What about money?

Ah, the age old question. It's hard to do anything without money, but there are plenty of rules and regulations that you must be aware of.

NOTE: All of these procedures apply to Senate recognized organizations only! If you are a graduate organization recognized by GSA, please contact GSA for information on how to receive funding.

Q: So, how do we go about getting money?
A: There are two ways to receive funding from Student Government: funded recognition and special allocations.

Q: What's the difference between the two?
A: Funded recognition involves an organization submitting a budget and receiving a yearly subsidy. Special allocations are one-time subsidies for special events and outstanding circumstances. Senate itself can only authorize special allocations. Yearly budget subsidies for funded organizations must go through the Joint Funding Committee (JFC) and be approved by both Senate and GSA.

Q: Who can receive special allocations?
A: Any Senate recognized organization, whether funded or non-funded, can receive a special allocation.

Q: Who can receive funded recognition?
A: Senate will not grant funded recognition to academic, political or religious organizations, or to any exclusive organization which violates the University's Statement of Assurances. Any other organization may request funded status.

Q: What restrictions are there on special allocations?
A: Plenty. This is just a summary, please be sure to review Senate's Fiscal Policy.

Senate will not provide funding for:

Student Salaries
Alcohol

Organizations may request funds in the following categories, but it requires a 3/4 approval of Senate:

Transportation
Travel Expenses
Outside membership dues
Taxes
Coaching Expenses
Management and consulting fees
Subscriptions
Food and non-alcoholic beverages
Leasing of off-campus facilities

All groups receiving funding may be required to provide a portion of their budget from supplementary income.
Reimbursments to organizations for expenses incurred will not exceed $50, and an organization may only receive reimbursments up to five (5) times in any one (1) academic year, except at the discretion of the Funding and Recognition Committee.

No donation may be made until the loan to Student Senate is paid in full
If the event does not raise enough money to repay the loan, the organization will be required to repay the full amount through the use of supplementary income
Senate will not loan money unless reasonable assurances can be made that the event will raise enough money to repay the loan
Senate will only loan money with a recommendation from the Funding and Recognition Committee
Events which are discriminatory will not receive funding

Q: What if we want to purchase equipment?
A: All equipment purchased in whole or in part with Student Government funds are the property of Student Government. All plans to sell equipment must be approved by the Funding and Recognition Committee.

Q: What happens if we break the rules?
A: Don't. Senate may impose the following restrictions or punitive actions against organizations which violate Fiscal Policy:

Impoundment of Senate allocated funds and equipment
Probation. Organizations placed on probation must:

have all events approved by the Executive Committee of Student Senate
be subject to audit without notice by the Executive Committee of Student Senate
be required to provide Senate with an active membership list, and provide updates as changes occur
Organizations which violate Fiscal Policy while on probation will:

have it's recognition suspended pending an investigation
have it's recognition reviewed by Senate within 4 weeks

Suspension of recognition
Change in recognition status (i.e. - from funded to non-funded)
Warning (for first or minor offenses)

Q: So, again, how do we get this money?
A: If you wish to receive a special allocation, you must contact the Funding and Recognition Committee. They will schedule a time for you to present your request to the Committee. Please have detailed information regarding what the allocation is for, and any supplemental sources of income you have available. If F&R approves your request, it will be presented at the next scheduled Senate meeting.

A: If you wish to receive funded recognition (i.e. - you are not currently recognized as funded), again you must contact the Funding and Recognition Committee. Be aware that newly recognized funded groups are restricted to $500 in subsidy their first year.

A: If you are currently funded and wish to apply for a subsidy, you must present a budget proposal to the Joint Funding Committee (JFC). Please contact the Student Body Treasurer, David Liber, on the proper procedure. You should receive a yearly budget packet with information and the paperwork required.