Story by Taya Zoormandan

The Associated Students (AS) Senate approved funding $2,212 toward the CSUN Matador Band after more than an hour of deliberation at their meeting today in the University Student Union Grand Salon.

The finance committee had initially recommended allocating $860 to the band for upcoming events and purchasing new equipment to accommodate its growing membership.

Members of the band were in attendance and spoke during the meeting’s open forum.

“There are more instruments than there are members,” said one band member noting a lack of drums for the drum line.

The band, which frequently performs at various on-campus athletic events, said the funds would help them appear more professional and foster a sense of school pride.

Senate members discussed an appropriate amount to fund the band until unanimously agreeing to amend the finance committee’s proposed amount to the band’s full $2,212 request.

David Crandall, AS general manager, also noted the actions taken to stop further fraternity and sorority pledging activities on campus to prevent hazing. In the midst of the death of Armando Villa, a CSUN student who was hazed during a hiking trip with fraternity members, activities in the campus’ Greek system have been increasingly scrutinized.

“Our overall goal is to strengthen the Greek cultures, not to stop them,” Crandall said.

Measures to establish new traditions are currently being devised to ensure the safety and well-being of campus Greek life.

AS also recognized the appointment of Andy Cao as associate justice during the meeting’s new business discussion. Cao, a business administration major with a minor in business law, said he is eager to serve AS and the students in his new role.

The next AS Senate meeting will take place at 9 a.m. in the Grand Salon of the USU.