What the Committee Does
The Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing and allocating funding to student organizations in a fair, transparent, and fiscally responsible manner. The committee evaluates budget requests on a bi-weekly basis, ensuring compliance with established funding standards and organizational funding caps. It also plays a key role in maintaining the financial integrity of USG by overseeing spending and maintaining accurate financial records.
Why It Matters
The Finance Committee is a key entity in ensuring that the Student Activity Fee, paid by every student, is directed towards the support of the Hawkeye Community. The committee accomplishes this goal by reviewing funding requests that go towards the events, trips, and initiatives student organizations look to pursue. Additionally, the committee reviews any funding proposals to the senate above $1,500 which support initiatives that provide an equitable impact for all students.
Interested in funding your student organization?
Cool Projects & Success Stories
Airport shuttle
Launched in Fall 2018, the Airport Shuttle Program was created through a partnership between USG and University of Iowa Parking & Transportation, with the goal of providing students with reliable, affordable, and accessible transportation between Iowa City and the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) during university break periods. The initiative responded to a growing need among domestic and international students for a cost-effective way to travel during holidays like Thanksgiving, winter, spring, and summer break. Since its inception, the program has evolved in both scope and impact. In recent years, USG has partnered with Anaman Concierge Services to provide both departure and arrival service between campus and the airport. The shuttle now operates from convenient campus locations. Currently, the cost of each ride is split evenly between USG and the student, reducing the student's fare to $15, a fraction of market alternatives.
Hawkeye Late Night Voucher Pilot Program
The Hawkeye Late Night Uber Voucher Program has been one of USG’s most impactful safety initiatives to date. It was launched in collaboration with Campus Safety, the Division of Student Life, and the UI Parent and Family Council to provide students with subsidized late-night Uber rides during high-risk hours. The program began as a pilot in Spring 2024, designed to supplement the University’s Nite Ride service. Since weekend demand often exceeded capacity and rideshare prices soared late at night, students were sometimes left walking home alone in unsafe conditions. USG leaders collaborated with Uber and rolled out the first version of the program, offering students two $5 vouchers valid Thursday through Saturday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. in a 3-mile radius of campus. Over 600 students signed up within the first 24 hours and the program was expanded in Fall 2024.
How to Get Involved
Students can get involved with the Finance Committee by applying or running as a senator for USG, then applying for the Finance Committee upon being sworn in as a senator. The Finance Committee is one of two USG committees to have a ceiling on the number of members allowed, with Finance having a composition of up to nine members. Though no prior experience is needed, if you are interested in finance, budgeting, or have a curiosity of how funds are used to support campus life, then we encourage you to apply.
