Ilyse Kramer Guest Writer

The Vassar Student Associaton (VSA) Council recently unanimously voted to reauthorize Vassar’s ski team as a VSA funded organization. In February 2004, the VSA revoked the ski team’s funding due to financial problems and inappropriate behavior at the Battleground Hotel in Mad River, Vermont during a ski trip.

The ski team made efforts to reform themselves over the past year, which culminated in their reauthorization. “It was a team effort,” said ski team treasurer Dan Schwarz ’05. “We really pulled together and accomplished a lot.”

According to the VSA Organizational By-Laws, an authorized organization “is able to receive budgeted funds from the VSA, as well as continue to enjoy all privileges previously granted to it as a recognized organization.”

Organizations are expected to fund-raise, increase membership, and sponsor events. Authorization occurs after a group has been recognized. Recognized organizations cannot receive budgeting, but can apply for special funds and reserve spaces for VSA organizations.

This year, the team participated in every scheduled race of the season. They also raised over $13,000 in seven months through two car washes, t-shirts sales, a letter campaign, private donations, and corporate sponsorship. The team is also drafting a “Vassar College Ski Team Leadership Manual” that describes the basic responsibilities and duties of the ski team.

Future plans include working with campus groups such as the Vassar Outing Club and the Snowboard Club to organize winter sports-themed events. Also, according to Schwarz, the team has “become close to the Marist ski team over the past year and we have discussed co-hosting Hudson Valley midwinter sporting events.”

Members of the VSA Council were impressed with the ski team’s efforts.

“I know the captains of the ski team quite well. The ski team is in very capable hands this year,” said VSA President Joe Wildfire ’05. “From reading recent facts about the reauthorization and dollars that they have raised privately, [it is clear that] the leadership structure and finance have all been updated.”