The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Senate allocated money freely last night after being notified that their budget had been updated with funds previously tied up in paperwork and technicalities.

The Senate allocated $3,515, including $2,000 for USG's Coaches vs. Cancer philanthropy and $750 for the Penn State-Michigan State Blood Donor Challenge.

USG's budget, most of which comes from University Park Allocation Committee (UPAC) and Associated Student Activities money, had been dangerously low for two weeks. Until the money was deposited in USG's account, more funds were allocated than were actually in the account, creating a temporary budget deficit situation for the body.

Last week, the financial situation caused the Senate to deny funding to the USG Supreme Court and the philanthropy legislation was postponed until this week.

USG Treasurer Amy McKiernan said the final UPAC funds amounted to $8,866.32; USG's total budget is $6,092.23.

Although USG is now out of the red, South Halls Sen. Andy Banducci still urged senators to use caution when allocating money.

"We spent over $3,500 tonight. [We should] consider how much we're spending and the current rate at which we're spending," he said.

South Halls Sen. Ace Ekhtiarzadeh also expressed concern that the sudden increase in funds would cause hasty spending.

"I'm worried that because we have a lot of money, we're more willing to spend now, and money [we need] won't be there later," he said.

Senate President Erin Ferris said she was not worried about giving out money too quickly and later urged concerned senators to plan fund-raisers.

Four more senate seats were vacated because of resignations this week, bringing the semester total to 14 resignations, including the resignation of the Senate president on Sept. 2.

Adam Kennett, Kelly Ross, Katie Shade and Katie Greenleaf, all town senators, decided to resign from the Senate this week for personal reasons, including health and academics, Ferris said.

There were only 11 resignations last year, but Ferris seemed unconcerned about the increase. Unexpected situations arise that can't be anticipated when senators are elected to office in April, she said.

She added that senators who resign are acting responsibly because they avoid neglecting their duties when the sudden circumstances arise.

East Halls Sen. Irene McKenna asked Ferris if there was any way to make it harder for senators to resign.

"I can't force someone to stay," she said. "Some things are unavoidable."

The previous 10 vacancies have been filled, and Ferris said she would begin advertising the four open town senate seats this week. The Senate will operate with 23 members instead of 27 until the former senators are replaced.