Please read the contents thoroughly! Registered student groups at Lincoln Land Community College have the opportunity to apply for Student Activity Fee funding each fiscal year. Per Board procedure 5.32, student groups are categorized as followsOrganizations-A student organization is a group that serves an institution wide significant function to the college community (currently defined as Student Government Association, The Lamp, and Logger Activities Board). Teams-A student team is a group that participates in academic competitions on an intercollegiate level. Clubs-A student club is a group that is formed around a common interest. The Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee (SAFAC) is responsible for recommending the distribution of Student Activity Fee funds to the Student Government Association. The SAFAC is chaired by the Treasurer of the Student Government Association (SGA). In addition to the Treasurer, there are four members of the committee. These members are appointed by the SGA and include two SGA members and two students that are not affiliated with the SGA. The committee is advised by the Director of Student Life and a representative from the Budget Office. Upon approval from the Student Government Association, the Student Activity Fee budget is forwarded to the LLCC Board of Trustees for final approval.
Where does the Student Activity Fee money come from? Currently, each Lincoln Land Community College student pays an Activity Fee of $2.00 per credit hour that is dedicated to providing co-curricular programs.
What is the Student Activity Fee money used for? Co-curricular programs and services supported by Student Activity Fee funds have included: Campus Activities for main campus and educational service areas, Recognized Student Groups, Logger Activities Board, Student Life Office, Student Government Association, Logger Lair and The Lamp student newspaper.
Is there a limit to the resources? Yes, the SAFAC is limited by the total amount of money collected in a given academic year.
Does every student group receive funding? Due to the amount of requests the SAFAC receives and the departments and organizations that rely on SAF funding, it is not guaranteed that each student group will receive the total amount requested through the application process. The SAFAC is required to allocate funds in a viewpoint-neutral process. The Court in the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System v. Southworth ruled that a public 1
institution may charge its students an activity fee to facilitate extracurricular student speech, provided that it is viewpoint neutral in its allocation decisions. Therefore, SAFAC may not consider the length of time a student group has existed or the amount of any previous allocations in its decision-making. The purpose of collecting a Student Activity Fee is to enhance and support student development by creating an environment in which there are diverse opportunities to become involved in a range of programs and activities. The existence of student groups is vital to creating this environment.
What student groups are eligible to apply for Student Activity Fee funding? Eligible groups are defined as those that: Are currently registered with the Student Life Office meaning there is a current Club/Organization Registration Form and constitution on file with the Student Life Office Have an advisor recognized by the Student Life Office Have attended 75% of the Student Leadership Series sessions in the current academic year* Have responsibly utilized any previous Student Activity Fee funding allocations. Have met all obligations as a previously funded student group (if applicable). *This requirement may be waived for student groups that were founded in the current academic year.
What are the steps involved in submitting a funding request form? The Funding Request Form must be turned into the Student Life Office by 5 PM on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. Late requests will NOT be accepted. When you drop off your form, you must sign up for a time for representatives of your group or department to meet with the SAFAC. At the meeting, you will have ten minutes to present your group or department’s budget to the SAFAC and answer any relevant questions of SAFAC members.
How do we establish a budget? There are several things to consider when creating a budget. The budget can include expenses for all purchases that the group or department would like to make in the next academic year. These items should be presented in line item fashion. Many times, grouping or subtotaling similar items can help the budget look more organized (i.e. programs, publicity, supplies, travel, etc.). Remember to put a final total at the end of the budget. A thoughtful and organized budget is imperative.
What factors will the SAFAC consider when allocating funds? The SAFAC will be considering the following factors for student groups and departments: a. The total amount of money available b. The benefit to the student body c. Demonstrated fiscal responsibility 2
The SAFAC will also consider the following in relation to funding student clubs and teams: d. The benefit of the group to its members e. Previous fundraising efforts f. Compliance with eligibility requirements
What happens after the committee makes its funding decisions? Once your group or department’s allocated funds have been determined, a letter will be placed in the group’s mailbox in the Student Life Office or sent through campus mail to the department budget manager. Your group or department’s allocated funds will be transferred to the specified account in the LLCC Business Office at the beginning of the fall semester. DO NOT begin to spend money until it has been deposited into the account.
What are the requirements after receiving Student Activity Fee funds? Student groups receiving Student Activity Fee funds for the 2014-2015 academic year must: a. Complete an Officer Training Session in the Fall 2014 semester. b. Operate in accordance with LLCC policies and procedures.
What is inappropriate usage of Student Activity Fee funds? Student Activity Fee funds may NOT be requested for the following: Payment for advisors or coaches of student groups Financial support for political parties or individual candidates Contributions to any private person, group, association, or business except for goods and services rendered Purchase of alcohol Purchase of classroom furniture and/or equipment Purchases not deemed appropriate as defined by LLCC policies and procedures
3
Student Group or Department Name: ______________________________________________ Student Group Officers:
_________________________
__________________________
_________________________
__________________________
_________________________
__________________________
Student Group Advisor or Department Budget Manager:
_____________________________
Name of Person Preparing and Submitting Request Form: __________________________
Please attach the following documentation: A. B. C. D.
Statement of purpose (i.e. mission statement) Description of the benefit to the LLCC student body Description of activities in the current academic year (student groups should include any service to the community and/or college) Itemized proposed budget for the 2014-2015 academic year
Student clubs and teams should also address: E. Description of the benefit of the group to its membership F. Description of any past fundraising efforts G. Extenuating circumstances if the group has not met eligibility requirements
Total Amount Requested: ____________________ Does your group receive any financial support from another college department? Yes
No
If so, which one? ____________________________________________ Signature: ___________________________________________________
FORMS ARE DUE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 BY 5:00 p.m. TO THE STUDENT LIFE OFFICE 4
