As a member of the Communication and Theatre Arts Department, you may be concerned with any or all of the following
revenue sources:
                   Department Budget
                   Campus Instructional Budget
                   Theatre Budgets
                   Professional Meetings

Department Budget
The Department Chair submits a budget for each year for departmental monies to be spent on such things as department meetings, speakers, accommodations and food, travel, etc.  Unless previously agreed upon by the members involved,  Department meetings need not involve any individual out-of-pocket expenses.

Campus Instructional Budget
During the fall semester, you or a departmental colleague on your campus will submit a budget for instructional expenses and supplies for your campus department for the following fiscal year.  Sometime in the summer, you will be notified of your departmental allocation.  You will need to follow the policies on your local campus in spending these monies.

Theatre Budgets
Theatre budgets are handled uniquely on virtually every campus - a fact which can make funding complex, confusing, and frustrating.  Make an appointment with your local Business Manager to discuss this issue.  (Becoming a friend of the Business Manager and Maintenance Staff is a highly recommended technique.)

Here are some questions which you might wish to ask your Business Manager at an initial meeting:

• What is this year's budget?
• Could I please have a copy of budgets (and expenditures) from the previous two years?
• Is there any money in "prior year funds"?  (monies carried over from previous years)
• Is it possible to make changes in the current budget?
• Is there a special line item for a technical director?
• What mechanism is in place to give stipends to volunteers to help with costumes & the like?
• Is there a cap on amounts for these individuals?
• Do accounts need to be set up with local businesses?

• Do we have state contracts with any agencies?
• Are there any connections set up with local schools or universities for rentals?
• What is the procedure for making purchases at local businesses?
• From out-of-town businesses?
• From catalogue businesses?
• What is the limit for a purchase without requiring a quotation?
• What is the limit for petty cash purchases?  What documentation is needed?
• How are ticket monies handled?  Are there special procedures for student tickets?
• How is student hiring handled?  What is the difference between a work study student, student help, and an "LTE"?
• Are there scholarships available for theatre students?  How are these funded?  How are they awarded?
• Please explain:  Segregated Fees, 128 Fund-Blanket Accounts, Spending Authority, & County Budget Income Source

Professional Meetings
Again, this money is handled differently at each campus.  There are limited funds available to help you to attend professional meetings.  Usually, the percentage which may be reimbursed will depend upon a variety of factors such as the total pool for the year, the number of applicants, your role in the meeting (attending, presenting), your frequency of awarded monies etc.  Check with your College for the protocol to follow.

Many Directors of Theatre choose to become active in the Wisconsin Theatre Chairs Association.  This organization is open to one individual from each campus - not one for the entire Department.  The membership fees for this organization should be payable through your theatre budget.

Membership fees in other professional organizations such as NCA (National Communication Association - formerly SCA), ATHE (Association for Theatre in Higher Education), WCA (Wisconsin Communication Association), etc. are highly encouraged for professional development; however they are considered a personal expense and must be funded individually.