KSSG Meeting - Nov 28th

Our bi-weekly KSSG meeting was very good this week.

KSG Finances
We had a wonderful presentation on KSG finances from the Office of Financial Services. The school is in the black. As tight as you feel in those classrooms, enrollment is a bit smaller as well, though on target with projections. We learned a lot about the endowment, the revenue streams and the expenses. The Kennedy School is uniquely well balanced in revenue streams - with other schools much more heavily dependent on their endowment or their tuition. All I can say is if you donate money when you're a wealthy alum, make the restrictions as minimal as possible. It's astoundingly complex managing all the gifts out there today.

KSSG Finances
Similarly, the KSSG finances are in the black. Manu's team managed 145 requests from student groups for $53,000. They handed out $23,000, with only 2 appeals. They've started the budgeting process for the Spring term. Two thirds of the student activity fee goes to club and student group activities.

American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment
I presented to the KSSG about the ACUPCC that Harvard is considering joining. This would publicly commit Harvard to going carbon neutral by the date of their choice and integrating sustainability into every student's experience. I'm recommending that KSSG ask Dean Ellwood to endorse the commitment. We discussed the issue in this meeting and next week we'll vote on it.

Committee Updates
Alex Alexander has successfully scheduled International Day on February 22nd.
Lionel is making great headway in building up an alumni network.
Taufiq asked that everyone participate in the advisor, CA and TA awards, as a positive way to improve the quality of the services.
Rachel discussed movement in the Services committee, but you can read all that in the services committee post.

When meeting minutes are available I'll post a link to them.