Editor’s Note: The author of this article serves as an at-large member on the Budget & Finance committee.

The Shippensburg University Student Government Association (SGA) gave the final approval for the 2025-2026 operating budget at its April 3 meeting. The budget funds student groups, athletics and other areas of student life. 

After several months of deliberation by the Budget and Finance committee (B&F), the $3 million budget went before Shippensburg University President Charles Patterson. 

Following his approval, SGA vice president of finance Nathan Garber brought it back to SGA to be formally adopted.

The budget passed without opposition following brief discussion, concluding what SGA president Lillian Sellers described as an exceptionally smooth budget process. 

“I don’t think we’ve had such a smooth budget season in quite a while,” Sellers said. “So I just want to thank every member of the Budget and Finance committee. You’re doing great work.”

Notably, most groups’ allocations remained stable or saw minor increases, bucking a trend of budget cuts that has lasted several years. 

“In general, most groups got the same, or a little more than what they got last year,” Garber said.

Garber noted that the status quo was less than people likely would have hoped for, but it was helpful in ensuring financial sustainability. While there is still a slight deficit, it is being counterbalanced by pulling unused funds from the special funding request allocation made last year for the current budget year.

The budget process itself was less chaotic than previous years, as both Sellers and Garber noted. Groups were required to turn in their budget requests earlier than in past cycles, which gave the Budget and Finance committee more time for review.

Student groups were also reminded of upcoming deadlines for spending both their regular operating budgets and any special funding requests. According to an email from SUSSI office manager Allie Rippeon, the last day for submitting a special funding request will be April 28. Expenditure requests for most groups will be due by June 15. However, those for club sports will be due on May 16.

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