The EIU student senate approved three new budget allocations for the 2026 fiscal year at its weekly meeting on Wednesday. 

The student senate acts as the apportionment board voting to approve budget requests it is presented.  

University board is a student-based organization that is responsible for many events that take place throughout the year on campus, such as homecoming and family weekend. 

It requested $243,172 for the 2026 fiscal year, a decrease from its fiscal year 2025 budget of $270,192. 

UB has its budget divided across eight committees and general cost coverage. 

Its largest expenditure of $75,000 goes to UB traditions committee. It is responsible for overseeing the signature events throughout the year.

The amount of $45,860 is allocated for the UB homecoming committee responsible for planning and doing events and merchandise for the homecoming week.  

The UB special events committee is allocated $23,855 to plan and run its themed events throughout the year.  

The amount of $15,500 is allocated to the UB human potential committee for its events and programs focused on cultural diversity.  

The amount of $15,000 is allocated to the UB spotlight committee which runs events centered on student and outside entertainment acts. 

The amount of $11,725 is allocated for UB graphic design and the public relations committee for overseeing UB recruitment and marketing and branding for UB events. 

The UB production committee is allocated $10,757 for the obtaining and maintenance of equipment used by the UB. 

The UB general costs are allocated $44,975 which covers stipends for the chair and vice chair of the UB and three student life office graduate assistants. Dues that are paid to the National Association for Campus Activities which hosts events where attendees network and attend seminars. There are remaining funds for office supplies and miscellaneous funds. 

The student senate acts as the apportionment board for the Office of Leadership and Engagement.  

The office is focused on varus service organizations on campus and fraternity and sorority life. 

The office is allocated $25,000 for the 2026 fiscal year. 

For civic engagement and volunteering projects, $4,300 is allocated. 

Leadership and engagement programs and events are allocated $7,150.  

For fraternity and sorority life events, $8,600 is allocated.

For professional development events, $5,000 is allocated. 

For the RSO funding budget, $45,000 is allocated, which ensures that RSOs support their fiscal operations regarding events. 

The RSO grant fund allows for a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $1,500 to be allocated to RSOs to aid in expenses of events. 

The student government executive vice president reviews applications for eligibility the student senate then approves or vetoes the distribution of funds. 

The student senate passed a resolution to honor the participances of Miss Black EIU, which included senator Anna Jones winner of the Miss Ebony award. 

Members of the senate had high praise for all contestants.  

“I was there it was a wonderful performance,” Student Body President Taylor Cloud said. 

Jones was also congratulated personally. 

“I wanted to give a quick shout out to senator Jones for doing great,” senator Emilee Boyd said. 

Jones thanked serval student government members for their support. 

“I want to thank speaker [Madison] Veatch and GA Justin [Richards], GA Maggie [Taylor] for making so much work behind the scenes” Jones said. “Definitely give my thanks out to you guys.” 

The student senate also appointed sophomore political science major Jayriel Kizer to the student senate. 

Jason Coulombe can be reached at 581-2812 or at jmcoulombe@eiu.edu.