Appropriation Process

What is an appropriation?

An appropriation is additional funding outside of the budget process that can be requested for travel*, unforeseen expenses such as conferences or events, and for onetime capital outlays such as computers.

If your chartered student organization is an undergraduate organization, you may request an appropriation from ASUNM once each semester. Please see the schedule below.

If your chartered student organization is a graduate organization, you may request an appropriation from GPSA twice each semester. An additional third appropriation may be requested if the event is in conjunction with another chartered student organization or RDSA.

*Applications for travel funding that should be funded by GPSA Grants will NOT be eligible for appropriations funding. Council appropriations are primarily intended to support/defray costs for events hosted by chartered student organizations for a departmental or general campus audience. The Finance Committee strongly encourages students in need of individual travel funding, for conferences or other professional development events, to apply to the GPSA Grants Committee.

Can my chartered organization request a budget and an appropriation?

Yes!In fact, line items such as travel and other onetime 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?

The link to download the appropriation form is on the ASUNM website and on the GPSA website, respectively. Please be aware of the standing rules that each committee follows.

For ASUNM requests, email an electronic copy of your completed request to the ASUNM Finance Chair at asunmfin@unm.edu no later than 5:00PM on the Friday before the Finance Committee meets.

For GPSA requests, email an electronic copy of your completed request to the GPSA Finance Chair at gpsafin@unm.edu no later than 5:00PM on the appropriations deadline, per their schedule.

What next?

Your next step is to attend the appropriate Finance Committee meeting (ASUNM or GPSA) to explain your need for additional funding. This is mandatory. The committee will then make a recommendation on your appropriation request and vote on it.

ASUNM: If it is approved, it then goes on to the next full Senate meeting, which will be held the following Wednesday, where the ASUNM Senate will vote on it. You are not required to attend the full Senate meeting.

GPSA: If it is approved, it then goes on to the next Council meeting, which will be held the last Saturday of the month. You may attend but are not required to attend the Council meeting.

When can I use the money that was approved?

The amount approved will be available to your organization only after is the approved and signed by the ASUNM or GPSA President respectively. Your organization cannot spend these funds until all approvals are in writing.