The Student Government Association approved funding for two UCA organizations at its inaugural meeting Sept. 29. 

The first organization to present, Bear Boots on the Ground, requested $2,115 for their alternative Spring Break trip. 

The money would be used to provide lodging to the participants. 

In this trip, the organization would help clean up rivers near Memphis. 

Various senators rose to support the funding and it was approved with a unanimous decision. 

The second student organization to request funding was UCA’s Geography Club. 

Director Michael Colburn said the club needed $2,059 to cover expenses for five club members to attend a Southwestern Division of American Geographers meeting in New Mexico. 

“This is an annual regional meeting where faculty and students come together from all over the region to present on geography research and do geography activities,” Colburn said. 

Colburn said participating students will also take part in Geo Bowl, a quiz bowl style game based around geography. 

“We’ve never actually had a full team go, so this would be the first time UCA has ever done that,” Colburn said. 

The money requested would pay for expenses such as lodging, meals, gas and stops at national parks. 

When prompted about which expenses he would most like to see paid for, Colburn said lodging was his number one priority. 

“The funds will not only allow for participation in a conference competition and field experience, but it will also lower the financial barrier – allowing all five of our interested students to attend,” Colburn said. 

Ultimately, SGA decided to grant the geography club $1,669 for the conference, choosing to cover the costs of lodging and meals. 

While Bear Boots on the Ground and the geography club both saw their funding needs met, the exercise science club was not so fortunate. 

The club requested $500 to pay a timing company for its Ghost to Gobble 5k marathon on Nov. 1. 

Christopher James, who is running the event, said paying the timing company is necessary to make the event an official marathon. 

James said timing companies can often cost up to $1500, but one of the participant’s connections to a timing company gave them a cheaper deal. 

James said the event already has over 100 participants signed up. He also is looking to use profits from the marathon to fund a bi-annual marathons.

The entry fee for the marathon starts at $25, but will increase to $35 and later $45 as the event comes closer. 

After discussion, SGA’s financial committee elected not to provide the funds for the event. 

When prompted why, Vice President Abby Simpson – who is a member of the Exercise Science Club – said the club has adequate funds to pay the timing company. 

“They still have $3,000 left over,” Simpson said. “They can definitely pay $500 for [the timing company].”

Upon hearing this news, SGA members voted unanimously not to approve funds for the 5k. 

President Kylie McGraw adjourned the meeting soon after – officially kicking off SGA’s fall semester.