Once recognized by SGA, clubs and organizations are eligible to request monies through the SGA Treasurer. Funding allows members to enhance their club or organization in many ways. They may use the money to attend a conference, bring in a speaker, purchase items, or have food at their meetings. New clubs will not have access to a budget until they have been active for at least one year. Should a new club need financial assistance, they may seek the support of other clubs or approach the SGA Treasurer for funds, who will then present the request to the Senate.
The amount of funding an existing club or organization receives is determined by the SGA in the Spring of each year. Once funds are distributed, clubs and organizations are responsible for maintaining their budget and any expenses/paper work that that needs to be processed. It is the responsibility of the SGA treasurer to assist any club or organization that may need help with this process.
The more active a club or organization, the more funding the are likely to receive. Money appropriated to clubs and organizations is based upon the following criteria:
1. Club Membership/Participation
The number of consistent members a club has as well as the number of active nonmembers who participate in the activities of a club will be taken into consideration when funds are distributed. For example, clubs and organizations such as the Student Activities Council (SAC), the Beacon and WJJW receive larger amounts of funding because they serve a larger number of students.
2. Club Activity
Clubs that are active on campus, sponsor major campus events and hold sufficient and consistent meetings to organize and plan those events will receive more funding than those that do not. The number of activities and events a club holds per semester will heavily weigh in how much funding that particular club receives, which is why it is critical that they keep the Coordinating Vice President informed of all their events. Past performance also plays greatly in how much money a club or organization will receive.
3. Adhering to Constitutional Provisions
All clubs and organizations will be accountable to both their individual constitution and SGA's. Those clubs and organizations that do not follow the constitutions or guidelines may have their budgets frozen.
4. Maintaining Communication
Clubs and organizations that maintain an open line of communication between their club and the SGA will fare best in regards to funding. Since SGA is responsible for distributing funds, it is critical that they are kept aware of all activities. Meeting minutes, copies of event advertisements and any other relevant information should be given to the Coordinating Vice President's mailbox.
To maintain recognition within SGA and receive funding, there are certain requirements each club or organization must follow. They must:
1. Send its president and treasurer to one finance meeting held each semester with the SGA Budget Finance Committee as well as any other mandated SGA club and organization meeting or workshop.
2. Keep and submit, to the SGA email SGA@mcla.edu, a record of all meeting agendas and minutes.
3. Follow all budgetary procedures as outlined in Financial Resources.
4. Submit a current list of the officers to the Coordinating Vice President and SGA Office Manager.
5. Complete any programming requirements as outlined by the constitution.
6. Adhere to the SGA Non-Hazing Policy.
All information submitted to the Coordinating Vice President and Office Manager is filed in the appropriate file within the SGA Office. This helps to provide a history for future members of each club.
To request money for supplies, food or any other need your club or organization may have, Purchase Orders must be filled out and submitted to the SGA Office Manager at least three weeks in advance. Last minute requests will not be processed unless considered an emergency. Budget line information may be obtained through the SGA Office Manager.
Under no circumstances should members of a club or organization use their own money for any purchases without prior permission from the SGA Office Manager or the SGA Advisor. Reimbursements will not be allowed, unless prior permission has been granted. Should a club member use their own money, a refund will not be issued.*
Club funds are for purchasing whatever a you need to stay operational but the type and cost of certain equipment will need prior approval to decide whether that purchase is necessary.
When filling out Purchase Orders, the following items must be kept in mind:
a. Any purchase of more than $2000.00 must be sent out to bid by either three phone bids or three submitted written bids. These bids are processed through the Treasurer’s Office. Since the bidding process may be time consuming, it is recommended that four weeks are allowed.
b. Anyone making purchases without authorized approval through Purchase Orders, will assume personal financial liability for those purchases. SGA will not be held responsible or reimburse the individuals who do so, unless, prior approval from the SGA Office Manager or the SGA advisor has been obtained.
c. Each Purchase Order must have a receipt in order to be paid. Anyone who does not submit a receipt will assume full financial responsibility. After the event or purchase, receipts should be turned into the SGA Office Manager.
Anytime there is someone providing a service to the club or organization, (speakers, performers, referees, trainers, etc.) a Contract for Services Agreement must be filled out with the appropriate signatures. If presenting the check to the service provider on the day of service, it is critical that these forms are processed at least three weeks prior to the event. Failure to do so may mean that performers will not receive their payment.
Only fill out a contract for services if you are hiring someone from outside the college. If you are looking to hire and MCLA student you will need to do it through the MCLA employment page. Faculty and staff can also be hired but to do so you should contact Amanda Schuler, the SGA office manager.
The SGA college credit card may be signed out by all SGA affiliated clubs that have received funding for the current academic year in the SGA Office CC316 for basic purchases.
This card is first come first serve and includes a tax exempt form when signing out. Most businesses will accept this form and may request it. You are allowed to give them the form should they ask but please let the SGA office know so they can replace the form later.
The SGA Walmart card may be signed out by all SGA affiliated clubs that have received funding for the current academic year in the SGA Office CC316 for basic purchases.
This card is first come, first serve and comes with a tax exempt card specifically for Walmart. When you are at Walmart you MUST hand the cashier the TAX EXEMPT CARD before they scan your items at checkout.
When giving out gift cards or other prizes, clubs must always turn in a Prize Winner Form. A template for this is available on the forms page but clubs may also submit a typed list of prize winners if they prefer.
Clubs/organizations are allowed to donate up to $150.00 to co-sponsor an individualized (not open to entire MCLA community) event or program from one MCLA club/organization to another MCLA club/organization or department.
Clubs/Organizations can donate unlimited funds to co-sponsor an event or program that is open to all MCLA community members.
Clubs/organizations are allowed to donate total fundraised amounts to any club/organization or department. This essentially means that a club may fundraise for another club/organization or department.
Clubs/organizations are allowed to donate/purchase items up to $50.00 of club money (from their budget) to co-sponsor an individualized (not open to entire MCLA community) event or program. Funds can be transferred from one club to any club/organization or department.
Gifts: Clubs are allowed to purchase gifts, gift cards, etc. but may not exceed $50.00 to recognize someone who has gone above and beyond to help the club advance or succeed.
Clubs may Co-Sponsor with any other club, department, or SGA Senate.
Any club or organization wishing to hold a fundraiser must receive permission prior to the event. The Fundraising Activity Application must be filled out and turned in to Student Development CC310 for approval at least 2 (two) weeks prior to the event date.
Any club or organization wishing to hold a fundraiser must receive permission prior to the event. The Fundraising Activity Application must be filled out and turned in to Student Development CC310 for approval at least 2 (two) weeks prior to the event date.
Fundraising includes, but is not limited to, the sale of t-shirts and other articles of clothing, glasses, cups, flowers, food items, as well as raffle tickets.
Clubs will receive a confirmation email prior to the event date approving or denying their request and next steps.
All fundraising revenue must be submitted to the SGA Office Manager, Room 316 of the Campus Center for deposit into your club account.
Clubs must fill out and turn in all forms listed below at least 3 (three) weeks prior to the travel date for approval.
Travel Requisition Form
Student Travel Form
Itinerary (Example/Template)
To request an MCLA van you must contact Amanda Schuler in CC316 in person or by email stating the date, time frame, and location of where you are going. Certified MCLA van drivers if known are also needed at that time.
It is recommended that all clubs should have at least one van driver certified by public safety. Any questions about certification can be directed towards public safety. If for some reason getting a van driver from within the club is impossible then contact Amanda in the SGA office to see about hiring one.
Further instructions on how to rent a van, get certified to drive one, and other van information is available under the Student Organization Basics.
If an MCLA van is not available for the dates/ times a club wishes to travel and there are no other dates that the trip can be changed to; a rental car can be requested through Amanda Schuler in CC316.
The driver must be at least 21 years old and supply a copy of their drivers license.
The largest vehicle that can be rented is a 12 passenger that requires someone at least 25 years of age to operate and no one under the age of 18 is allowed to travel in this vehicle per Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
*NOTE* Clubs must note that they are responsible for paying out of their club budget for the car rental.
Overnight travel must be approved prior to looking into hotel options. Once approved reservations can be made through the SGA Office Manager.
*NOTE* NO CLUB SHOULD RESERVE/BOOK A HOTEL WITHOUT THE SGA OFFICE MANAGER.
