The Associated Students of California Lutheran University Government has the fiscal responsibility of determining how much funds student clubs and organizations on campus receive each year.

Clubs and organizations receive 25 percent of ASCLUG’s annual budget. This percentage stays consistent, but the dollar amount changes yearly based on student enrollment.

“The other 75 percent goes towards funding student life, ASCLU’s executive cabinet. Senate has their own budget and that’s focused on projects on campus, programs board budget. We give money to the multicultural program, Forrest Fitness Center, Community Service Center and wellness program, so there’s different variations,” ASCLU President Nick Steinwender said.

When funding clubs, ASCLUG looks at the number of active members, how much they’ve already been allocated in the year and whether they’ve met the following requirements: completing a roster, financial training, participation in the fall involvement fair and a community service project by the end of the year.

Bylaw 10.3.2, passed in 2016, requires clubs to submit an itemized list of where all allocated money will be spent and it cannot be used towards anything else.

The bylaw came about because there were several instances in previous years where clubs were misusing their allocated money. There was also more rollover of unused funds at the end of the year prior to the bylaw.

“If clubs can back up research they’ve done and prove why they need those funds, senate is going to listen to that. But if it looks like they just threw numbers at it, more discussion will be needed,” said Cambria Teter, coordinator for student involvement.

Steinwender said he believes senators are more comfortable allocating funds when they “know exactly where it’s going.”

Sheryl Zelaya, president of a new Robotics club on campus, got her club funded for the first time this semester. She was fairly satisfied to get funding for two out of three requested robot kits. The process was straightforward and simple. She mentioned the allocation meeting was organized and that fair questions were asked about her proposed budget.

Alanna Bauman, co-president of Kupa’a Hawaii Club, had a successful process at the allocation meeting she attended last spring, getting the full amount she requested from ASCLUG for an event for prospective students.

“A lot of discussion goes into each budget and the reasoning behind why they’re requesting it, what’s it going to do to better the student’s experience at Cal Lutheran as well as what can they bring back with that experience and get to the general student body of Cal Lutheran,” Steinwender said.

According to the ASCLUG constitution, club sports can be given 45 percent of the clubs and organization budget. These clubs request a lot more than the typical club for equipment and travel expenses.

Steinwender explained how ASCLUG senate typically allocates more money to campus events and awareness days that a wide range of students can participate in.

ASCLUG also works with other departments, organizations and offices on campus for campus events and improvements.

“We try to encourage senators to do their part in making an enjoyable experience for clubs and organizations and students on and off campus, while also being fiscally responsible with students money,” Steinwender said.

Bridget Sjolie
Reporter