NEWS

Student Body President Ayden Maher is trying to unite the school, but he has to do so with a budget shortfall, according to his State of the University address held on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Student Union on the Boca campus.

“We don’t know how many students are going to enroll next year, so we’re trying to keep [the cost] low so that there’s enough for the students,” said Maher.

Maher said Student Government’s budget is at $7.4 million at the moment; however, student organizations and clubs are requesting a total of $8.5 million. The money goes to different services on campus, such as the Wellness Center, Greek Life and other student activities. 

Maher said the reason the university held the address on a Saturday was to get students to show school spirit.

“I wanted to get students to the game,” Maher said.

A basketball game was played that night against FIU, with FAU winning 73-72.

The student leader got excited when he started talking about FAU’s new mascot. The mascot costume duties will come with a full-ride scholarship and will be able to be used by other clubs for things like promotions and fundraisers. However, the mascot was not revealed at the address.

“Feb. 24, you’ll be able to see it,” Maher said.