Current ASI executives are planning to rewrite the budget for this year making changes based on spending habits of past executives and unforeseen expenses.
Between June 1 and Aug. 31, according to an analysis by The Collegian, ASI spent $3,564.80 on food alone. This cost includes food purchased during trips and also some purchases categorized as “discretionaryâ€Â spending.
Food purchased during non-travel events during these months totals $1,381.92.
Lauren Johnson, the ASI vice president of finance, believes that the expenses were all valid, although ASI is not spending money on food like it was- — anymore.
“I’m confident that all purchases were made with the right intentions,â€Â Johnson said.
Former ASI President Mackee M. Mason said executives would occasionally hold meetings outside of the office — over a lunch — because the business that needed to be taken care of could not be discussed in the office.
Mason had resigned because he was unable to properly fulfill his duties after being placed on probation for breaking the “substance free pledgeâ€Â during an ASI retreat in Anaheim in July.
“It is common practice of any business,â€Â Mason said in regard to the lunches purchased on ASI credit cards over the summer months. “When we did go out of the office, it was because it was absolutely necessary.â€Â
Although it is in the ASI bylaws that all expenses turned in must include a receipt and an expense form, the documentation for some of the summer months have been misplaced, according to multiple sources.
There are no written justifications for the majority of the food purchased during these months.
Document Review
The Collegian originally requested documents from ASI on Sept. 12, including all expense forms and receipts from June 1 through Aug. 31 and an itinerary for the ASI retreat in Anaheim in July.
Those documents were received on Dec. 5 and Dec. 9; still excluded some of the receipts. Because of the missing receipts, it took more than nine weeks to compile the documents.
Pat Tift, administrative assistant for Administrative Services, said that Diners Club, the credit card company that ASI uses, could not retrieve the receipts.
“The receipts were never turned in to begin with,â€Â Tift said.
However, Mason told The Collegian he did turn in the proper documentation over the summer. He said he is unaware what happened to the documents, but there was miscommunication between people in ASI.
“I turned in all the receipts,â€Â Mason said. “They came up missing. I have nothing to hide.â€Â
Mason also said that when he traveled he put the money on their credit cards instead of taking the per diem; the amount of money the university will reimburse for meals while traveling. He said it looks worse on the statements, but they actually spent less than if they had taken the per diem, which is $10 for breakfast, $15 for lunch, and $25 for dinner.
Mason believes that ASI spent a significant amount of money less than previous executives during the months he was in office.
“I didn’t need to get valet,â€Â Mason said. “I didn’t need to get a five-star hotel. It didn’t make sense for me.â€Â
While it has been practice for former presidents, Johnson and ASI President Graham Wahlberg said they are not spending money on food anymore.
Some of the money spent on food was categorized by accounting officials as “discretionaryâ€Â spending even though there was no funding in that category for this year’s budget.
Johnson said that ASI is currently rewriting its budget to account for unforeseen (legal) expenses and will also be budgeting for discretionary spending.
Wahlberg said that this funding was supposed to be worked in, but was not done by former executives.
He said that meetings held outside of the office would not be happening anymore, however. “That’s just not going to happen under this leadership,â€Â Wahlberg said.
Construction of new budget
Under the new budget that is being put together, Wahlberg said ASI will not be taking money away from the students; rather, they will be putting more money toward programs that will directly benefit students and the community.
He said that the money will be pulled from ASI̢۪s reserves. Also, programs ASI is not continuing will no longer be funded. It is not yet clear what programs this funding will go to.
“We don’t really like to rewrite the budget if we don’t absolutely have to,â€Â Wahlberg said. “But we want to give money back to the students.â€Â
Currently, Wahlberg and Executive Vice President Beatriz Campuzano have not activated their executive credit cards. Wahlberg said he does not feel it is necessary.
Johnson said that the cards will eventually be activated. She said as of right now, her card is active. Also the card for Tara Powers-Mead, director of university affairs, is active.
Johnson said she is currently waiting on some figures for the new budget and then it will have to be passed by the Senate under the usual process. Once the Senate passes the budget, it will go to university President John D. Welty for approval. Johnson said she hopes to the have new budget by early next semester.
Yeah, answer • Dec 21, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Althought the insulting is funny, it might be a little upsetting. I understand the fustration. The collegian says there are reciepts missing, yet does not say what receipts, and why they are important. Sounds like another reach.
Also, what about numbers from previous years to compare, those must he easily accesible, as they have already been filed. The who what where and why are important but we also need to know the full facts so we can make an assement, any number by itself can look big or small, it’s when youcan compare that you can formulate an opinion on whether it is acceptable or excessive.
Yeah, answer • Dec 22, 2008 at 1:53 am
Althought the insulting is funny, it might be a little upsetting. I understand the fustration. The collegian says there are reciepts missing, yet does not say what receipts, and why they are important. Sounds like another reach.
Also, what about numbers from previous years to compare, those must he easily accesible, as they have already been filed. The who what where and why are important but we also need to know the full facts so we can make an assement, any number by itself can look big or small, it’s when youcan compare that you can formulate an opinion on whether it is acceptable or excessive.
Heather Billings • Dec 17, 2008 at 2:14 pm
The Collegian Staff Comment
I don’t personally have all this information; I’m just the one who relayed it. Our staff is currently on break and dispersed across the state, and we’re in the middle of switching news editors. My guess is that an answer to your question will probably not be forthcoming until after the beginning of January.
Also, as a general rule, insulting people is not very likely to encourage them to help you.
Heather Billings • Dec 17, 2008 at 9:14 pm
The Collegian Staff Comment
I don’t personally have all this information; I’m just the one who relayed it. Our staff is currently on break and dispersed across the state, and we’re in the middle of switching news editors. My guess is that an answer to your question will probably not be forthcoming until after the beginning of January.
Also, as a general rule, insulting people is not very likely to encourage them to help you.
Collegian answer this? • Dec 17, 2008 at 1:02 pm
DId i ask a question that was far too impossible to answer or was it not intelligent enough,
(in collegian’s case dumb enough)
All i think is important is that Collegian state why they say reciepts are missing and what is so important. Doesnt scholarly journalism stick to the Who? What? When? Where? and most importantly WHY?
Collegian answer this? • Dec 17, 2008 at 8:02 pm
DId i ask a question that was far too impossible to answer or was it not intelligent enough,
(in collegian’s case dumb enough)
All i think is important is that Collegian state why they say reciepts are missing and what is so important. Doesnt scholarly journalism stick to the Who? What? When? Where? and most importantly WHY?
Collegian answer this? • Dec 14, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Thank you heather, now can we get more info? excty what reciepts are the collegian looking for?
What reciepts are said to be “missing” and why are they so important.
Collegian answer this? • Dec 14, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Thank you heather, now can we get more info? excty what reciepts are the collegian looking for?
What reciepts are said to be “missing” and why are they so important.
Heather Billings • Dec 13, 2008 at 4:31 pm
The Collegian Staff Comment
News editor Kelly Lucus would like to pass along this clarification about the documents this article sources:
The Collegian received copies of ASI credit card statements from June 1 through August 31. The documents were compiled by Pat Tift. Some of the credit card receipts and expense forms were lost and could not be provided by the credit card company (Diners Club). Lauren Johnson, vice president of finance, told The Collegian that ASI will be calling the vendors to get copies of the receipts, but it will take some time.
Heather Billings • Dec 13, 2008 at 11:31 pm
The Collegian Staff Comment
News editor Kelly Lucus would like to pass along this clarification about the documents this article sources:
The Collegian received copies of ASI credit card statements from June 1 through August 31. The documents were compiled by Pat Tift. Some of the credit card receipts and expense forms were lost and could not be provided by the credit card company (Diners Club). Lauren Johnson, vice president of finance, told The Collegian that ASI will be calling the vendors to get copies of the receipts, but it will take some time.
Collegian answer this? • Dec 12, 2008 at 9:06 pm
I have a question for Collegian…and please answer someone.
What documents were compiled for your staff from ASI and in the story i read that recipets were turned in, Diners club card cannot pull up reciepts…cant they show you statements?
Did collegian ask for copies of statements and if so what part does “Pat Tift” say is missing?
do you have statements of credit cards from ASI?
Please answer these questions.
Collegian answer this? • Dec 13, 2008 at 4:06 am
I have a question for Collegian…and please answer someone.
What documents were compiled for your staff from ASI and in the story i read that recipets were turned in, Diners club card cannot pull up reciepts…cant they show you statements?
Did collegian ask for copies of statements and if so what part does “Pat Tift” say is missing?
do you have statements of credit cards from ASI?
Please answer these questions.
dw • Dec 12, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Jared–yes it’s sad, but true. ASI can not tell the university administration to do anything it doesn’t already want to. Lest you suggest that ASI not prepare a budget or try to withhold money, that’s been tried and failed.
In at least one instance where ASI failed to prepare a budget, the university administration prepared it for ASI over the summer and the ASI Senate had to approve it before school started in the fall that year (late 1990s). In another instance, the ASI president tried to deny funding to a particular student organization, and the university refused to sign off on the budget until the money was allocated.
Several years ago, students were complaining about reductions in library hours. ASI went to Dr. Welty and he told them there was no way to increase hours–unless ASI funded those extra hours. ASI did.
ASI has no practical use, other than for providing funding to student groups.
dw • Dec 13, 2008 at 2:43 am
Jared–yes it’s sad, but true. ASI can not tell the university administration to do anything it doesn’t already want to. Lest you suggest that ASI not prepare a budget or try to withhold money, that’s been tried and failed.
In at least one instance where ASI failed to prepare a budget, the university administration prepared it for ASI over the summer and the ASI Senate had to approve it before school started in the fall that year (late 1990s). In another instance, the ASI president tried to deny funding to a particular student organization, and the university refused to sign off on the budget until the money was allocated.
Several years ago, students were complaining about reductions in library hours. ASI went to Dr. Welty and he told them there was no way to increase hours–unless ASI funded those extra hours. ASI did.
ASI has no practical use, other than for providing funding to student groups.
jared harper • Dec 12, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Sad. Students can tell Welty what to do. Ti sonly that the ASI government is not willing to tell him what the terms are, rather welty tells them what the tersm are and they fall for it.
And i agree with BEN but also agree with Buck. If someone such as Graham who just “fell” into hi sposition of power says they are doing things for students. Get out of the office and out of the meetings. How in the world do you know what students are saying or thinking by sitting in offices and meetings for 20 hours? i dont know about you but i see many organizations on campus and flyers etc. All he needs to do is contact them, go sit in on some of them and yes please, try something more than smittys, you may have earned that spot but more than likely, you need to think of those who were not so fortunate.
there are many ethnic and diverse students that you ingore if you dont go talk to them.
jared harper • Dec 12, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Sad. Students can tell Welty what to do. Ti sonly that the ASI government is not willing to tell him what the terms are, rather welty tells them what the tersm are and they fall for it.
And i agree with BEN but also agree with Buck. If someone such as Graham who just “fell” into hi sposition of power says they are doing things for students. Get out of the office and out of the meetings. How in the world do you know what students are saying or thinking by sitting in offices and meetings for 20 hours? i dont know about you but i see many organizations on campus and flyers etc. All he needs to do is contact them, go sit in on some of them and yes please, try something more than smittys, you may have earned that spot but more than likely, you need to think of those who were not so fortunate.
there are many ethnic and diverse students that you ingore if you dont go talk to them.
Ben • Dec 10, 2008 at 10:44 pm
I’m pretty sure he does. When Graham isn’t in class or in meetings, he is attending meetings for student organizations on campus.
Just because Graham is in Smittcamp doesn’t mean that he only associates with Smittcamp students. Pretty bad assumption, with very little foundation.
Ben • Dec 11, 2008 at 5:44 am
I’m pretty sure he does. When Graham isn’t in class or in meetings, he is attending meetings for student organizations on campus.
Just because Graham is in Smittcamp doesn’t mean that he only associates with Smittcamp students. Pretty bad assumption, with very little foundation.
Buck • Dec 10, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Is he in meetings when as he is watching who is commenting on this website?
And whether or not he is in meetings or not, what I was saying is that it is obvious that he is trying to say whatever sounds right, and students dont buy that.
And I was not “Smitty” bashing, my point was that Fresno State is a large, diverse school, and he should try talking to students who aren’t just in his group, or on this website.
Buck • Dec 11, 2008 at 5:28 am
Is he in meetings when as he is watching who is commenting on this website?
And whether or not he is in meetings or not, what I was saying is that it is obvious that he is trying to say whatever sounds right, and students dont buy that.
And I was not “Smitty” bashing, my point was that Fresno State is a large, diverse school, and he should try talking to students who aren’t just in his group, or on this website.
Ben • Dec 10, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I know for a fact that Graham sits and participates in meetings all of the time. Graham has done a phenomenal job in his position and if any of you would like to sit in meetings for at least 20 hours a week, feel free.
Also, stop with the “Smitty” bashing. Don’t punish Graham for a scholarship that he earned and act like it’s a character flaw.
Ben • Dec 11, 2008 at 5:10 am
I know for a fact that Graham sits and participates in meetings all of the time. Graham has done a phenomenal job in his position and if any of you would like to sit in meetings for at least 20 hours a week, feel free.
Also, stop with the “Smitty” bashing. Don’t punish Graham for a scholarship that he earned and act like it’s a character flaw.
dw • Dec 10, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Hey–the truth of the matter is, all ASI controls is some money. They have NO control over what university administration does. There’s been all the complaints about parking. Well, all Graham can do is go talk with Dr. Welty. He can’t force Dr. Welty to do anything. The concept of “student government” is nice, but in the real world, “student leaders” have little if any clout. Let’s call it an internship (if one’s interested in going into politics after graduation) or a resume filler!
dw • Dec 11, 2008 at 3:17 am
Hey–the truth of the matter is, all ASI controls is some money. They have NO control over what university administration does. There’s been all the complaints about parking. Well, all Graham can do is go talk with Dr. Welty. He can’t force Dr. Welty to do anything. The concept of “student government” is nice, but in the real world, “student leaders” have little if any clout. Let’s call it an internship (if one’s interested in going into politics after graduation) or a resume filler!
Buck • Dec 10, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Jared, you cant see it? Graham talks a big game but does nothing, everyone wants to hear that someone is getting our money back, but its unrealistic because that is not what ASI is for. Thats like saying that youre gonna look into parking and why the football team is losing, its what he thinks people want to hear. Maybe instead of sitting around reading the comments on the collegians website, he should be out on campus talking to students, reaching out to people who arent just smitty’s. So stop feeding us bs, telling us what you think we want to hear, make a decision and actually prove that you deserve the position you fell into.
Or you can bomb this like you did the 40th anniversary speech
Buck • Dec 11, 2008 at 1:40 am
Jared, you cant see it? Graham talks a big game but does nothing, everyone wants to hear that someone is getting our money back, but its unrealistic because that is not what ASI is for. Thats like saying that youre gonna look into parking and why the football team is losing, its what he thinks people want to hear. Maybe instead of sitting around reading the comments on the collegians website, he should be out on campus talking to students, reaching out to people who arent just smitty’s. So stop feeding us bs, telling us what you think we want to hear, make a decision and actually prove that you deserve the position you fell into.
Or you can bomb this like you did the 40th anniversary speech
Jared Harper • Dec 10, 2008 at 5:05 pm
This is corruption all over it. And though it may seem customary to eat off campus, what makes it so private that it cant be discussed in the offices? ASI supports transparency ? gimme a break.
ASI should be all over Welty for accepting pay increases, Graham said so himself in the bee and on here that he is working to get students money back, well what are you waitng for?
Jared Harper • Dec 11, 2008 at 12:05 am
This is corruption all over it. And though it may seem customary to eat off campus, what makes it so private that it cant be discussed in the offices? ASI supports transparency ? gimme a break.
ASI should be all over Welty for accepting pay increases, Graham said so himself in the bee and on here that he is working to get students money back, well what are you waitng for?
Graham • Dec 10, 2008 at 4:46 pm
All: I am glad that you are all so interested in what is going on in ASI. Keep up the criticism of my past and future decisions. If you are curious, I was able to save about 300 dollars by driving instead of flying. It was a tough trip too. Driving by yourself is no fun, especially in LA. Flying would have been nice for me but unfair to you. Regardless, everyone is entitled to their criticism and I welcome it. I know new ideas can only help ASI flourish. If you have more questions, I am here to serve you and answer them.
Graham • Dec 10, 2008 at 11:46 pm
All: I am glad that you are all so interested in what is going on in ASI. Keep up the criticism of my past and future decisions. If you are curious, I was able to save about 300 dollars by driving instead of flying. It was a tough trip too. Driving by yourself is no fun, especially in LA. Flying would have been nice for me but unfair to you. Regardless, everyone is entitled to their criticism and I welcome it. I know new ideas can only help ASI flourish. If you have more questions, I am here to serve you and answer them.
Insightful • Dec 10, 2008 at 11:54 am
If you’re really concerned about how student fees are being spent, why don’t we question the administrative pay increases at the CSU level? President Welty recently accepted a 13.3% pay increase from $263,000 to $299,000.
Insightful • Dec 10, 2008 at 6:54 pm
If you’re really concerned about how student fees are being spent, why don’t we question the administrative pay increases at the CSU level? President Welty recently accepted a 13.3% pay increase from $263,000 to $299,000.
Texs • Dec 10, 2008 at 11:26 am
Holding business meetings outside the office is customary. Ask any one in business, that’s why there is a line item for it in any budget.
How is he covering up anything? I would like to see if the spendng was like previous years, the story talks about this year, with no numbers from previous years to compare to.
According to post on other articles, Graham might try to look like he’s saving money by not activating his card, but he can easily fly to long beach instead of driving. Sounds like he should just keep asking about why the football team isn’t good.
Texs • Dec 10, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Holding business meetings outside the office is customary. Ask any one in business, that’s why there is a line item for it in any budget.
How is he covering up anything? I would like to see if the spendng was like previous years, the story talks about this year, with no numbers from previous years to compare to.
According to post on other articles, Graham might try to look like he’s saving money by not activating his card, but he can easily fly to long beach instead of driving. Sounds like he should just keep asking about why the football team isn’t good.
Closer • Dec 10, 2008 at 4:52 am
And while such spending may be common in some businesses — it certainly is not in public non-profits. But then again, neither is purchasing alcohol.
Closer • Dec 10, 2008 at 11:52 am
And while such spending may be common in some businesses — it certainly is not in public non-profits. But then again, neither is purchasing alcohol.
Closer • Dec 10, 2008 at 4:50 am
I’m not sure how Mackee believes that lunch meetings outside of the officer were customary or normal for past executives, but its simply not true. He continues to try to cover himself and make himself look better, rather than telling the truth. Fiscal frugality of those types of expenses has been commonplace in ASI for the past five years…until Mason decided he didn’t need to do that.
Closer • Dec 10, 2008 at 11:50 am
I’m not sure how Mackee believes that lunch meetings outside of the officer were customary or normal for past executives, but its simply not true. He continues to try to cover himself and make himself look better, rather than telling the truth. Fiscal frugality of those types of expenses has been commonplace in ASI for the past five years…until Mason decided he didn’t need to do that.