KU Student Affairs Announces Establishment of Student Program Funding Administration

LAWRENCE, KS — KU Student Affairs is excited to announce the establishment of Student Program Funding Administration.  

Student Program Funding Administration (SPFA) supports funding opportunities for KU registered student organizations and campus departments through the management of over $24 million annually in Required Student Fees. SPFA supports student organizations funded by the Required Student Fee process and Student Senate— the student governance function of University Governance— and support student organization engagement with Student Senate processes. 

"I’ve seen firsthand the impact funding has on our student organizations,” said Mataia Gales, program director of SPFA. “Educating students about university processes has been a meaningful experience.” 

“As a department, we will have the opportunity to engage with campus departments through the Required Student Fee process and partner with colleagues to support student organization program funding. We are excited to continue our support for student organizations and Student Senate in an expanded capacity,” said Gales. 

Gales brings extensive experience with Student Senate and its processes. She joined KU Student Affairs in 2019 as administrative assistant for the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs. In this role, she assisted with purchases for registered student organizations granted funds through Student Senate. Starting in 2024, Gales served as the assistant director for Student Senate leadership development, the primary advisor to Student Senate and its executive functions.  

“Mataia's leadership in KU Student Affairs has strengthened Student Senate and the hundreds of student organizations and campus departments that benefit from Required Student Fee funding and Student Senate's funding allocations,” shared Dr. Katie Treadwell, assistant vice provost for KU Student Affairs. “Student leaders depend deeply on Mataia's support and guidance as they serve the KU student community. She is exceptionally qualified to lead an expanded approach to this work and continue serving Student Senate and KU's vibrant student organization community.” 

SPFA ensures funding allocations align with university standards and are fulfilled in a timely and efficient manner. SPFA will also lead the Pepsi funding and product allocation programs to support student organization and campus events, assuming management of the program from the Student Engagement Center.  More information about the Pepsi Program and how student organizations can request funding or Pepsi products can be found at studentaffairs.ku.edu/spfa.  

For more information about SPFA, visit studentaffairs.ku.edu/spfa. Questions for SPFA can be directed to spfa@ku.edu and 785-864-4060. 

For more information about Student Senate, visit studentsenate.ku.edu.