Supporting student involvement at the University of Richmond: Inside the SOBAC process
Each year, student leaders at the University of Richmond take on a significant responsibility: stewarding resources that directly shape the student experience. At the center of this work is the Student Organization Budget and Appropriations Committee (SOBAC).
SOBAC is a student-led process made up of members from the Richmond College Student Government Association (RCSGA) and Westhampton College Government Association (WCGA) that allocates funding to student organizations across campus.
Beyond its operational role, SOBAC offers a hands-on leadership experience that challenges students to make decisions and collaborate effectively to support a thriving ecosystem of student organizations.
Leadership in Practice
For student leaders, SOBAC is not simply about allocating funds; it is about learning how to lead in situations where decisions carry consequences.
“At the end of the day in this process, tough decisions need to be made,” said Noah Levinsohn (’28), former RCSGA Vice President for Finance and SOBAC Co-Chair. “While this is difficult, saying ‘no’ is one of our responsibilities, and learning to do so in a courteous way is a skill that I am sure I will apply to my professional career after graduation.”
Caitlin McBride, Assistant Director for Student Organizations and SOBAC advisor, emphasized that SOBAC places students in “a high-responsibility, real-world decision-making environment,” where they build professionalism, strengthen communication skills, and develop a sense of accountability through stewarding a significant budget.
Serving in these roles often requires students to step outside of their academic comfort zones. Levinsohn, a Political Science major, noted that the role pushed him to apply and deepen his financial and analytical skills in new ways, reflecting the breadth of learning embedded in the experience.
Leadership also involves improving systems for others. This year, SOBAC shifted from a one-weekend to a two-weekend process to create a more sustainable experience for committee members. Levinsohn noted that the change was “something I was very proud of.”
Developing Leadership Through Support and Structure
UR staff and systems of support play a key role in shaping student leadership through a balance of guidance and autonomy.
An effective student organization ecosystem, according to McBride, is one that “empowers student leaders while providing clear structure and guidance,” promoting equitable access to resources while fostering collaboration and connection across organizations.
As McBride explained, the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) supports student organizations in working through UR's policies and processes: “When students understand university policies and processes, they can operate more confidently and focus their energy on their mission rather than navigating barriers.”
Michelle Darfour (’26), former WCGA Financial Affairs Chair and SOBAC Co-Chair, also highlighted the importance of institutional support in enabling student leaders to succeed, pointing to accessible resources, responsive advising, and policies that “remove as many barriers to execution as possible.”
McBride observed that the Co-Chairs, in particular, develop skills in “collaboration, conflict navigation, and adaptive leadership,” as they guide discussions and balance differing perspectives across student groups.
This balance allows students to take ownership of their roles while still benefiting from institutional support, creating an environment where leadership is actively developed over time.
Building Continuity and Long-Term Success
Sustaining student organizations requires more than funding for a single year. Carefully considered systems are in place to support continuity as leadership changes.
CSI supports this through processes such as annual re-registration and targeted programming focused on leadership transitions. Initiatives like the April Presidents’ Roundtable create space for student leaders to reflect on their experiences, share best practices, and plan for a smooth handoff to incoming officers.
These efforts create a foundation for continuity, enabling student leaders to build on past work, preserve institutional knowledge, and shape organizations that evolve with each new cohort, reflecting their members’ interests.
A Thriving Student Organization Ecosystem
At its core, SOBAC helps create the conditions for vibrant student involvement, working alongside CSI and campus partners to support organizations as they grow and thrive.
A strong ecosystem is one in which student leaders have access to the resources, guidance, and flexibility needed to bring their ideas to life, while also developing the skills required to lead effectively.
Levinsohn reflected on the role organizations play in shaping the student experience: “There are a lot of organizations that have their niche, and it is great to see these orgs as spaces where people can meet new friends, try new foods, have new experiences.”
McBride noted that student organizations play a key role in helping students build leadership skills, form meaningful communities, and develop a sense of belonging.
Together, this work reflects a shared goal: fostering an environment where student organizations can thrive and contribute meaningfully to life at the University of Richmond.