1. How are student groups and clubs funded at the Wagner School?
The Wagner Student Association (WSA) serves as an umbrella organization for all student groups and clubs at Wagner. The WSA receives funding from NYU’s Office of Student Activities. The WSA then allocates funds to other student groups through an annual budgeting process.
2. What is the Wagner School staff’s role in student group funding?
Wagner’s role with the WSA and all other student groups is purely advisory. The Wagner School itself does not maintain, monitor or regulate student group budgets in any way. However, Alexis Rodriguez in Wagner’s Office of Financial Planning and Support Services can provide assistance to the WSA Treasurer in dealing with the Office of Student Activities and other areas of the NYU bureaucracy.
3. What is the time period for budget allocations for student groups?
Student group budgets are allocated on an annual basis (September through August). Unused funds do not roll over to the next year.
4. Why can’t my group open its own bank account to preserve budget surpluses from year-to-year?
Funds must be deposited to the WSA’s account with the NYU Office of Student Activities in order to be considered charitable gifts. It is possible to incorporate your group as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization so that you can open your own account and accept charitable gifts, but this process involves onerous tax filing requirements and legal fees.
5. What do we need to know about receiving payment or reimbursement from club accounts?
Note that group members who are neither US citizens nor permanent residents must file additional documentation with the University in order to receive payment or reimbursement from club accounts.
6. Are there any limitations on fees/honoraria that our group can pay to speakers?
There is no specified limit on the fees or honoraria that you pay to speakers, but fees should be kept modest. Fees/honoraria may be paid to an organization or an individual.
7. What if we need more resources in addition to our budget allocation, such as for a special event or activity?
Wagner encourages groups to seek additional support for special events and activities through co-sponsorship with other NYU student groups (either within or outside Wagner). Groups may also engage in fundraising activities (remember that funds must be deposited to the WSA account in order to be considered a charitable gift). It is also possible for another group to raise funds on your behalf, or for you to raise funds for another group (see the Office of Student Activities web site).
Under special circumstances, you may also request additional funds directly from the Wagner School. Groups must submit a proposal at least a month before funds are needed that includes the following:
The proposal should be submitted to the appropriate department for that activity, usually the Office of Career Services or the Office of Financial Planning and Support Services. (Contact Linda Wheeler Reiss for more information.) Submit your proposal before making any financial commitments that would depend on Wagner School support.
8. Where can I find more information about funding for student groups and clubs?
The Office of Student Activities web site contains forms for co-sponsorship of events, fund raising, payment processing, and other procedures. For further assistance, contact the WSA officers.
