Filing for student organization appropriations funds has been open since Aug. 26, but only two organizations have completed their applications as the Sept. 15 deadline approaches.
Student Government, which oversees the appropriations process, has $68,670 to disburse to Student Organization Resource Center groups this semester compared to about $89,000 that was available all of last year. The additional funds come from an increase in student fees.
But while there is more money to be distributed, Student Senate Pro Tempore Jackie Smith said it’s important that groups not wait until the last minute to file.
“It’s bad because we cannot help them,” Smith said. “We need to help them.”
Mistakes that could be caught early in the process and fixed could be more difficult to assist with later in the process, which could cost groups time and money. It makes the process easier when groups file early, Student Body Treasurer Elmo Lamm said.
“If they submit it earlier they can have everything done,” Lamm said. “It will run smoother for both sides.”
When mistakes are discovered late in the process, Lamm said groups are given limited time to fix them, while there are lots of resources to help them now, from help sessions to consultations with him.
“My office has been open for consultations,” Lamm said. “And I’ve had very few.
Smith said the help sessions haven’t had many attendees either as the session Sept. 3 had just three groups represented.
Groups that applied for funds last year may be able to get more this semester because of the additional money the committee has, but Lamm said not all groups will get everything they request.
Another problem that could prevent groups from receiving funds is if the organization fails to turn in its receipts from last year. Lamm said if there are any issues getting receipts together to call his office as soon as possible to take care of it. Only 17 groups have returned receipts on funds received last semester of 129 organizations that received funds.
Former Appropriations Committee Chair and Student Senate President Kelli Rogers said the appropriations process is the best way for SG to reach out to students.
“Appropriations is the biggest way that Student Government directly affects students across campus,” Rogers said, though she said late filers complicate the process. “That’s the most frustrating part with working with appropriations. No matter how much you advertise, groups wait until the last second to file. Last year we had 50 requests filed in the last hour of the system being open.”
Still, Rogers said student organizations by their very nature, need more assistance.
“They have a lot of turnover in their leadership,” Rogers said. “We really need more resources on campus to help students organizations with continuity so this process is easier on them year after year.”
