The Facilities and Security funds are supported by Columbia College Student Council, Engineering Student Council and General Studies Student Council.  For questions regarding these funds, please email the Vice Presidents of Finances at treasurers@columbia.edu.

The Student Government Facilities Fund

The Student Government Facilities Fund is a front-end payment to cover student group Facilities expenses for events outside of Lerner Hall. The fund was established in 2004 and is supported by the Columbia College Student Council (CCSC), Barnard College Student Government Association (SGA), the Engineering Student Council (ESC) and the General Studies Student Council (GSSC). The fund is a resource to encourage a vibrant campus life. It is available to recognized undergraduate student organizations on the Columbia campus.

The amount in the fund is reassessed after each year based on past data and it is important to note that the fund is capped and will not be limitless. Student group programming will be restricted by existing limitations on available space and student time.

The Facilities Fund is available to all groups recognized by ABC, SGB, CSGB, IGC, GBB, or CI. All charges against the fund must be made within the fiscal year in which the event occurred (July 1st through June 30th) and the fund will only cover events that occur within the academic term. Charges made to the fund afterward will be charged against the student group account. Newly recognized student groups will be added to the roster of approved groups, the semester following their recognition.

All facility expenses under $600 will be automatically approved by the funds. Student Groups that receive facility quotes over this amount must apply to seek approval for the fund to cover the cost of the security.

Fall 2024 Student Government Facilities Fund Overage Application

Questions? Email treasurers@columbia.edu or review the JCFC Constitution.

What’s covered by the Facilities Fund?

Custodial Assistance
Clean before/after/during event
Trash removal
Waste containers
Ground Assistance
Clean before/after/during event
Trash Removal
Waste Containers
Gates open/remove posts/chains around lawn
Installation/removal of lawn decking
Labor Assistance
Setup/breakdown of furniture
Erect risers
Supply stanchions
Carpentry Assistance
Hang/remove banners
Electrical and Plumbing Assistance
Provide extension cords and electrical hookups, turning on power and voltage monitoring
Turning on water, providing hoses and spigots

What’s not covered by the Facilities Fund?

Events in Lerner Hall
Equipment and external labor costs
Coat Checks and attendants
Linens
Tables and Chairs and other furniture rentals
Tents and associated labor costs
Staging and associated costs
Events that happen during times when school is not in session
Events scheduled after regular student event hours. 
Events co-sponsored by administrative offices
Events that feature 50% or more non-CUID events and generate revenue (prior approval required)

The Student Government Security Fund

The Student Government Security Fund is a front-end payment to cover a portion of student group security expenses for events on the Morningside Campus. The fund was established in 2006 and is supported by the Columbia College Student Council (CCSC), the Barnard College Student Government Association (SGA), the Engineering Student Council (ESC) and the General Studies Student Council (GSSC). The fund is a resource to encourage a vibrant campus life. It is available to all recognized undergraduate student organizations on the Morningside campus funded by the CCSC, SGA, ESC and GSSC and recognized by at least one of the following Governing Boards: ABC, SGB, CSGB, IGC, GBB, or CI.

The amount in the fund is reassessed after each year based on past data and it is important to note that the fund is capped and will not be limitless. Student group programming will be restricted by existing limitations on available space and student time. The fund covers the costs of the presence of uniformed CU security officers at a student event on the Columbia campus. The security fund is overseen by the Vice Presidents of Finance of each Student Council and Undergraduate Student Life.

All charges against the fund must be made within the fiscal year in which the event occurred (July 1st through June 30th) and the fund will only cover events that occur within the academic term. Charges made to the fund afterward will be charged against the student group account. Newly recognized student groups will be added to the roster of approved groups, the semester following their recognition.

All security expenses under $600 will be automatically approved by the funds. Student Groups that receive security quotes over this amount must apply with JCFC to seek approval for the fund to cover the cost of the security.

Questions? Email treasurers@columbia.edu or review the JCFC Constitution.

Prior authorization to access the Security Fund is required when events:

• When security costs total more than $600.
• Are scheduled in campus buildings that require guards to open the building when other space alternatives are/were available
• Are scheduled outside of regular student event hours.

• Are scheduled during those times when school is not in session.
• Are co-sponsored with Administrative offices
• Feature 50% or more non-CUID attendees and generates revenue

Requesting Prior Authorization

Fall 2024 Student Government Security Fund Pre-Authorization Application

Prior authorization must be requested after the event review and at least two weeks before the scheduled event by contacting JCFC. A decision will be made by the treasurers of the CCSC, SGA, ESC and GSSC student governments and an email will be sent to you within 5 business days. 

When making a request please include:

• A brief description of the event - including event location, date and time, anticipated crowd (BC/CUID/Non-CUID)
• Reason for the guard presence and estimate of the expected number of guards needed
• Reason(s) why an exception is being requested.