Deadline approaching for ASUI funding, student organizations
It’s the beginning of the semester, but it might be the best last chance for student organizations to apply for fund reimbursement from ASUI for club activities and events.
“We do run out of money every year, and even before we can make it to our last meeting at the end of the school year,” said Robert Jenkins, ASUI Funding Board chair.
Funding Board applications are due this Friday at noon. Although it is the first application deadline of the semester, Jenkins said much of the money is apportioned by the second deadline.
“I think by the second meeting this semester — second of the three — we’ll definitely be running dry,” Jenkins said.
Student organizations can apply for funding through OrgSync and can visit ASUI’s website for a breakdown of the application and reimbursement process.
The ASUI Funding Board allocates funds to recognized student organizations for events on campus, as well as educational trips outside of Moscow, Jenkins said.
He said one of the board’s priorities is funding events on campus open to the entire student body and benefit UI student life, such as cultural nights, guest speakers and movie viewings.
Jenkins said last semester a club even used ASUI funds to rent a room and hold a viewing party of a movie they helped produce.
“Stuff that isn’t closed off to students or to the public, we definitely, definitely want to look for funding for that,” he said.
Other times, funding requests are related to travel expenses for student organizations that go to conferences or training trips. The funds can pay for anything from car rental fees to hotel costs.
In these situations, Jenkins said students gain valuable experiences outside of Moscow and are able to gain further knowledge related to their passions and future careers.
“That’s definitely a huge benefit of getting financial aid from Funding Board, to be able to travel to these places,” he said.
Out of the about 200 student organizations at UI, Jenkins estimated 70 on average apply for any kind of ASUI funding over the year.
This academic year, Jenkins said the board managed a budget of $67,000, and after the fall semester’s appropriations there is roughly $27,000 for spring. He said student organizations that plan their events in advance and apply early have a better chance at receiving funds.
The funds are given out through a reimbursement system, he said.
After funding is approved, student organizations front the cost of the expense and turn in itemized receipts for reimbursement from ASUI. Jenkins said many times faculty advisers front the cost to take the financial burden off of the club members.
The board holds three meetings a semester, one about every month and a half, to review the applications and determine whether the activities would be a sound use of ASUI funds. Although the majority of the applications are approved, Jenkins said the board could ask clubs to meet to provide a further explanation for the requested funds.
For more information visit uidaho.edu/studentaffairs/department-of-student-involvement/Student-Organizations/reimbursement
Ryan Tarinelli can be reached at [email protected]