Student Government Association

Every student enrolled at Purdue Fort Wayne pays what is known as the “student activities fee.” This fee is apportioned between athletics, intramurals, the fitness center, and student government. 

The student government portion is allocated out each year to programs and services that enhance the student experience and/or support student success by a committee of students appointed by the student body president and chaired by the student government association vice president of finance. The committee is tasked with hearing and evaluating budget requests based on a set of criteria that prioritizes benefit to students, service to underserved populations, and demonstrated effective usage of student-fee dollars, with guidance from the student government advisor and the business manager for enrollment management and the student experience.

Any recurring, nonacademic program or service that primarily benefits students is eligible to request funds, which can be used to for program supplies, catering, printed materials, students wages, etc. Please refer to the Student Fee Manual for guidance on what can and cannot be purchased using student-fee dollars. 

Note that the following request types will not be funded through the allocations process: 

• Funds for capital improvement projects (renovations, equipment) or for one-time/non-recurring events—these requests should be made to the student government executive officers for support through the executive officer discretionary fund or the student government reserve.
• Money for individual student travel—the PFW student travel fund is fully funded by the allocations process, and all requests for student travel should be made to that fund. 
• Requests for student organization activities—student organizations must request from the student senate discretionary fund, which is funded through the allocations process.

1. The vice president of finance sends out a call for submissions in late fall. 
2. Once all submissions are received, they are reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and completeness. 
3. Requesters are invited to present to the committee. 
4. The committee deliberates and votes on a budget.
5. That budget is submitted to the student senate for approval or amendment. 
6. After the budget is approved by the student senate, it is forwarded to the student body president, the vice chancellor for student affairs, the chancellor, and the Purdue Board of Trustees, in that order, for final approval. 
7. Funding award letters are typically sent from late April to early May, and funds become available at the beginning of the new fiscal year.

The Allocations Committee uses the following criteria to review requests and determine funding awards: 

1. Student utilization: How many students are served? Are there trends in participation? 
2. Diversity: Does this program serve one type of student, or many? How does the program serve historically underrepresented or underserved populations?
3. Need: What otherwise unmet need on campus does this program meet? 
4. Purpose: What is the intent of the program? What should students expect to achieve or gain from participation? 
5. Outcomes: Does the program meet its stated goals? 
6. Assessment: How are outcomes measured? Are changes made to the program based on data collected? 
7. Budget: How is funding utilized from year to year? Does the amount requested make sense for the number of students served? Is student government the sole sponsor?

Requests should clearly articulate what the program is, how it meets the above criteria, and why it should be funded using student-fee dollars. You will be asked to provide a detailed budget, including how funds will be utilized and, if it is an established program, how funds have been used in the past. Make sure to fill out all parts of the submission form to the best of your ability. 

Finally, note that requests are for the upcoming fiscal year, not the current.

Each requester is given 15 minutes to present, followed by a 10-minute question-and-answer period. Presentations are typically held in person.

Each committee member receives and is expected to review all submissions prior to presentations, so don’t just regurgitate what’s in the request. This time is an opportunity for you to brag about your program. Talk about your successes, explain how you’ve improved or plan to improve the program, and share other details that may not be captured by your budget submission, such as student testimonials. 

PowerPoints are not required but are welcome if you feel that it will add to your presentation. 

Note: If you are uncomfortable presenting in person, please reach out to the vice president of finance and we will make arrangements for a virtual presentation.

If your department has historically received allocations funds, there is likely an established I/O number for your program. If you are not sure, please contact David Reynolds, business manager, Division of Enrollment Management and the Student Experience.

If you are a new recipient, you will need to work with Abbey Wang, coordinator of Student Leadership and the Student Government Association, to get the correct I/O number.

Funds that have not been spent are “raked” back into the student government reserve at the end of the fiscal year. Carryover of funds may be allowed on a case-by-case basis for extenuating and compelling circumstances. 

Direct any questions regarding the allocations process to the vice president of finance at [email protected], or the student government advisor at [email protected].