The Student Government Association Finance Board, led by the Comptroller, is responsible for managing, delegating, and auditing the usage of the student activity fee. With a maximum of 12 members, the board meets weekly to discuss the allocations of funds through Special Programming, Advanced Allocations, and non-RSO forms. Members vote on the budgets submitted through these processes and audit the organizations that request funds to ensure proper usage of these resources. These members are elected by the Student Government Association Assembly to serve annual terms. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are currently open. If you want to join the Finance Board, below are the general requirements.
- 40 undergraduate signatures
- 1 letter of intent stating why you are interested in joining and what you will contribute to the Finance Board
For those interested in apply, review the Finance Board Information Sheet.
The Comptroller is a returning Undergraduate student that is an executive officer of Student Government Association. They are responsible for overseeing all fiscal processes using the Student Activity Fee and management of the Finance Board. The Comptroller has independent authority over forms including the Contingency form and the Expenditure form.
The Comptroller serves as a non-voting leader regarding Special Programming, Advanced Allocations, and the Non-RSO form. This individual is also in charge of the fiscal agent training sessions, the Advanced Allocations hearings, and any information regarding the Student Activity Fee. Like other executive officers, the Comptroller is elected by the Undergraduate Student Body in the Spring elections and has an annual term. If you are interested in running for the position of Comptroller, below are the requirements.
- 300 undergraduate signatures
- 1 page letter of intent
- Participating in the executive debate
More information will be sent in February regarding executive positions to all Undergraduates syr.edu emails.
Ryan Bouchey – Comptroller
For Recognized Student Organizations
Special Programming
- The initial submission deadline for the fall semester will be announced at a later date. After that, funding requests will be accepted on a rolling basis with bi-weekly submission deadlines on Fridays at 11:59 a.m., continuing until all available funds have been exhausted. Please note that requests submitted through this form should be for programming and events taking place during the semester in which the funding is being requested.
- Apply for all event needs through one form. See examples below of items that fall into this category. The Finance Board will consider requests within reason and relevance for the success of your event.
- Space rentals
- Artist/Speaker Fees
- Conference Registration
- Catering
- Decorations/Event Supplies
- Transportation
Contingency Request Form
- Use this form only when the cost of a previously funded budget/line item has increased, or there is an unexpected cost now added to your budget.
Expenditure Request Form
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- Use this form when requesting to move funds from already funded budgets, or to spend miscellaneous funds.
Advanced Allocations
- The Advanced Allocation application opens one time per semester and is designated to be used for items that will be utilized in the following semester. All funding requests approved through Advanced Allocations are final and more funding will not be allocated for the same order or event in the following semester.
- All requests including contracts over $1000.00 must be submitted through the Advanced Allocations submission process.
- All requests totaling $20,000.00 or more must be submitted through the Advanced Allocations submission process.
General Funding Questions
Who can receive Student Activity Fee funding?
Any recognized student organization (RSO) in good standing with Student Engagement may apply for funding. Religious organizations must also be in good standing with Hendricks Chapel, and Greek organizations must be in good standing with Greek Life.
Can individual students receive funding?
No. Independent students and non-RSO organizations are not eligible for Student Activity Fee funding.
Can University departments receive funding?
No. SGA does not fund University departments except where specifically authorized in the bylaws.
Do we need a Fiscal Agent?
Yes. Every organization must have at least one and no more than two Fiscal Agents. Fiscal Agents are the only officer position that is eligible to submit budget requests.
What does a Fiscal Agent do?
Fiscal Agents:
- Submit budgets and funding requests
- Attend Fiscal Agent Training
- Maintain financial records
- Ensure compliance with SGA financial policies
- Serve as the organization’s financial representative
Fiscal Agent Training is required of all organizations interested in requesting funding from the Student Government Association Finance Board.
The Fiscal Agent of each student organization is required to attend one session to qualify for funding.
Sign up for a Fundraising Link!
Submit this form if your RSO is interested in fundraising. Once the submission is received, a link specific to your RSO will be generated. This link will be connected directly to your funding account affiliated with the Student Engagement office and can be shared and displayed as a way to collect funds. This is the only endorsed method of fundraising for RSOs registered under the Student Engagement office.
Access the RSO Fundraising Page Here!
Looking to give back to a RSO at Syracuse University? Visit the RSO Fundraising Page to find links to individual RSOs that are actively seeking donations!
Fall Semester Allocation
- Special Programming Budget Request Form: Opens Monday, 8/24 at 11:59 a.m.
- Submission Deadline: Fridays at 11:59 a.m.
- Reviewed at 4:30 p.m. during the Finance Board Meeting
- Presented on following Monday to Student Association
- Budgets submissions will not be reviewed during University scheduled breaks.
- Semester Allocations Tentative Close Date: November 13th at 11:59 a.m.
Fall Advanced Allocations
- Opens: To be determined
- Closes: To be determined
- Hearing dates and times will be available soon.
- First Assembly vote occurs on TBD
Tier Changes
- Opens TBD
- Closes TBD
What do I need before submitting a budget request?
You must have:
- Event Submission Form completed
- Proof of costs
- Vendor quotes
- Proof of space
- ETS/Facilities estimate (if applicable)
What counts as proof of space?
Acceptable examples include:
- Confirmed space reservation
- Reservation email
- Vendor contract
- Space/ETS quote
- Facilities estimate
- Barnes Center reservation
Do I need a hearing?
Advanced Allocations: Yes
Special Programming: Optional
**Failure to attend an Advanced Allocations hearing may result in disqualification from the first round of funding deliberations.
What Can SGA Fund?
Eligible expenses include:
- Room rental fees
- Artist and speaker fees
- DJ fees
- Attractions
- Event supplies
- Educational conferences
- Competition registration
- Transportation (within limits)
- Media rights
- Campus Catering
What Cannot Be Funded?
SGA cannot fund:
- Scholarships
- Payments to Syracuse University students
- Personal purchases
- Closed-member events
- Political candidates
- Non-RSO organizations
- Clothing for general membership
- Organizational merchandise (except limited Core Organization exceptions)
- Giveaways
- Raffles
- Prizes
- Gift cards
- Books and magazines (generally)
- Duplicate events already funded elsewhere
When will I hear about my Semester Allocations decisions?
Review the Semester Allocations timeline below.
How can I view funding decisions?
Funding decisions can be viewed in your organization’s ‘Cuse Activities portal under the Finance section and are also publicly announced during SGA meetings.
Quick Reminders
- Track attendance in ‘Cuse Activities
- Attend Fiscal Agent Training
- Keep receipts and documentation
- Submit funding requests on time
- Obtain quotes before applying
- Keep events open to all undergraduates
- Get approval before spending money
- Ask questions early
When in doubt, contact your RSO Consultant or the SGA Comptroller before making a purchase or commitment.
Visit the links below when planning your event or program.