Statement Regarding Grinnell Student Publications

Grinnell College is not reducing the amount of funds available to student organizations through the student activity fee, including student media organizations.  Funding will continue to come from the student activity fee.  Historically, it has been allocated by student-run entities based on student organization budget requests.  This will continue to be the case going forward. 

Because the requests for student organization funds far exceed available resources, reducing the frequency of print publications has been one of many suggestions for reducing costs.  Staff approached these conversations with good intentions, but were not supported by clear policies and procedures, and we are committed to addressing that gap. 

The College acknowledges that discussions with student media leadership created confusion and anxiety.  Vice President JC Lopez is meeting with student leaders to co-create a structure that will affirm student leaders’ agency in allocating the student activity fees to organizations requesting funds through SPARC, SGA, and Concerts.  We have work to do and are grateful to all those who are engaged in it.