This page was updated on September 9, 2024.  

  

Introduction

Please review these two documents for information about the JD Grants Committee's general funding process and about other funding sources available for some events.  Both of these documents have been updated since the April 24, 2024, Student Information Session.

• Steps in the JD Grants Process for 2024-2025 (Word document)
• Other Funding Sources for Student Events (Word document)

  

Getting Started

Planning events requires careful attention to details and to the many University and Law School requirements.  The following list highlights some of the most important considerations at the start of event planning.

• Events in the Law Building:  Before you begin planning an event in the Law School, review section 18.6, Event Planning, in chapter 18 of the Student Handbook (Facilities & Event Planning).
• Contracts:  Students cannot sign financial contracts. If an event involves a contract with any entity, you must inform the Law School and discuss feasibility and process. Contact Carlie Wiseley, Student Life & Engagement Manager, at carlie.wiseley@wisc.edu. 
• Fundraising, including merchandise for sale:  All fundraising plans must be reviewed and approved in advance.  If your organization is considering a fundraising activity, including selling merchandise or approaching law firms or other non-campus entities for support, you must consult with the following staff.  For law firm and non-campus organization funding requests, contact Jini Jasti, Associate Dean of for External Affairs, at jini.jasti@wisc.edu.  For all other fundraising activities, including selling branded merchandise or other items, contact Carlie Wiseley, Student Life & Engagement Manager, at carlie.wiseley@wisc.edu.  See the "Other Funding Sources" document above for more information.
• Alcohol:  The University and Law School do not pay for alcohol at student-sponsored events.  For more information, view the University's Alcohol Policy Page for Registered Student Organizations and the UW-Madison Alcohol Beverage Regulations (PDF). If you plan to have alcohol at any event regardless of whether it is partially funded by JD grants, you must contact Carlie Wiseley, Student Life & Engagement Manager, at carlie.wiseley@wisc.edu to obtain approval. 

  

Travel Awards

For 2024-2025, students will continue to receive travel awards as required by federal law.  With travel awards, students receive money directly from the Bursar's Office, and then they make their own travel arrangements.  Students do not have to work with the university's travel agency, use the Concur site, or follow most university travel requirements.

To comply with federal law, travel awards are processed as scholarships. If you have questions about how a travel award will interact with your financial aid, please contact Heidi Johnson, Assistant Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid, at heidi.johnson@wisc.edu.  

  

Student Information Sessions on April 24, 2024 (Previous), and April 10, 2025(New)

• Recording of the New Student Leader Information Session on April 24, 2024 (37 minutes).  This session includes an overview of the JD Grants funding process for 2024-2025 and key information from Assistant Dean Lauren Devine, Associate Dean Emily Kite, Associate Dean Jini Jasti, and Main Office Manager Adam Bushcott.
• PowerPoint slides (PDF) from the April 24, 2024, Student Information Session.
• Handout from the April 24 meeting, which was updated in June to include new contact information:  Steps in the JD Grants Process for 2024-2025 (Word document).
• PowerPoint slides  from the April 10, 2025 New Student Organization Leaders & Officer Transition Information Session.