Oracle Online

How much money can be given to each group is decided sometime in mid-September after HUSC knows the final enrollment number which indicates how the amount of student fee that is available. The annual budgeting takes place sometime in April.

The Economic Affairs Committee (EAC) exists to “keep [the student fee] low enough so there’s not a burden on the student” while making sure the organizations are given enough money to properly function, said Winiecki.

There are many reasons why an organization could die out. The primary reason is often lack of interest.
An organization needs members to continue to exist. Org extinction may result because there are many organizations on campus competing for a small number of active students. Other possible reasons for problems include poor leadership, lack of organization, or ineffective recruitment processes.

Organizations that don’t properly use their resources, including the budget that HUSC distributes, often fall
into decay.

To ensure that an organization continues to be successful, it is also important for newer and older
members of the organization to communicate with each other well. Older members need to inform newer members of what has worked well in the past, and what needs to be fixed in coming years to ensure growth within the organization. This may be where utilizing the funds and supplies given to a group matters the most. In order to move forward, the group must use its funds in order to recruit students, buy new supplies, and to plan special events and retreats.

Groups should also utilize other resources offered by HUSC to ensure success. Generic contracts can be drawn up through HUSC for large events, like the Homecoming dance put on by HEAT, to ensure that whoever the group contracts follows through. This not only help ensure the group won’t lose money, but is also an all-around good business practice to keep everything running smoothly.

Groups that are not chartered also have others ways to get funds. HUSC has a conference fund that begins the year with $26,000 and is distributed to people on a first-come-first-serve basis after the proposal has been discussed throughout HUSC. The conference fund is open to all students, not only chartered organizations, and can be even be used by one or two particular students who would like to attend outside educational opportunities, like conventions. The contingency fund is also open to all students, although it’s used primarily by organizations to deal with “unforeseen costs” Winiecki said.

There are others groups that no longer receive funding through HUSC that have not died out, but instead have discovered other sources of funds. The Oracle and The Liner are two examples of organizations that no longer have a charter through HUSC but who still exist in full force on campus.