The process for spending your budget is in CONNECT. To request reimbursements, make sure you follow the process below.
When you initially apply for funding you will have chosen from a list of possible options to where your funds are allocated. These accounts are not interchangeable. It's important that you pay extra attention to where you will be spending your budget.
All organizations funded by the SSA must review and complete the "Attend to Spend" Quiz each fall. You can also download the slides from this Quiz.
Locate your approved budget allocation from CONNECT (located in Group Page > Money > Budgeting). Select the appropriate budget period under Accounting Book.
All organizations must use their allocation by June 15, 2026. Funds do not carry over into the next academic year. What isn't spent is lost.
Any deviations from the approved allocation needs written approval from the Financial Affairs Committee (FAC) PRIOR to the event. Complete the Budget Reallocation form on CONNECT.
All spending (travel, purchases, contracts, etc.) must comply with State of Wisconsin rules and regulations. Purchases made from ineligible vendors cannot be reimbursed.
Meet with organization members at the beginning of the academic year to plan spending your organization's allocation. All organizations must work with Susie Kuesel in the Involvement Center. Sport Clubs will work with University Recreation staff.
If placing an order with University Dining Service/Catering, make sure your food purchase matches the approved allocation for your organization.
1
Student orgs receive a 10% discount. They will send you a catering confirmation - Keep this. Visit Catering's website for more information on how to place a catering order.
2
All events offering food purchased with SSA funds MUST be advertised in Campus Life Today or posters/fliers. See our Plan an Event page for resources on how to advertise.
3
This must be done PRIOR to the event. Go to Group Page > Money > Budgeting > Choose the appropriate allocation > Request Payment. Download Instructions.
Provide the catering confirmation, advertisement and list of attendees for your event within the Request Payment form. Contact Susie Kuesel with questions.
If your organization is funded for registration to attend a conference or event, read through the registration form first. There are often various payment options to submit the registration form. If the opportunity exists to register the entire group and pay by check, this is the best option.
1
Contact Susie Kuesel about payment options prior to registering. Susie will advise the org on how to handle registration and make a payment. There are typically three options.
1. Group Payment | One person registers the entire group and Susie pays with one check.
2. Individual Registration & Group Payment | Each person registers individually and Susie pays with one check.
3. Individual Registration & Payment | This is the least desirable, but at times the only option. Each student completes their registration and pays separately.
2
At least one Travel Auth must be submitted for the group.
3
Go to Group Page > Money > Budgeting > Choose the appropriate allocation > Request Payment. Download Instructions.
3
Turn in all completed forms, registration confirmations, conference schedules, etc., to Susie as early as possible. Payment can take up to two weeks if a check needs to be sent.
If you want to have a speaker or performer come to campus, you must follow the university's contracting procedures. The contracting process is included within the Event Registration process for analyzing your event's risk during COVID-19.
Event requests must be made at least four weeks prior to the event on CONNECT. This time allows for the approval of your risk management plan, in addition to the exchange of documents, signing, payment, and processing of your contract. Without a contract completed prior to your event, your organization is liable for payment and expenses.
Complete this at least four weeks prior to your event. You will be directed to the contract form within this process.
For assistance with a contract or planning your event, contact Ryan Leckel with questions.
If your organization is funded for something like equipment or supplies, purchases must be made with approved vendors as long as they carry the item you are funded for.
Check your budget to see what you're specifically funded for. The purchase must match your approved allocation.
Check with Susie BEFORE purchasing anything. It's preferred she make the purchase if possible.
Go to Group Page > Money > Budgeting > Choose the appropriate allocation > Request Payment. Include all proper documentation. Download Instructions.
Financial Affairs Director, SSA
118 MSC
