Event Management Helps Save Student Groups Money to Redirect into Event Programming

The first of three major initiatives launched by Event Management was the AV and Tech Fund which saved student organizations over $172,000 during the 2024–2025 academic year. This fund automatically covered AV labor charges for recognized student group events in Lerner Hall, including Lerner Auditorium, allowing groups like Columbia Pops and Orchesis to invest in additional rehearsals and expand their programming  

Complementing this financial support, Campus Services partnered with the Activities Board at Columbia (ABC) and the Student Governing Board (SGB) to tackle a long-standing logistical challenge: summer storage. In a coordinated effort involving Columbia Mail, Event Management, and Columbia Housing, over 200 storage bins were distributed to student groups. These bins were packed, tagged, and stored over the summer, relieving students from paying for outside storage. 

To further streamline event planning and identify funding needs, the President & Provost (P&P) Fund introduced a new pre-approval process during the Pre-Calendar period. Starting March 31, student groups could request funding estimates alongside their event applications, giving them greater confidence as they prepared for Fall 2025 programming. Final funding decisions are made by early October. 

Together, these initiatives reflect Columbia’s commitment to supporting student creativity and community-building—making it easier than ever for student groups to deliver meaningful experiences on campus.