No across-the-board slashing. No downtrodden student leaders with austere budgets. No countless stream of appeals in a never-ending meeting.

Last night’s conclusion of the Student Government Association’s annual funding session was incredibly satisfying. Considering the dismay of both the Senate and the student groups after last year’s more than 20 percent in budget cuts, the funding process this semester appeased nearly everyone.

Only three student groups appealed their allotments, and the Senate was easily able to grant all of them. Seemingly, the other 39 chartered student organizations were content with their funding-quite a change from last year’s grumbling.

Surely such a favorable outcome is directly related to the increase in the student activity fee that students approved as a referendum this year. Of course, the entire funding process was skillfully managed by the SGA finance committee and Financial Vice President Dane Salazar. But, clearly, the success of last nights meeting was yet another extended “thank you” to the student body for the increased activity fee.

Now that the money is in the student organizations’ hands, these groups are responsible for some amazing programming next year. The Student Activities Board alone received more than $200,000, a copious amount that should allow for exciting concerts and other events. The Great Issues Committee is another group that can capitalize on increased funds. This year’s speaker series proved diverse and engaging, and we encourage that same level of quality and variety next year.

Smaller organizations as well will be able to expand their activities and membership, from more gear for the Outdoor Club to more band benefits for Amnesty International. To see our activity money in action, every student should strive to find a niche in some campus group. Indeed, if nothing seems enticing, SGA has already designated $16,000 in spot funding for the creation of new student groups and additional funding.

With such rosy financial circumstances, SLU can only anticipate and expect an invigorated student life next year.