One Loyola student’s dreams were made possible through financial help from the Student Government Association.

Graduate student Nasima Khan was able to add a national presentation to her resume due to allocations from SGA. Khan attended the American Counseling Association conference in Hawaii, which has a 16 percent acceptance rate.

“It was truly an honor to be accepted to present,” Khan said, after finding out she was chosen to attend.

Her acceptance, though, would mean nothing if she could not afford to attend. After submitting a request to SGA for allocations, Khan was informed that her funds would be granted and she could attend the conference with expenses paid.

“SGA’s funding meant that my travel costs were covered, includ– ing my flight to Hawaii, hotel costs, cab rides to and from the airport, as well as the registration fee for the conference,” Khan said.

SGA representatives said that they want students to know that money is available to them – all they have to do is ask. Financial committee member Rashi Sharma said that student allocations have many benefits.

“It’s important for students to know how they can get allocated. They can take matters into their own hands and organize events

that are both engaging and beneficial for the Loyola community,” Sharma said.

Khan learned of the allocations process through her connections in Chi Sigma Iota, an international honors society that deals with counseling.

“The president of this chapter, and my good friend, Leigh Boyer informed me of this great funding opportunity provided by SGA through membership of the Alpha Phi student,” Khan said.

Khan said that getting SGA to allocate the conference trip was not difficult.

“The process was fairly simple and easy and Logan from SGA played a huge role in facilitating that,” she said.

Former finance committee member and current SGA Vice President Nate Ryther said the process is simple and the committee can help each student understand the process.

“One of the best ways that the finance committee helps organizations understand the ins and outs of the allocation process is through President’s Council, in which all organizations’ presidents meet and also discuss the allocations procedures for the year,” Ryther said.

Other organizations have already taken advantage of the opportunity to use the resources available to them from SGA.

Caitlyn Chambers, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., was recently allocated funds as well.

“Our regional conference benefited my sorority in that we all brought back leadership skills and workshops that we can apply to our future programs we host on campus, as well as interacting with sorority sisters from around the region,” Chambers said.

Chambers said that the application process for allocations simply required a justification for why the applicant deserved the money.

“We applied through OrgSync with specific amounts and receipts to purchase,” she said. “You basically plead your case, mission and purpose for the SGA funds.”

Ryther said he thinks allocations contribute to the overall success of the student.

“The allocations process is a great way for students to do the things that they want to do. These student fees are there to make sure students have the best time possible at Loyola,” Ryther said.

Khan said that other students should take advantage of the resources SGA has made available to the Loyola community.

“I would definitely consider future SGA funding opportunities, and I would recommend others to do so as well,” Khan said.