Guidelines for Proposals
1. Priority Guidelines for Funding IRA’s:
a. The program/activity is clearly connected to the mission of the University.
b. The program/activity is clearly designed to engage students in activities that they would not otherwise experience.
c. The program/activity is at least partially sponsored by an academic discipline or department and which is, in the judgment of the President, integrally related to its formal instructional offerings. (Education Code sect. 89230).
d. Learning outcomes are defined for students participating in the program/activity.
e. There is evidence of, or a plan for, sound financial management of the program/activity.
f. There is evidence of, or a plan for, all students having the opportunity to participate regardless of their financial resources or academic major.
g. The general student body and the public have access to view or listen to the program/activity when appropriate. If a broad audience participates, the activity coordinator should seek evaluation of the program/activity from participants.
h. The program/activity fosters the crossing of disciplinary boundaries.
i. There is demonstrated support from the division, college, and/or department. Demonstrated support may be in the form of funds, facility use, supplies, or faculty/staff time, etc.
j. Attempts are being made, or have been made to secure funds from other source(s).
k. As a general rule the use of IRA funds for the purchase of Food is discouraged. However, the IRA Committee will review the purchase of food on a case by case basis.
l. As a general rule the use of IRA funds for the purchase of Physical Equipment is discouraged.
2. IRA funds cannot be used for:
a. Salaries and wages for functions that are normally funded through the University’s instructional programs.
b. Funding attendance at professional conferences, unless the conference includes competitions, student presentations, or other activities in which students participate directly.
c. Tutorial programs since these are the responsibility of the general fund instructional budget.
d. Travel costs for faculty advisors when the travel is not directly related to student attendance at IRA-funded events. Travel costs for faculty advisors that are directly related to student attendance at IRA funded events may be supported by IRA funds or by departmental budgets.
e. Capital outlay projects, e.g., any renovation or remodeling.
f. Tuition or Fees.
3. Standing Allocations
a. Certain programs/activities may be considered essential to our campus culture, and may benefit from a steady funding stream. The University President may create standing allocations, or the IRA Committee may recommend standing allocations to the President. These selections will last for a maximum of two years and will require evaluation of the event. Following an evaluation the committee will recommend to the President whether or not the allocation should be continued.
b. No more than 10.0% of current year student IRA fees may be used towards standing allocations for that fiscal year.
c. Historically, up to 50% of IRA monies has been available for University 392 classes that provide students with a deep, intensive experience. These trips may be supported by IRA monies up to 2/3 of the total cost of each trip. (See “ Travel Form" [MS Excel, 30.5KB])
For Chancellor's Office guidelines please refer to Executive Order 429 (PDF, 320KB)