Eligibility & Criteria - For Spring 2023 Requests

Eligibility

  1. Only registered student organizations classified as Campus Life Programs (CLPs) in good standing for a minimum of two consecutive years, or recognized University departments are eligible.
  2. Partisan political organizations, those affiliated with a registered political party or which are formed for the purpose of supporting a political party, are not eligible for the student service fee.
  3. CLPs and departments must send a minimum of two members to one of the mandatory SSF Information/Training Sessions - one of whom must be the advisor (for student organizations). Identical information sessions will occur on two dates, and organizations may send as many members as they like. Mandatory Session for the 2023 SSF process will occur: the week of January 9th, 2023.  This session will be recorded for those unable to attend in person.
    Earlier is better - organizations should try to come to the first session if possible. Organizations who miss the sessions will be ineligible to request funding for 2023-2024.
  4. The CLP or department must accurately complete the application by the posted deadline and fully participate in the identified fees process.
  5. The CLP or department must use the University's EFS system to manage and dispense funds and must comply with all University policies and procedures.
  6. The CLP or department must demonstrate expenditures in general compliance with submitted budgets.
  7. All budgets and financial records must be available for SSFC inspection.
  8. The CLP or department may not receive funds from both SSFC and Student Association Student Organization Grants (SOG).
  9. The Student Service Fees shall not be used to fund courses or activities for which academic credit is offered within a department, where credit is the primary focus of the course.

Review and Hearing

  1. All meetings are open to the campus community to observe. Those in attendance may be asked to answer questions as needed.
  2. Departments and CLPs must make annual budget proposals to SSFC, and will receive annual allocations.
  3. After annual allocations have been approved by committee, any deficit from income for CLPs and departments as a result of less than anticipated enrollment may be covered by reserves. The VCSL will review the reserve balance to determine whether this is possible. Any excess income as a result of greater than anticipated enrollment will go to the reserves.
  4. Budget proposals for the three single-unit fees must be reviewed with the Vice Chancellor with oversight of the unit before presentation to SSFC. Budget proposals for the three single-unit fees will be reviewed by SSFC in a separate presentation process.
  5. Organizations/units will be notified at least one week before the scheduled presentation. The presentation date will be Saturday, February 11, 2023. The presentation schedule will be announced in early February.
  6. Presentations will include an overview of the organization, proposed budget, and how funding criteria are met. SSFC will have the opportunity to ask questions. 
  7. SSFC may request additional information. This request should come within two weeks of the initial presentation with a response expected within one week.
  8. Final deliberations will be conducted no later than March with recommendations to the Chancellor by mid-March.
  9. All decisions will be made from a viewpoint neutral position.
  10. Decisions will be by paper ballot at meetings where a quorum is present, and of those present, more than 50% are students.
  11. All organizations/units will be notified at the same time and be given a minimum of one week to appeal the decision in writing.

Funding Criteria 
The organization or department:

  1. Must provide specific, identifiable developmental benefits and services to students.
  2. Must provide achievable, measurable and affordable objectives, and a need for SSF funding to achieve objectives.
  3. Must follow written governing guidelines.
  4. Accessibility to students. Fee-supported services must be available to all students. SSFC will consider whether the services target to a large number of students, or if the services are very specific. SSFC will also consider:
    1. Organization officer/board participation
    2. Does the organization hold regular meetings?
    3. Do students have significant input into the budget process?
    4. Did the organization as a whole approve the budget and SSF proposal?
  5. Fiscal responsibility. All units and organizations must submit budgets using templates designed by SSFC, and provide any background information that would provide details about summary items used in the budget proposal. In review of proposals, SSFC will ask questions such as:
    1. Does the organization's proposal show a balanced budget?
    2. If applicable, does the organization have a plan for debt reduction/expenditures?
    3. Does the proposal have credibility?
    4. Are prior years' expenses in line with their budget?
    5. Is the budget presentation clear?
    6. What are other sources of revenue? Ex: user/member fees, in-kind, facility charges
  6. Contribution to cultural diversity.
    1. Does the organization make attempts to reach a broad audience?
    2. What specific programs/events/services are marketed to a diverse population?
    3. Does the organization actively contribute to helping create an inclusive campus environment?
  7. Value to student body.
    1. Does the organization contribute to the total campus life environment?
    2. What personal benefits do students derive from the use of their fees?
  8. Quality of services.
    1. What does the organization do to assess and improve the quality of service to students?
    2. Uniqueness of opportunities/services.