By Sophia McGinnis
Club activities are a tremendous part of The University of Tampa campus. However, many are struggling to get the financial support they need for this semester.
There have been a lot of changes at UTampa since the start of the Fall semester. With new buildings and statues popping up all over campus, it seems that UTampa is looking to make some changes, and the Student Government is no exception this year.
Student Government is in charge of most of the club funding on campus. Student leaders are directed to fill out a form on the UTampa website to request funding for the year. Student Government reviews the form, and once approved, the club will receive its budget for the year.
However, it was reported that the student government would be making some changes to funding. “There have been a couple of changes,” said Abigail King, a student government representee. “We have now allocated $4,000 for students, instead of $3,000 [for approprations].”
King explains that all club funding comes through students. When students pay their tuition, a small percentage of the payment goes towards student clubs. With this increase in students this semester, it seems that Student Government was able to allocate more money towards the clubs.
Despite this, many clubs are struggling to get the funding they need. “Our team has experienced less funding,” said Megan Sinclaire, an executive board member of the UT Club Tennis team, “which has led to us to increase our dues for team players and people who wanted to try out.”
Despite having to increase the dues for the teams, the Tennis Club has not had to cut back on anything yet. However, it is too soon to tell since the season has only just begun and they have not made many purchases with their funds.
However, not all clubs receive funding from Student Government. “For club sports, at the end of every year [we] have a budget presentation to the Club Sport Organization.” said Olivia Sheridan, a leader of the UTampa Swim Club. “Within this presentation we review how our season went, some of our accomplishments … what we purchased … and we pitch a number for what we would like to receive next year.”
Club Sport organizations run their club funding differently, with club leaders able to vouch for the funding number they would like for the year. Many clubs who have worked with the Club Sport Organization vouch for this sort of practice regarding club funding.
However, that does not mean clubs that get funding from Student Government are at a loss. The student government holds a general assembly conference every Tuesday in the Reeves Theater at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join and ask any questions that they need to.
Student Government also makes sure to extend their office hours and to have someone readily available for any concerns.
“We always make sure that the info students need is out there,” said King. “However, we need them to come to us with questions.”