Student Organization FAQs

Highsmith Student Union is brimming with opportunities for students to get engaged at UNC Asheville, with a number of those opportunities calling our Student Organizations home! From academic honor societies and service academies to a cappella groups and just-for-fun gatherings, there’s something for everyone! Still can’t find what you’re looking for? No worries! We are here to help you start the next great thing at UNC Asheville, providing you every resource and chance to create your own student organization from the ground up, all with our help and guidance.

Check out some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Student Organizations at UNC Asheville! Not finding the answer or question you’re looking for? Contact the Student Organization Council (studentorgs@unca.edu)!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I spend my club’s Campus Commission or SOC money?

You have several options for using your organization’s funds:

  • Purchase Request: Anything that can be ordered online can be requested through the Purchase Request form in Rocky Connect. The Purchase Request Form under the SOAR page in Rocky Connect is the recommended method for student organization leaders to spend their funding. This process allows the Highsmith Student Union team to purchase supplies and services directly without students spending personal funds. When you complete the form, don’t forget to include a direct link to the item(s) as well as the quantities that you need of each item.  Purchase Requests must be submitted AT LEAST 2 weeks ahead of the date that you need your items or supplies. Requests must be purchased from the following businesses: Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Ingles. If items are out of stock, you’ll be notified ASAP in which you’ll be asked to identify replacements in a timely manner. 
  • Receipt Reimbursement: Submit your Reimbursement Request through this Rocky Connect form. Reimbursement checks will be processed and ready within 4 weeks.
  • Invoices: If you receive an invoice for off-campus catering, an independent contractor, or a performer, this should be emailed to studentorgs@unca.edu AND Anna Claire Jackson (ajacks11@unca.edu).

Do I have to present to the SOC Finance Committee to use approved Campus Commission funds?

No! In order to use funding your organization received through campus commission, simply fill out the Purchase Request Form in the SOAR page of Rocky Connect. Purchase Requests must be submitted AT LEAST 2 weeks ahead of the date that you need your items or supplies.

How do I know how much money my student organization have?

For budget inquiries, simply email the SOC (studentorgs@unca.edu)!

How do I request funds for my organization?

Student organizations have two main opportunities for requesting funds:

  • Campus Commission: This is a yearly process which takes place each April, where organizations can apply for funding for the following school year. Organization leaders will receive details to their student org email account via the SOC email in late March regarding the application process
  • Student Organization Council: For organizations who did not apply for Campus Commission or who need additional funding for programs or travel, you may apply to present at one of the weekly SOC meetings throughout the school year. Program Funding Requests must be submitted one week prior to the SOC meeting in which you would like to present; Travel Fund Requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance

Can my organization have a bank account for fundraising?

If you raise money for your organization and would like to place it in a secure account, contact Anna Claire Jackson (ajacks11@unca.edu) to request an 8-fund. You may make purchases using your 8-fund through the same channels as your student organization budget. Just be sure to specify the account you would like to draw from (for Purchase Requests, receipt reimbursement, or payment of invoices and honorariums).

How do I reserve a table or space for my org?

  • All student organization activities should be submitted through Rocky Connect. Registration of events and recording attendance is required to remain in good standing and qualify for funding.
  • Your Event Submission Form in Rocky Connect is routed through the Reservations team for review. Navigate to rockyconnect.unca.edu. You can find the Event Submission Form through the main page by opening your left sidebar, clicking the cog icon next to your organization, clicking “Events,” then clicking the blue “CREATE EVENT” button.
  • Only primary contacts and officers with full access over “Events” can create events within an organization. If you do not have the proper permissions, contact studentorgs@unca.edu.

Should my club have an @unca.edu email account?

Yes! Your club advisor should submit this form to request a generic UNC Asheville email address on behalf of your organization. All requests are reviewed by three levels: ITS, Communications and Marketing, and Highsmith Union staff.

What spaces can I reserve?

Please see “How do I reserve a space?” above. Once a Rocky Connect event registration form has been received, our Reservations team can book nearly any space on campus. This includes (but is not limited to) Highsmith Union, Brown Hall meeting rooms, classrooms, outdoor spaces, and the Sherrill Center.*

Special/large events take additional planning. We require immediate consultation with Cielo Maranchello (emaranch@unca.edu) or Robert Straub (rstraub@unca.edu) in the planning stages of your event. In normal operating circumstances we need at least 4-5 weeks of planning events of 50 people or more.

*After hours events in Sherrill and other campus venues may require a fee. This can be paid through approved student organization funding.