Finances

GSU is supported financially by voluntary dues and donations. This money is used to cover expenses related to organizing and other mutual aid projects. Spending decisions are made democratically by the members and the union’s elected officers, using the processes described below.

Budgeted Expenses

The union’s steering committee will regularly review dues income, and make new budget proposals as needed. Any budget proposal must be brought before a general members meeting where it may be approved, modified, or rejected.

Budgeted Expenses are used for regular recurring expenses such as office rent and staffer pay, or for recurring contributions to internal funds such as the Hardship Fund or Strike Fund.

One-time Expenses

Any expense less than $100 or 10% of the monthly budget (whichever is larger) may be approved at the discretion of the Financial Secretary.

Any expense less than $1000 or 20% of the monthly budget (whichever is larger) may be approved by the steering committee.

Any greater expense must receive approval at a general members meeting.

Reimbursement Procedure

1. Gain approval. Contact the Financial Secretary with a brief description of the expense and the estimated cost. Avoid spending money before the expense is approved.
2. Submit receipts & reimbursement method. Email the Financial Secretary all receipts and where to send reimbursement. Reimbursement is available by PayPal, Venmo, or check.

Current Budget and Record Keeping

The Financial Secretary maintains the budget, spending records, and provides regular reports on the state of finances to members at general members meetings as needed. Any member may, upon request, review the current budget and spending records. Contact the Financial Secretary or graduatestudentsunited@gmail.com if you are interested.