The Presidential Leadership Initiative program, initiated by Vice President for Student Affairs Tom Theilen, would compensate some student organization leaders. The proposed $1 million leadership fund would provide $50,000 to individuals each year.

First of all, it is virtually impossible to allocate the fund fairly. How does a committee choose between applicants who each devote hours every week to their respective activities? An endless number of students, including athletes, music and theatre performers or college council presidents are qualified to receive the funding.

According to Theilen, there are few restrictions on who can apply. If the fund was distributed equally amongst all qualified students, they might receive an “initiative” of about $5 each.

Most campus leadership positions are voluntary. And the benefits lie in the value of experience rather than the monetary return.

In addition, it is possible to have a job while holding a campus leadership position. A valuable part of college is learning time management-balancing academics, activities and work.

ISU students who truly want to give their time to a campus organization will do so without financial incentives. And students applying for positions because of monetary incentives are probably not the leaders we want on campus, anyway.