The Student Activity Fee (SAF) is a fund that almost every registered student at Penn State Berks pays into as part of the Student Fee collected with tuition. The purpose of the SAF is to provide students with the funds to enhance their co-curricular campus experiences while at Penn State Berks.

Purpose 

Per the Penn State Student Fee Board Handbook, Section 2.1: Activities funding enhances the student out-of-class experiences including programming, travel, equipment, and media publication. The primary use for activities funds is to enhance the campus climate through student-initiated programming, activities, and experiences. Student activities educate, entertain, and/or engage students outside of academic requirements.  

The Student Activity Fee at Penn State Berks has traditionally supported a number of student activities and programs, increased recreational opportunities, and improved student facilities on campus.

Campus Allocation Committee Authority and Membership

Per the Penn State Student Fee Board Handbook: Campus Allocation Committees are granted the authority by the SFB (Student Fee Board) to allocate Student Fee funds for all requests related to student activities, recreation, and services (except for those established by the Commonwealth Fee Board) at each of the Penn State campuses. The activities portion of the fee includes, but is not limited to, student organization recognized by the University, college, or department, affiliate organizations, and University units. Activities allocations will be pursuant to the campus allocation handbook and local/federal/state law. 

Berks Student Activity Fee Committee Membership

  1. Director of Student Affairs or designee (co-chair) **
  2. Student Government Association (SGA) President (co-chair) *
  3. Seven student appointees
  4. SGA Treasurer
  5. One staff member (preferably from Campus Life) **
  6. One faculty member (recommended by Faculty Senate) **

*In case of a tied vote, the ruling will go in favor of the SGA President’s vote. 
**Non-voting Committee Members 

To apply for committee membership, complete the Student Initiated Fee (SIF) Allocation Committee Application > 

SAF Proposal Policy 

  • All students, faculty, and staff are eligible to submit proposals for funding. 
  • SAF proposals must be submitted electronically via the SAF form.
  • Mass proposals covering multiple initiatives/events will not be accepted. Please submit a separate proposal for each initiative/event you are requesting. 
  • Proposals without the required documentation will not be reviewed by the committee, and the requestor will be notified.
  • Late proposals will not be reviewed by the committee, and the requestor will be notified.

Categories eligible for funding are:

  1. Campus activities
  2. Educational events / Programs
  3. Recreational events / Programs 
  4. Guest speakers, performers, and training facilitators
  5. Galas and social events
  6. Virtual events
  7. Food *
  8. Publicity
  9. Giveaways and apparel *
  10. Travel *
  11. Gift cards *
  12. Wages (preferably for students; not for salaries) *

*See Penn State Berks SIF Handbook for restrictions.

Categories NOT eligible for funding are:

  1. Grants-in-aid, scholarships, stipends, or professional staff salaries.    
  2. All personal medications including off-the-shelf and over-the-counter medications with or without a prescription. 
  3. Expenses for advisers, staff, and faculty travel.
  4. Health insurance, travel insurance, or health provider expenses.
  5. Season passes, described as a ticket that can be used multiple times within a limited period for entry to a venue. 
  6. Food and/or any related costs for registered student organization meetings. 
  7. Funding philanthropic activities where the primary purpose is fundraising.
  8. Honoraria for Penn State faculty or staff speaking about their area of expertise.
  9. Any religious ceremony or worship service, except when such activity is for educational purposes. 
  10. Appropriations to a registered student organization or legislative lobby whose purpose is to influence legislation. 
  11. Funding to backfill expenses from the general funds budget or to replace what is currently funded through the general funds budget.
  12. Programs and activities that are for academic credit and/or considered an essential component of a class. 
  13. Emergency expenditures, unforeseen expenses, or retroactive expenses (events held prior to submitting the request for funding or events where funding has not been approved). 

SAF Proposal Submission and Review Process

  • Generate ideas that will enhance the student's experience on campus. Remember, the activity, event, or initiative must be open to all students to participate.  
  • Review required resources like the Penn State Berks Student Initiated Fee Handbook, SIF Proposal Tips, and the SIF Red Flag Policy. 
  • Develop and submit a proposal. Be sure to include all required information and documents, including:
    • quotes,
    • invoices,
    • an itemized list of projected expenses,
    • a detailed description of the initiative or event,
    • contact names and email addresses,
    • a marketing/advertising plan, and
    • the strategic goals this initiative or event addresses. 
  • The proposal is then reviewed by the allocation committee and a decision to approve or deny or table the request is made.
  • Funding decision: Watch your Penn State email for a message detailing the committee’s decision, any stipulations of the decision, and instructions on how to track spending and submit reports. You must complete all the steps listed in your award allocation email. 
  • Closeout tasks: At the end of each semester, all recipients of SIF funds will be required to submit follow-up materials. Directions will be included in your Award Email. 

SAF Proposal Deadlines and Meeting Dates

Deadline Meeting
September 1, 2023 September 8, 2023
February 2, 2024 February 9, 2024
March 22, 2024 March 29, 2024

Submit a SAF Proposal Form