Student Government Association - Request S.O.L.O. Funds

The S.O.L.O. Fund

The Student Organization Life Opportunity (S.O.L.O.) Fund provides Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) with funding for student events and activities with intent to benefit all or a significant portion of the student body and/or to recruit new members to the organization that is hosting the event.

 

How To Apply

  • Check Eligibility

    • Only Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) in good standing and registered in Eagle Engage may apply.
    • Event must be on campus & 100% free to every student—no cover charges, no private‑member perks.
    • Alcohol, already‑held events, or activities that benefit only your members are prohibited.
    • The standard cap on funding is $2,000 total per semester per org. Larger ideas qualify for an “exceptional benefit” request with a two‑thirds Senate vote. These limits are approved annually by the SGA Senate to ensure funding is fair for all RSOs.
    • Tip: Have a fallback plan if your amount is trimmed—partial awards are common.

  • Build Your Budget

    • Download the Budget Worksheet here (link) and list every expense—item, quantity, unit cost, shipping, design fees, etc.
      • Only items listed will be paid or reimbursed. Missing details = processing delays.
      • Include shipping, taxes (if applicable), and art fees for promo items.
    • Want merch? Use licensed vendors and get artwork pre‑approved by the SGA Treasurer.
    • Keep food under $500 from off‑campus vendors; bigger catering must run through Campus Dining.
    • Last line of every budget: grand total requested (≤ $2 K unless deemed exceptional benefit).

  • Submit Application

    • Complete the Eagle Engage form by 4:30 PM Central on the Wednesday before your desired committee date.
      • NOTE: You must be listed as an officer of your student organization in Eagle Engage.
    • Upload:
      • Budget Worksheet (see "Build Your Budget")
      • Event flyer or social graphic with: org name, date/time, location, short description, the SGA Logo ( ≥ 1.5″), and the S.O.L.O. Funding Statement (see below).
    • Ensure your advisor approves in Eagle Engage before the deadline.
    • Check the Semester Timeline panel for exact hearing dates.
    • Auto‑email confirmations come from sgatreasurer@tntech.edu—add it to your safe‑sender list.

    The S.O.L.O. Fund Application

    • S.O.L.O. Funding Statement:

    “This event has been financially sponsored, either entirely or partially by the Tennessee Tech Student Government Association (SGA) and its SOLO Fund. The views contained herein at this event or program does not represent the views of the Tennessee Tech Student Government Association, the SGA President or other members, the University, or the Tennessee Tech University Board of Trustees. The Tennessee Tech Student Government Association is fully in accord with the belief that all events and programs should be afforded the same opportunities that all US Citizens receive from the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.”

  • Present to Committee

    • Requests under $1K: heard by the S.O.L.O. Funding Committee.
    • Requests $1K or more: heard by the S.O.L.O. Funding Committee and the SGA Senate.
    • You’ll receive a calendar invite at least twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting.
    • Send one representative to give a short pitch and answer questions; no‑show = automatic denial.
    • Bring a printed copy of your budget & flyer as backup.
    • Expect questions about audience reach, marketing plan, and cost efficiency.

  • Spend Your Funds

    • Meet first with Susan Henry (Center for Student Engagement) before buying anything. To schedule a time to meet with Susan, email shenry@tntech.edu.
    • Wherever possible let Student Engagement purchase items directly—avoids tax and speeds delivery.
    • Not allowed: gift‑card prizes; cooked‑from‑scratch food; tax reimbursements; expenses for organization members only; equipment and materials unrelated to the event; and equipment and materials intended to benefit the organization outside of the proposed event.
    • Receipts or Invoices (showing “PAID”/"$0.00" and itemization) are due within ten (10) days of purchase or event. Receipts should also indicate the company name. “Credit Card Receipts” that only show the total amount of the transaction may not be accepted.
    • Need help mid‑process? Call 931‑372‑3123 or email engagement@tntech.edu.

     

    • NOTE: Organizations may lose their eligibility to request S.O.L.O. Funds if the organization:
      • fails to adhere to the procedures described here,
      • uses the funds for purposes not explicitly approved by the SGA, or
      • uses the funds in a manner that violates SGA policies, University policies, or the law.

  • Wrap-Up Report

    • Upload final receipts, attendance count, photos, and social‑media links in Eagle Engage within 10 days.
    • Verify the SGA Logo & the S.O.L.O. Funding Statement stayed visible in all promo materials.
    • Share highlights—your event may be featured in our S.O.L.O. Spotlight or in other SGA materials!
    • After approval, reimbursement checks or direct‑pay confirmations usually arrive within three weeks.
    • Looking ahead? Start brainstorming next semester’s event now and mark the first deadline on your calendar.

 

Dates and Deadlines

S.O.L.O. Funding Applications must be heard by the S.O.L.O. Funding Committee and/or the SGA Senate at least two (2) weeks prior to the event date to ensure that all purchases may be made in accordance with University policies. Deadline exceptions may be granted in special cases as approved by the SGA Treasurer and by the SGA Advisor; however, an organization may not be granted more than one (1) exception during an academic year. 

 

In order to accommodate all organizations requesting S.O.L.O. Funds, organizations may only be present one (1) request per meeting. Organizations are highly encouraged to plan their requests for the semester in advance. 

S.O.L.O. Application Deadline Information

Event Date Submit Application By Committee Hearing Date Senate Hearing Date (for requests $1K or more)
January 16th - February 2nd  November 25th, 2024 @ 4:30 PM December 2nd, 2024 December 2nd, 2024
February 3rd – February 17th  January 22nd, 2025 @ 4:30 PM January 27th, 2025 January 27th, 2025
February 18th - March 4th  January 29th, 2025 @ 4:30 PM February 4th, 2025 February 10th, 2025
March 5th – March 18th  February 12th, 2025 @ 4:30 PM February 18th, 2025 February 24th, 2025
March 19th – April 1st February 26th, 2025 @ 4:30 PM March 4th, 2025 March 10th, 2025
April 2nd – April 16th*  March 19th, 2025 @ 4:30 PM March 25th, 2025 March 24th, 2025
April 17th – May 2nd  March 26th, 2025 @ 4:30 PM April 1st, 2025
August 21st – Sept 5th**  April 9th, 2025 @ 4:30 PM April 15th, 2025

*Final date to submit requests of $1,000 or more for the semester will be March 19th.
**Only Mix & Mingle requests and requests less than $1,000 will be considered for August 21st through September 5.

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