After implementing the student activities fee three years ago, student government will attempt tighten up its process and be more transparent with how they are going to be allocating money to student organizations this year.
In the past, organizations have been rightfully excited about what money they receive from student government. There is the possibility that your organization could get the $10,000 it requested or a mere $200. Regardless of what the organizations receive, members of organizations remain confused about for what expenses they can receive money.
The first year the budget for allocations increased, organizations didn’t request much money. But in the second year, after being told to “dream big,” nearly all of the money was allocated at the beginning of the year.
Deanna Wagner, director of Student Community and Engagement and advisor to student government, said, “We are trying to tighten up the process… the focus should have always been on student programming that is on campus or in reasonable traveling distance, like across the street.”
“We are going back to the spirit of why the fee was put on your accounts; student organizations expressed they didn’t have enough money to do big programs for campus.”
After the initial allocations early in the academic year, many organizations get frustrated with their allocations and refrain from applying for any of the special funding that is saved for the remainder of the year.
Student government is trying to hold organizations more accountable because of a problem that has persisted the past two years. Organizations have done a poor job of turning in receipts for their purchases for events. Without evidence of any purchase or activity, student government will now collect the funds allocated for that specific event and put the money back into the special allocations fund unless the organization reaches out and communicates their issues.
It has become clear that there needs to be more communication between organizations and student government. Jackie Niese, president of student government, has introduced monthly meetings for student organization presidents. The meetings will serve as a place to voice concerns and promote activity and cooperation among organizations. Organizational funding is sure to be a popular topic.
Sep. 4 is the due date for any organization requesting funds for the rest of the year. Any funding requested after that date is considered special funding and will need another application.
When writing out your request for organization funding, be as detailed as possible. Events that reach all of campus are more likely to get funded.
