The Student Programming Allocation Council (SPAC) is designed to support Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) at UMSL by providing funding for programs and events that enhance the student experience. SPAC's primary purpose is to offer financial assistance for educational, cultural, social, leadership, and community-building programs that may not otherwise be possible without additional support.

While SPAC funding can help offset event-related expenses, organizations are encouraged to seek additional funding sources and partnerships to support their programming efforts. RSOs should not rely solely on SPAC funding to cover the full cost of their events. The goal of SPAC funding is to encourage meaningful, engaging, and impactful programming that contributes to campus life and fosters student involvement at UMSL. 

Programming refers to planned events, activities, or initiatives organized by a student organization that are intentionally designed to engage students and contribute to the campus community. In higher education and student affairs, programming creates opportunities for students to learn, connect, develop leadership skills, celebrate cultures, promote wellness, build community, and enhance the overall student experience.

For funding and budget request purposes, programming should have a clear purpose and provide a direct benefit to students beyond the internal operations of the organization. Programmatic events should be open, engaging, and designed to create meaningful experiences for participants. Organizations should be able to explain the purpose of the event, identify who will benefit, and describe how the event contributes to campus life.

Programmatic funding supports activities and experiences,not routine organizational business expenses. Requests should demonstrate how the proposed event or initiative serves students and aligns with the goals and mission of the organization.

For instructions on how to create a Budget Request and Payment Request, please see video below.

SPAC Spring 2025 Presentation

If your student organization was approved for funding from SPAC, but a member of the organization purchased the approved items on their own, this information is for you! The person who made the purchase will need to digitally complete a Supplier Request Form These completed forms will need to be combined with a digital copy of the receipt into one PDF. This PDF will then be attached to a Payment Request in Triton Connect.

  • Supplier Request Form:This form is used to reimburse student organization members when personal funds have been spent to purchase supplies for a budgeted organization event. *Note: the University's tax-exempt status cannot be used to purchase supplies. You will not be reimbursed for tax on any purchase*
  • Uploaded Copy of Paid Receipt: This form is used alongside the Supplier Request Form to provide proper payment information so the student organization member can be properly reimbursed.

A few reminders when it comes to being reimbursed:

  • You will not be reimbursed on any taxes that were paid, nor can your student organization claim tax-exempt status on behalf of the University.
  • Reimbursements take some time to be processed.
  • Reimbursement paperwork should be submitted no less than 14 days following your event or the date the items were purchased.
RSOs may request funding for expenses directly related to programming and events that support their organization's mission and contribute to student engagement, learning, and campus life at UMSL.
  • Programming funding can be used for programs or events hosted by student groups at UMSL. In order to be eligible for SPAC programming funds, the program or event must be free, open to, and accessible for all UMSL students. SPAC-funded programs should take place on UMSL’s campus unless there is an extenuating circumstance in which an off-campus venue is necessary (justification must be provided). 

Examples of Programmatic Funding Requests: 

  •  Guest speakers, presenters, or educational workshops 
  •  Cultural celebrations and heritage month events 
  •  Leadership development programs or conferences 
  • Wellness and mental health initiatives 
  •  Campus-wide social events and community-building activities 
  •  Awareness campaigns and educational tabling events 
  • Service projects and community engagement programs 
  • Performances, showcases, and student engagement activities 
  • Collaborative events with other student organizations  

Examples of Items That May Support Programming: 

  • Event decorations and supplies 
  • Marketing and promotional materials 
  • Speaker or performer fees 
  • Educational materials and handouts 
  • Facility or equipment rental costs 
  • Food or refreshments (when permitted under funding guidelines) 
  • Event giveaways that support participation and engagement 

Student groups can request up to $2,000 of programming funds per semester. 


View the Complete SPAC Guidelines

View the SPAC Scoring Rubric

The Student Programming Allocation Council (SPAC) is always looking for new members! This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who is looking to get involved on campus.

Benefits include:

  • Being the first to know when and where exciting events are happening on campus!
  • Gain experience in budgeting, decision-making, and collaboration.
  • Help decide which events and initiatives receive funding, impacting the vibrancy of our campus community.
  • Work closely with fellow students, faculty, and staff, while making lasting friendships.
  • Adding a great experience to your resume.

Responsibilities include:

  • Attending bi-weekly meetings.
  • Providing input in the review of budget requests submitted by Student Organizations.
  • Review SPAC Guidelines

SPAC meeting times shift based on members’ availability each semester. Meetings typically last thirty minutes to an hour.

Want to be a part of the SPAC Council? Join here: SPAC Interest Form

If you have any questions or concerns - spac@umsl.edu.