Who We Are

We are a group of approximately 50 undergraduate students with a passion for programming, marketing, and leadership focused on providing out-of-classroom experiences for all Rutgers students. We strive to provide events where all students can find something they are interested in at least once per semester. We are always looking to improve our organization and our programs so we value feedback from others and appreciate suggestions.

what we provide

Diverse programs that appeal to a variety of student interests

Extensive programming experience and leadership development for all council members

Support of student organizations and the programs they plan through our co-sponsorship process

Funding

RUPA receives a total of $603,000 for the fiscal year starting on July 1 and ending June 30 annually.

Allocated from:

$350,000 - department of Student Centers & Activities and Student Affairs generated revenue, garnered from payments for room reservations, equipment rentals and royalties from food vendors within the student centers.

$253,000 - the Rutgers University Student Assembly (RUSA) Allocations Board. This sum is aggregated from $3.75 of the total $10 student fee, which is charged to all full-time undergraduate students attending the Rutgers University New Brunswick campus each semester.

The RUPA Executive Board then allocates the total budget of amongst the individual committees at the beginning of the summer based on expenses from the previous year, as well as anticipated costs for programs in the coming year. Allocations for the Fall 2026 semester are as follows:

Media and Culture $33,500

Community Engagement $24,100

Marketing $12,000

Human Resources $2,500

Traditions & Community $106,500

Concerts & Coffeehouses $8,000

While following this framework for the fiscal year, the RUPA Executive Board also takes into consideration the individual committees’ needs and plans that may not have been anticipated earlier in the year. If a committee expresses the need, consensus is reached amongst the Board to reallocate money that was previously designated to another committee. This ad-hoc reallocation happens on an as-needed basis and previously happened for events such as Hot Dog Day and Beats on the Banks.

Program selections

RUPA goes through a thorough program proposal process to ensure that a variety of programs are provided throughout the entire academic year. This process generally begins two to six months in advance of the desired event date.  All Council members have the opportunity to share their opinion on the proposed event, regardless of committee. To prepare for this internal vetting of programs, committees brainstorm beforehand and draft a proposal to be presented to Council.  After this initial vetting process, the committee either revises their primary idea for the event or moves forward with planning.
To ensure an objective view of our larger contracted events, the proposed event goes through an external vetting process as well.  This occurs when RUPA members contact venues where artists or vendors have performed to gather insight on how successful the program was and the ease of day-of-show management.  RUPA directors and advisors review these references before moving forward with contracting.

While this program proposal and selection process has many factors and often begins far in advance, RUPA is always looking for ideas and feedback from our student peers.  If you have an idea or any feedback you want to share with us, please email rupainformation@gmail.com.