Every two years, Michigan Tech’s Undergraduate Student Government (USG) reviews and e-approves a set of student organizations with a special financial designation known as Special Budgetary Groups, or SBGs. These groups differ from ordinary Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) because they operate more independently and on a larger or more complex scale.
USG Treasurer David Reeves explained that being an SBG does not automatically mean receiving more funding, but more freedom in how to use it. “We don’t really provide restrictions on them like RSOs,” Reeves said, “They can hold a carryover between fiscal years without deductions, they can have a university account to do business, and they usually have a larger campus impact.” He clarified that “being an SBG does not mean you have more money. It means you move to a different budget hearing … the other half of the money that is allocated for USG funding, but it doesn’t mean more money. You still have to demonstrate that you are using it in a responsible way.”
Currently, six student organizations hold SBG status: The Lode, WMTU, Film Board, Sound and Lighting Services (SLS), USG, and MUB Board. The Huskies Pep Band has also shown interest in applying during this upcoming cycle.
Reeves emphasized that SBGs must have special budgetary needs to qualify; he referenced SLS, which pays its student employees and rents out equipment to other RSOs, which requires flexibility to manage payroll and large amounts of money flowing in and out of the organization. “The point is to go around a certain restriction because you have special budgetary need,” Reeves said.
The review process for SBGs is already underway, with the first paperwork window having opened on Oct. 27. USG will begin reviewing submissions and holding hearings with each applicant. The initial deadline for submission is Dec. 5, followed by a final deadline on Dec. 12. USG will ask questions about each group on Jan. 10 and hold hearings Jan. 13 through 15. Recommendations will be made at the Jan. 21 USG meeting and voted on Jan. 28.
Any RSO that believes it has the scale or financial complexity to qualify for SBG status has until Dec. 12 to submit its materials and make its case before USG.
