In a significant shift in its financial bylaws, the Student Government Association (SGA) at Elon University has announced that it will no longer cover certain travel expenses for students attending conferences and off-campus events. This decision comes as part of an overall effort to streamline funding processes while ensuring student activity fees are allocated more equitably.
Changes to Travel Expense Coverage
Previously, SGA’s financial guidelines allowed for reimbursement of costs related to hotels, meals, and mileage for personal vehicles when students traveled for official duties. However, Executive President Taylor Cote emphasized that with students paying $146 per semester in activity fees, it is not fair for these funds to be used to cover the travel expenses of fellow students.
“We just feel like it’s not like an equitable way to use student activity fees,” Cote stated, highlighting the rationale behind the decision.
While hotel, meal, and personal vehicle expenses will no longer be reimbursed, the SGA will still cover registration fees, flights, and mileage for university-owned vehicles. To aid organizations facing additional costs, Cote mentioned plans to assist them in securing their own funding through upcoming fundraising workshops.
“We’ve been talking about doing fundraising workshops,” she added.
Budget Overview and Funding Process Updates
Elon’s SGA operates on an annual budget of $800,000. Any unspent funds at the end of the fiscal year will be reallocated to Vice President of Student Life Jon Dooley’s budget.
The organization reviews and updates its financial bylaws every year, but this year’s revisions introduce notable changes, including a switch from an ongoing funding request system to a quarterly model. Starting June 1, organizations will be required to submit funding requests on a set schedule rather than on a rolling basis.
“This new quarterly schedule is a huge transition for organizations requesting funding,” Cote explained. “It helps those on SGA going through budget requests — in order to eliminate extra work and stress for SGA members who regularly go through financial requests.”
According to information available on SGA’s Finances website, the deadlines for the first quarter funding requests, covering June 1 to October 31, will be due by April 11.
In cases of last-minute requests, Cote reassured that there is an emergency fund available for urgent needs, allowing some flexibility within the new structure.
Support Initiatives for Organizations
As part of the implementation of the revised financial bylaws, SGA will host information sessions for organizations interested in understanding the changes more thoroughly. Additionally, students can arrange one-on-one consultations with Vice President of Finance Clare Rudolph to discuss specific needs or concerns.
“We’re here to help students,” Cote reaffirmed. “We’re here to fund student activities.”
Performance Group Funding Revisions
Previously, SGA’s bylaws allowed performance group funding to be determined at the discretion of the finance board, especially since these groups often charge for event tickets. However, the new bylaws do not separately mention funding for performance groups, indicating a potential shift in how these organizations may be supported moving forward.
“Our student activity fees are going to something that a lot of people are able to experience,” Cote noted, underscoring the intention behind the financial modifications.
With these new policies, the SGA aims to create a more equitable and efficient funding process for all organizations at Elon University, paving the way for future initiatives while ensuring that student activity fees are utilized in a manner that benefits the wider student population.
