Appropriations
What is an appropriation?
An appropriation is used to request additional funding outside of the budget process for travel and unforeseen expenses such as conferences and events, and for one-time capital outlays such as computers for undergraduate student use.
If your chartered student organization (CSO) is an undergraduate organization, you may request one appropriation from ASUNM every semester.
Can I request a budget and an appropriation for my Organization?
Yes! In fact, line items such as travel and other one-time purchases will not be funded through the annual budget process. The Finance Committee suggests that you request those items through an appropriation.
How do I submit an appropriation?
You can access the appropriation form on the Forms & Documents page. Please be aware of and make sure your request is compliant with the standing rules of the Finance Committee.
A copy of the standing rules can be found on the Governing Documents webpage of ASUNM. More information about appropriations can be found in the ASUNM Lawbook on the Governing Documents webpage.
For ASUNM appropriation requests, email an electronic copy of your completed request to the ASUNM Finance Chair at asunmfin@unm.edu no later than 5:00 PM on the Friday before the Finance Committee meets. See below for a detailed schedule of submission deadlines.
What's next?
After your student organization submits the appropriation, your next step will be to attend the Finance Committee meeting to explain your need for funding. This is mandatory, and an undergraduate student must be the primary presenter. The presenter should be prepared to talk specifics about the request and know the percentage of undergraduate students in their organization. If you are not present at the Finance Committee meeting to speak on behalf of your request, it will be failed and you will have to resubmit your request.
Based on your request, the committee will make a recommendation and vote on it. If it is approved, it will be presented at the next full Senate meeting, which will be held the following Wednesday. This is when the ASUNM Senate will vote on your appropriation request as a whole. You are not required to attend the full Senate meeting.
When can I use the money that was approved?
The amount approved will be available to your organization only after is approved and signed by the ASUNM President. Your organization cannot spend these funds until all approvals are in writing. The VP has 3 days to forward the bill to the President for signature. The President then has 4 days to sign or veto the bill. This could take seven business days to take effect depending on the circumstances. To check the status of the appropriation bill after Full Senate, please confirm with the ASUNM office and not SGAO. SGAO recieves the bill after it has the proper ASUNM approvals. You will also be required to complete an SGAO spending workshop before spending any of your allocated funds.
