Student groups, faculty and staff can request funding for programs from the Student Activity Fee committee.
To apply for Student Activity Fee funds, fill out the application.
Frequently asked questions
Who Can Request Student Fee Funds:
Students: Individual students or student groups can submit proposals for funding.
Faculty: Faculty members can also submit proposals if their program benefits students.
Staff Members: Staff can submit funding requests if the program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students.
Key Proposal Requirements:
Open to All Students: The program must be open to all undergraduate and graduate students in order to qualify for funding.
Benefit to Campus and Students: The proposal must explain how the program will benefit the campus and its students. It should describe the impact on the student body and how it will enhance the out-of-class experience for participants.
Marketing Plan: The proposal must outline how the program will be marketed to ensure that students know about it and can participate.
Review and Approval:
Allocation Committee Review: The proposals are reviewed by the Allocation Committee, which decides how much funding will be granted—whether in full or in part—based on University guidelines and the potential impact of the program.
This ensures that the funds are used for programs that provide a broad benefit to the student body and enhance the overall student experience.
Eligible Uses for Student Fee Funds:
Student Fee funds are primarily designed to enhance the campus experience for all students by supporting a range of activities and infrastructure improvements, with an emphasis on inclusivity, wellness, and student development.
One-Time Programs:
These programs may or may not be repeated in the future, but they provide a unique experience or opportunity for students.
Equipment Purchases:
Furniture: For student spaces, offices, lounges, etc.
Computers: Purchase of technology needed for student use.
Other Equipment: Any resources needed to enhance student activities or services, such as audiovisual equipment for events.
Upgrades to Student Facilities:
Student Lounges: Enhancements to spaces where students gather and relax.
Fitness Rooms: Upgrading or improving workout facilities available to students.
Student Offices: Renovations or upgrades to spaces used by student organizations or leaders.
Series or Ongoing Programs:
Lecture or Speaker Series: Funds can be used for events that bring in speakers or provide educational content to the student body on an ongoing basis.
Ongoing Student Programs: Support for programs that continue over time, providing long-term benefits to the student body.
Sports Support:
Intramural Sports: Funds can support intramural athletics and related activities.
Varsity Sports: Financial support for varsity-level athletic programs.
Wages for Officials: Payment for officials or referees for athletics, ensuring that sporting events run smoothly.
Diversity Programming:
Women’s Groups: Supporting events or programs for women on campus.
LGBTQ+ Community: Funding for initiatives supporting the LGBTA community.
Ethnic Organizations: Programs or events organized by ethnic or cultural groups to foster inclusivity and representation.
Special Programming for Disabled Students: Supporting initiatives for students who are physically, mentally, or visually challenged.
Things to consider before you begin a proposal
When preparing a proposal for Student Fee funding, it's important to consider several factors that will impact the approval process. Here's a checklist of key elements to keep in mind before submitting a proposal:
1. Publicity Costs:
Ensure you account for any expenses related to advertising or promoting the event or program. This could include posters, flyers, digital ads, and other forms of outreach to make sure students are aware of the event.
2. Contract Costs:
If your proposal includes bringing in a speaker or performer, include all related costs, such as travel (airfare, transportation) and hotel accommodations.
Speaker/Performance Fees: You must provide a written quote that includes all expenses related to the speaker/performer.
For DJ expenses, include a written quote from the DJ with all costs specified.
All contracts with speakers or performers must go through the Office of Student Affairs, so be sure to follow the proper procedures for contract management.
3. Food Costs:
Vendor Quotes: Any food requests need to be accompanied by a written quote from the vendor. This includes catering or food delivery services.
Housing and Food Services: If you're using Housing and Food Services for snacks or small items, request an estimate from them (available on their website).
Ensure the food costs are well-documented to prevent any delays in the approval process.
4. Conference Costs:
Target Audience: Clearly explain who will benefit from the conference—whether it's for individual students or the campus as a whole. The proposal should focus on how the entire student body or the campus community will benefit from the funding.
Conference Materials: Attach materials from the conference’s website, such as the conference brochure or event description. This helps the Allocation Committee understand the value of the conference.
Standard Funding Guidelines:
Registration fees should be per student, included as part of the conference cost.
The proposal must include a description of the conference (such as from the conference’s website, brochure, etc.).
Funding is awarded based on a competitive process, so your proposal should stand out in terms of its benefits to students and the campus.
5. Lodging Considerations for Conferences:
Lodging Costs: When requesting funds for lodging, ensure that the intent is to book one room for females and one for males attending the conference.
Include any relevant information about lodging to make sure the committee understands the full scope of your request.
When preparing your proposal, it’s essential to gather all the necessary documentation, including quotes for speakers, vendors, food, and lodging. Clearly outline how the event, speaker, or conference will benefit the student body or campus as a whole. Make sure to follow all procedural requirements, such as working through the Office of Student Affairs for contracts and including all relevant materials in your proposal.
Key Restriction:
Academic Credit: Any activity or program that is part of a course curriculum and contributes to earning academic credit cannot be funded by the Student Fee.
Essential Component of a Class: If participation in an event or activity is necessary for a student to pass or succeed in a course (such as required field trips, lab activities, or class-related workshops), it is not eligible for funding.
Grade Impact: If failure to attend or participate in an event or activity would negatively affect a student's grade or academic standing, then the event is not eligible for funding.
What This Means:
The Student Fee is intended for co-curricular activities and programs that enhance the student experience outside the classroom, but not for things that are tied directly to academic requirements or credit.
Your Student Fee is always at work for you!
If you want to learn more about the Student Fee and how it benefits you, or if you have specific questions about the funding process, you can reach out to the following contacts:
Andy Puleo, Interim Director of Student Affairs & Engagement
Jill Bender, Student Affairs Coordiator