The growing demand for sisterhood
San Diego State is looking to expand the number of sororities on campus. There are more fraternities than sororities, so the National Panhellenic Conference will be soliciting bids to those interested in starting a chapter at SDSU. Presentations for those interested will begin after spring break.

Fundraising workshop in development
Associated Students is developing a fundraising workshop to help organization leaders learn how to prepare a successful fundraiser and help planners approach reputable companies to work with. The idea stemmed from a history of failed fundraising experiences with an unnamed local restaurant.

Budget action
A new committee called the Budget Review Action Team began working with SDSU’s Division of Business and Financial Affairs to review the university’s budget for the upcoming school year. They will work together to research where the university’s funds are going and how financial efficiency can be increased.

As for California’s finances, there are more proposed financial aid changes.  Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget, which is to be decided on this spring, could raise the GPA requirement for Cal Grants for both transfer students and incoming freshmen. The Assumption Program of Loans for Education, a program designed to aid teachers in paying off student loans, could be cut completely from the budget.

Federal budget changes in December affected Pell Grant distribution. Students may only receive the benefits of Pell Grants for 12 semesters, rather than the 18 previously allowed. Also, the six-month grace period to start repaying student loans after graduation was eliminated. Payment plans for loans activated after July 2012 will begin right after graduation.

AS Executive Board Elections
Elections to join A.S. are coming up in spring. Feb. 10 is the deadline for students who wish to apply.

–Compiled by Contributor Amy Williams