unsure which of the Board's programs they would cut if budget reductions became necessary, he said. Winter Carnival, however, could not be eliminated, he added.
The Dartmouth Outing Club, which is funded through an alumni-established endowment, is also anticipating future budget cuts.
"[The Outing Club is facing] the same type of budget crunch that the College and the rest of groups are looking at," Outing Club President Andrew Palmer '10 said.
Palmer said the club may have to make some adjustments, but will not need drastic changes in programming because the it is used to operating on a small budget.
"We do more with less money than any other club on campus," he said.
The Outing Club could potentially reduce subsidies for some outdoor trips, but beginner trips will continue to be of primary importance and are not in danger of being cut, Palmer said.
The Dartmouth Aires, which does not receive funding from the College, has not experienced any significant consequences as a result of the economic downturn, Aires business manager Adam Frank '09, said, as the group's recent earnings mirror its finances from previous years. One organization that had booked the Aires earlier this year canceled the show, Frank said, citing the current economic downturn.
"I think everyone's feeling the pinch," D'Angelo said.
