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AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904

The GW Hatchet

Serving the GW Community since 1904

The GW Hatchet

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Next year’s priciest student-run events

Timeflies vocalist Cal Shapiro hit the stage for Fall Fest on Saturday evening, showcasing covers, the groups hits and a freestyle rap about GW. Cameron Lancaster | Contributing Photo Editor
Timeflies vocalist Cal Shapiro hit the stage for Fall Fest on Saturday evening, showcasing covers, the group’s hits and a freestyle rap about GW. Cameron Lancaster | Contributing Photo Editor

The Student Association’s finance committee has doled out about $900,000 over the last two weeks, with nearly 300 groups earning a slice of next year’s budget.

After a 12 percent budget growth this year, organizations across the board have reaped the rewards. The committee awarded an average of $3,809, up about 30 percent compared to what groups received two years ago. Just three organizations that submitted applications received less than $100, compared to a dozen organizations last year.

But some organizations benefited more than others: The 15 groups with the biggest budgets now receive 40 percent of total funding, up from one-third in the 2012-2013 academic year.

For the first time this year, the committee decided each organization’s budget based on specific funding requests – which means a clearer picture of where student fees are going.

Nearly three-quarters of the total budget went toward programming this year, while about 8 percent went toward administrative costs, according to the finance committee’s analysis.

Here’s a glimpse into the priciest programming next year, pending a final vote by the full senate next week.

1. Fall Fest: $42,000

Thousands of students flock to the annual show, which is one of the campus’ largest events. Past performers have included Timeflies, Girl Talk and DJ Diplo.

Media Credit: Hatchet File Photo
Seattle-based rapper Macklemore headlined last year’s Spring Fling.

2. Spring Fling: $42,000

This end-of-the-year show, which merged with Fountain Fling in 2009, has featured artists like Jay Sean and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.

Media Credit: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
The W Hotel in D.C. is part of a global chain of luxury hotels.

3. Medical Center Student Council formal: $33,283

Traditionally held at the W Hotel, this event is open to all medical school students. Tickets cost $50 for students and $70 for guests.

Media Credit: Hatchet File Photo
The College Democrats and College Republicans co-hosted Howard Dean, left, and Newt Gingrich, right, in 2011 for a debate that covered health care, the economy, national security and immigration.

4. College Republicans keynote speaker: $15,000

In addition to hosting speakers throughout the year, the CRs also invite a high-profile speaker each spring, such as last year’s Ron Paul.

5. South Asian Society Bhangra Blowout: $14,000

More than a half-dozen Indian dance teams visit GW for the annual event, which is one of the largest intercollegiate Bhangra competitions in the country.

Media Credit: Hatchet File Photo

6. Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association’s Grand Chapter Meeting: $13,500

Members of the campus’ two largest Greek life organizations come together each year, along with the Multicultural Greek Council, Program Board, and the Student Association, to host speakers like Ashley Judd and Zach Braff.

Media Credit: Alexandra Kruse | Hatchet Staff Photographer
A total of 45 student organizations were represented at the marathon, including all 11 sororities and 10 fraternities.

7. Dance Marathon: $14,000

The organization running GW’s dance marathon, which started this year, saw its budget increase by more than 1,000 percent.

Media Credit: Ashley Lucas | Assistant Photo Editor
Teams from schools across the country, including University of Texas Austin’s Dirty South Dandiya, pictured above, took part in the University’s 12th annual Raas Chaos competition, sponsored by GW’s South Asian Society.

8. Raas Chaos: $9,000

For several hours each fall, more than a half-dozen Northern Indian-style dance teams take over Lisner Auditorium for a nationwide competition.

Media Credit: Deepa Shivaram | Hatchet Photographer
Freshman Ian Tang places a balloon in TEDxFoggyBottom’s installation in the “Illuminate!” exhibition. Visitors were encouraged to engage with the artwork by writing something that inspires them on a red balloon.

9. TedX Foggy Bottom: $9,000

Part of the global TedX conference series, this one-day event brought about 20 speakers to campus last year and attracted more than 1,000 attendees.

Media Credit: Hatchet File Photo by Sam Hardgrove
Sen. Mark Warner speaks to students at a GW College Democrats event in the Marvin Center Amphitheater last month.

10. College Democrats fall speaker: $8,860

GW’s organization, the largest branch of the College Democrats in the country, hosts high-level speakers like Cory Booker, David Plouffe and Mark Warner.

Media Credit: Cameron Lancaster | Hatchet Staff Photographer
Sons of Pitch was one of seven performers at the Battle of the A Capella Groups last year.

11. Class Council’s Battle of the A Capellas: $7,400

In the biggest a capella event on campus, seven groups compete for the title of best performer.

Media Credit: Hatchet File Photo
GW Bhangra performs in Lisner Auditorium as part of the dance competition Represent: Diversity.

12. Class Council’s Represent: Dance Competition: $7,400

Campus dance groups from GW Bhangra to GW Ballroom perform in the annual dance-off on the Lisner stage.

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