COSO 101: What All Advisors Should Know

COSO Overview

• Board of 18 students, 2 faculty, 1 administrator, and 1 non-voting chair from the Collis Center
• Governs student groups and recognizes student organizations
• Over 160 recognized organizations

Funds and Event-Planning

• COSO provides financial support for events through its allocation of UFC (Undergraduate Finance Committee) funds.
• COSO funds a broad range of events (educational, cultural, recreational) that connect to the mission & purpose of the organization.
• Each recognized COSO organization has a college account, overseen by the Collis Center for Student Involvement.
• COSO organizations have the right to request funding from COSO through a proposal process.
• All proposals require an advisor's signature.

Funding Guidelines

• COSO is primary source of funding - groups cannot apply to other UFC groups for funding.
• COSO does not fund retroactively.
• No ticket sales to undergraduate students.
• 2 instructional workshops by an outside instructor per term where appropriate.
• 4 regularly scheduled events with food (lunch, dinner, etc...) per term and must have a specific topic/purpose.
• Selective organizations can apply for funds for events open to the entire campus.
• Movie and media screenings must observe copyright laws.
• Any leftover money must be returned to COSO.
• Food Guidelines - an itemized food budget must be submitted.
  
  • $7/person for catered food
  • $8/person for cooking  OR
  • $3/person for refreshments
• $.50 per person for advertising with an upper limit of $100.
• Go Green Publications Incentive: COSO will provide funding for domain hosting, web design, and give $100 if no paper copies are printed.
• Events should be open and free to all students.
• Publications must submit quotes from 3 vendors that include various printing options.
• Conferences:
  
  • 8 students when driving, 4 if flying
  • 4 to a room for lodging (exceptions made for gender)
  • Food costs will not be covered by COSO
  • Must bring back information/skills to benefit campus

Proposal Expectations

• Be clear and precise - vagueness signals lack of preparation or limited interest in the project or event.
• Use the correct form.
• Provide as much information about the event as possible: location, time, date, topic, speakers, advertising plans, etc...
• Explain how the event connects to your group's mission and purpose.
• If requesting more than COSO funding guidelines, be prepared to discuss why additional funding is necessary for your event.
• Include all required signatures. The regular funding proposal form is now online and advisors will receive an electronic copy.

COSO Meetings

• COSO meets every Wednesday from 3-5pm to review proposals and hear recognitions. Advisors do not need to be present, but are always welcome.
• All documents are due at noon on Friday for the next Wednesday meeting
• Big Policy Meeting: 2nd week of the term

Term Budgets

• Term Budgets are for recurring, previously funded events.
• Publications must submit multiple quotes.
• Deadline is 2nd Friday of the term - decision made by the following week.

When to Apply to SPEC

• SPEC: Special Programs and Events Committee
• Apply to SPEC if the total cost of the events is over $5000
• SPEC meets on Tuesdays at 4pm.
• Proposal form and budget must be submitted on Fridays, 3 weeks prior to the event.