Student Organizations

Student Bar Association

Organizational Funding Policy

1. Purpose. The purpose of SBA organizational funding is to make possible, in conjunction with other available funding sources, law school related events and activities for student organizations and groups to augment the classroom experience with speakers, forums, seminars, etc. Based on the availability of SBA funds, law students may apply for organizational and academic travel funds on a first-come, first-served basis. The SBA Board will grant, at its discretion based on funds available, each request.

2. Definition of Organizational Funding. The SBA Board grants all funding requests and it gives priority to student organizations and student groups that have exhausted other methods of reimbursement. Please see ABA-LSD and GPSA funding. The Board also gives priority to organizations that charter and become formally recognized by the University of New Mexico. Organizational activities and events include, but are not limited to speakers, forums, and seminars. Groups must attach detailed receipts to all funding requests.

3. Amounts. A Student Bar Association member must submit the request on behalf of the student organization or group. The SBA Treasurer shall maintain records of the amounts received by each student organization or student group and is responsible for attesting to the applicant's eligibility for organizational funds.

4. Procedure. Organizational funds are available on a reimbursement basis unless a student petitions the Board—on behalf of a student organization or student group—in writing for advance funding for an organizational event that would not otherwise be possible. If an applicant does not need funding before an event or activity, but expects reimbursement, the applicant may petition the board for a binding vote of eventual reimbursement, contingent upon the occurrence of the event and attachment of proper receipt documentation. The process for applying for organizational funding is as follows:

  1. Upon receipt of a completed SBA Funds Application form, the Treasurer, in conjunction with the Secretary, shall verify the applicant's membership status. Only SBA members that have paid SBA dues are eligible to receive funding for organizational events or activities. The SBA treasurer must receive funding requests no later than 14 days before the activity or event.
  2. The applicant shall provide the Treasurer with copies of receipts documenting all expenses incurred.
  3. The Treasurer shall present the application to the Board. Upon receiving a majority vote of the Board, the Treasurer will reimburse immediately all properly documented costs contingent on the limits prescribed in #2 above.
  4. A student organization or student group seeking organizational funds must submit an SBA Funds Application form in order for the Board to consider reimbursement.

* Receipts must be attached to the request form.