An independent branch of DSG, the SOFC is responsible for the recognition, funding, and developmental support of nearly 250+ student groups on campus. We ensure the effective distribution and investment of Duke’s nearly $1M student fund with the goal of enhancing the undergraduate Duke experience through leadership training, involvement opportunities, and inclusive programming.
Our role
The SOFC is an up to 21-person undergraduate committee working in coordination with the DSG Senate to allocate the student fund to recognized and chartered student groups. The main duties of the SOFC are:
- Overseeing the Programming Fund, which is open to all recognized and chartered student groups on a weekly, event-specific basis
- Running the Annual Budgeting process, through which money for the upcoming year is allocated to chartered groups for long-term expenses
- Reviewing and recommending new and existing student groups for recognized and chartered status
- Empowering Student Organization leaders through trainings and other support services
Our structure
SOFC is composed of a Chair, Executive Vice-Chair, 4 Vice-Chairs, 3 External Representatives (DSG Treasurer, Arts, Service), and up to 12 general members that include 4 Student Advisors.
Chair
- Convening meetings of the entire SOFC to hear and deliberate funding and groups requests
- Serving on the DSG Executive Team, University Union Board, Council for Collaborative Action, and Cultural Engagement Fund
- Advocating for student organizations to the DSG Senate for funding or recognition
- Serving as a resource for student groups and leaders
- Facilitating the selection, appointment, and evaluation of Vice-Chairs
Vice-Chair, Executive
- Convening committee executive team meetings to discuss internal operations and best practice
- Support and lead the Vice-Chairs and their various responsibilities
- Facilitating the recruitment, selection, and evaluation of general committee members
- Assisting the Chair, as needed, and assume responsibilities in their absence
Vice-Chair, Management & Communication
- Directing Programming Leadership Team
- Preparing programming and annual budget requests for hearings
- Communicating with groups on funding decisions status
- Assisting student groups and the University Center for Activities & Events’ Business & Finance Office with the funding allocation process
Vice-Chair, Student Groups
- Coordinating with the Launch Team to vet new student groups and facilitate communication between relevant parties
- Conducting a semesterly review of existing student groups and making subsequent recommendations to the SOFC regarding annual re-recognition and re-chartering
Vice-Chair, Auditing & Policy
Directing Auditing Leadership Team
- Actively reviewing and revising the SOFC allocation policies for programming and annual budget as well as consulting relevant campus stakeholders
- Overseeing the disciplinary and financial auditing of student groups
Vice-Chair, Analytics & Engagement
- Analyzing funding data and consulting on trends
- Tracking, modeling, and forecasting the expenditure of the Student Activities Fee
- Working with student groups to increase attendance, publicity, and openness of events
External Representatives
- Advocating and advising on funding as it relates to the DSG Senate as well as Arts and Service Organizations on campus
Student Advisors
- Advising on funding at all stages of the process
- Mentoring and leading committee members in areas of financial specialization
Analysts
- Serving as a resource for student groups for event logistics
- Specializing in Contracts & Negotiations, Event Services, External Funds & Packages, or Travel
- Serving on Programming or Auditing Leadership Teams
