Most students know the Student Government Association (SGA) funds campus events, such as Simpson’s famous bingo, but few understand how that money actually moves. Behind every club giveaway or organization request is a budget system that relies on student fees, budget approvals and structured rules.
So, how does it all work? The SGA budget is entirely funded by the student activity fee. At the beginning of each semester, every student pays a $206 student government activity fee.
SGA funds are only for student clubs and organizations.
According to Steven Strope, the advisor for SGA, the budget isn’t controlled by campus administration.
“It is not college money. The college cannot use it for other projects without the student government’s sign-off,” Strope said.
Whether a club needs $50 for snacks or $1,000 for travel, every dollar starts with the student activity fee. This fee allows for more frequent and higher-quality student events and support for the various clubs on campus.
“In comparison to other institutions in Iowa, our student activities fee is pretty robust,” Strope said.
Despite tuition increasing annually due to inflation, the student activities fee has remained unchanged in recent years.
SGA allocates the money they receive out to the student organizations and clubs who request funds. Once a student organization requests funds, a member of the executive team attends a Financial Advisory Committee meeting to explain their request.
If the budget request for a club is under $500, it is reviewed and voted on directly by SGA’s Financial Advisory Committee.
However, if the request exceeds $500, it is reviewed by the Financial Advisory Committee and voted on by the entire SGA senate.
Ava Carnes, Junior Class President, is the chair of SGA’s Financial Advisory Committee.
“Once you reach over that $500 threshold, we’re getting into a more serious amount of money. We’re just making sure clubs are using it wisely so that everybody can benefit,” Carnes said.
For example, CAB, one of the larger organizations on campus, must plan its budget for each semester and present it to the SGA for approval.
“There’s maybe a misconception that some of the larger institutional issues, like housing or food quality, could be solved with SGA money. The funds we receive are from the student activity fee — we use them for student activities,” Carnes said.
SGA also uses money from the fee to fund campus improvement projects, such as feminine hygiene products in bathrooms around campus, the Dunn Library patio and the new hammock stands near the patio.
While the system is structured, it isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Carnes says most requests are approved as long as there’s a clear purpose.
“You just have to say what you need, why you need it, and how it benefits students,” she said. “We’re not trying to deny people — we want clubs to use the money.”
At the end of the day, the SGA budget is money students already pay for, waiting to be used. Whether it’s a new club trying to get started or an established organization planning its next big event, the funds are there.
To request funds for a student run club or organization, either go through Modern Campus Involve or email Ava Carnes directly.
