Decreased funding for student organizations

TOBY REEVES
GRAPHIC DESIGNER

JORDAN FOX
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

9/22/2025

Student Congress (Stuco) released the budget outcomes for the fall semester in early September. Many organizations’ budgets were only partially funded as a result of this year’s overall decrease in enrollment. 

“The Student Activities Fund is supported by the student activity fee paid by all Alma College students. Since enrollment has decreased, the total funds available have also declined compared to previous years,” said Chloe Anderson (‘26), Stuco Treasurer.

The funds available for allocation this year totaled $256,000; last year, this number was $274,000. With over $410,000 in requested funds, the committee was limited when it came to deciding whether to approve budgets fully or to grant partial funding. 

Gamma Phi Beta (GPhiB), one of the sororities on campus, shared that the budget they were allocated was $5,900 less than they requested, but $800 more than they received last year. 

“We made the budget from last year work, although it was extremely hard. The minimal increase in our budget should help us smooth out some of those issues we had last year. However, it is hard to improve our events and social engagements with this budget,” said Sydney Birch (‘27), GPhiB Treasurer. 

The Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity stated that they were granted nearly $9,500 less than they asked. Their budget this year is also over $4,500 less than what they received last year. 

“We worked hard last year and increased our membership by 43%, which helps with Alma College enrollment and retention, but still had a significant cut from Stuco this year over last year,” said Leland Edelyn (‘27), TKE Treasurer. 

Clubs on campus have also been impacted by this year’s budget decisions. For example, the Pre-Vet Club received $900 less than requested, and the amount allocated to the Climbing Club was about $4,000 less.

“Throughout my time as treasurer, the budget has been sufficient. While we go on three trips a year, those trips are rather inexpensive considering the number of people going. We use a significant portion of our budget to make upgrades at the Rock Climbing Wall,” said Karolina Pucek (‘26), Climbing Club Treasurer. 

The Budget Allocation Committee consists of student volunteers who represent a number of organizations across campus. While Stuco relied on these students, along with factors such as meeting attendance and past funding to allocate the funds as fairly as possible, some students still question the efficiency and communication of the process. 

“The process has too many subjective guidelines… We have been advocating for several years now for two things that would greatly improve the process: 1. Stuco and the administration be completely transparent with how all of the Student Activity Fees (“SAFs”) are allocated… 2. The allocation process must take into consideration if a club is growing [its] membership and if that club is hosting campus-wide events open to all students,” said Edelyn.

“I think that the process is good, but I think communication could be improved. Clearness as to where they are at with budgets and campus-wide emails regarding the budget process would allow everyone to know what’s going on,” said Morgan Brow (‘26), Pre-Vet Club Treasurer.

Anderson discussed the allocation budget in-depth at the Student Congress meeting on Sept. 8, but encourages anyone with questions to reach out to her at stuco.treasurer@alma.edu.