With budgets being cut to save money in this economy, extracurricular school funding isn’t always easy to come across. However, here at Portland State, the Speakers Board is a student-fee funded group that operates with an annual budget of $35,000 to help bring educational speakers to campus.
“This program has been around for quite a long time, and it is wonderfully and fantastically underused,” Shannon Timm, coordinator of Student Activities and Leadership Programs. “The board was developed to enhance the campus community by helping departments and student organizations to bring speakers aboard to help motivate and educate.”
Some groups that have used the program in the past are: the Department of English, which frequently uses the program to bring guest authors to PSU to share their work; the Black Studies department, which has brought speakers in for its Black Bag series; and the Portland Pre-Health Society, which has used these funds to bring in renowned medical physician and activist Patch Adams.
“Bringing guest speakers to campus is a great way to enhance your program, increase the visibility of your organization, engage students and provide an expert perspective on an engaging topic for your student group or department,” Timm said. “But it can be very expensive.”
Timm encourages students and departments to go online and fill out an application for a speaker. The process is simple, and funds of up to $2,000 per event, or $3,000 per department, are available for organizations and departments that qualify.
“It is customary for those groups requesting funds to submit a resume or press information packet of the person of interest so we can qualify the person,” said Speakers Board Chair Cody Noren. “This is to ensure that we are not abusing student fees by inviting a speaker who cannot provide an enriching perspective or contribution to the members of Portland State.”
Essentially, the board looks for speakers who will inspire not only students, but also the entire university community with their achievements and endeavors, according
to Noren. The Speakers Board is eager to see this program used to its fullest extent.
“I encourage student organizations to plan ahead, at least one month in advance, to be able to get the most funds,” Timm said. “Please come, spread the word and help us spend this money!”
To apply, visit www.orgsync.com ?