Requests for meeting/event hospitality (e.g. pizza at meetings)
- The CSE small grant process uses the University Policy: Hospitality and Entertainment of Non-employees as a guide for how requests for hospitality funding will be awarded. The University policy states that food should "be occasional and modest in amount."
- General or regular meetings are not eligible to receive funding for hospitality (e.g. pizza, food, refreshments, etc). General or regular meetings are defined as a gathering of members that happens multiple times a semester with a relatively similar agenda/itinerary.
- Hospitality budgets for special events or programs will be considered for funding based on criteria including but not limited to the regularity and timing of the event or program during the semester or academic year, the planned agenda or itinerary of the event or program, and the overall justification for why food is important to the purpose of the event or program.
- Requesting supplies or activities for general or regular meetings will be considered for funding, however, similar criteria to that listed above will be used to determine of funding is appropriate.
Examples of requests receiving the strongest consideration
- Events or general meetings that are open to all CSE undergraduate students regardless of major or class standing that provide a clear educational and/or profesional development benefit (Please see the note above regarding hospitality).
- Professional development programs coordinated with appropriate CSE or University student services office(s) and/or other reputable partner(s). e.g. CSE Career Center, faculty members, etc.
- Outreach events to K-12 students that comply with all aspects of the University’s Safety of Minors policy.
- Travel expenses for undergraduate CSE students to attend conferences/competitions.
- Please include the names and/or x.500s of any students traveling using CSE funds in your application.
- It may be helpful to refer to Per Diem rates when booking lodging, meals, or incidential expenses that are not included in conference or competition fees. However, meals/food while traveling are typically not a priority for grant funding.
- If planning travel outside of the United States please refer to the University's Student Travel and Education Abroad: Health and Safety Policy
- Experiential projects that encourage collaboration and teamwork between students of various CSE majors and backgrounds and are completed in a way that ensures the safety of all individuals that are involved and observing.
- Events, projects, etc that are receiving matching funding from another University college, department, or unit.
Examples of requests receiving little or no consideration
- Supplies and/or food for generic meetings that do not offer any educational or professional development benefits to those in attendance.
- Supplies and/or food for study sessions.
- Exclusive events/banquets/meals (e.g. officer/leadership meetings).
- Funds spent on annual dues and SUA registration fees.
- Supplies or services that are offered to CSE students and/or University student groups for free through an existing CSE or University service (e.g. web hosting fees, 3D printers or services, transportation between campuses).
- Funds that are to be used as cash prizes, grants, donations, or otherwise reawarded through a separate process (gift cards may be considered on a limited basis).
Small Grant Trends
Each funding category is separate from the others. E.g. an event would NOT count in both special events and outreach/admissions. Special events happen once a semester or less frequently. Regular events are meetings and programs that happen multiple times a semester with a relatively similar agenda. Each area has it's own merits and groups should feel free to apply for funds to support any of these categories with appropriate justification.