FY27 DFC Benchmark Request - for Department Based Programs Only

This form is used by Department-Based Programs to submit their 2026-27 budget forecast or "benchmark" to the ASUO Departments Finance Committee (DFC). Department-Based Programs which are currently funded (all or in part) by the Incidental Fee are eligible to complete this form.

To our Department-Based Programs:  Thank you for helping us make informed decisions in a timely manner. The data you provide through this form will guide ASUO Officers in their creation of a financial forecast. Submission of this form is not a formal request for funding, nor will it be considered as such.

Deadline: Complete this form no later than Sunday, October 19 at 5pm. 

Who Can Submit? Only Department-Based Programs which are currently funded by ASUO may submit a benchmark.

• Are you a Contracted Service Vendor? This is not your form. Please contact cfinancec@uoregon.edu.
• Are you an ASUO-Recognized Student Organization? This is not your form, nor do you need to submit a benchmark. Contact pfc@uoregon.edu or your PFC Student Officer "tag" with questions about your responsibilities.

To complete this form, you will need:

• Name of Department-Based Program
• UO Index Number
• Primary Contact Name and Information [must be a UO staff member]
• Additional Contact Name and Information (optional)
• Name and contact information for Individual with Budget Authority (if different)
• Give us the “elevator pitch” (1-minute description) of the purpose of your department-based program, in the way that you’d describe it to a student
• What portions of your department-based program budget are paid for by the Incidental Fee?
• What percentage of your department's operating budget is funded by the Incidental Fee? Do you receive any other funding assistance?
• What is your total Incidental Fee Budget for the current year?
• How much do you estimate your department will need in Incidental Funds for the upcoming fiscal year? This is your estimated FY26 budget. (round to the nearest dollar)
• Does your estimated budget request include changes in costs to continue providing the SAME level of services as the current year? (y/n)
• Does your department anticipate any changes in the level of services or programs being offered for the upcoming fiscal year? (y/n)
• What is the total amount of Incidental Fees carried forward by your department from the prior fiscal year?
• Do you intend to return any portion of the funds carried forward from the previous fiscal year to ASUO? (y/n/n/a + why/why not)
• Link to return funds to surplus (optional)

If cost changes are anticipated to provide SAME level of services:

• Describe each of the cost changes you are anticipating.
• What is your estimated total change in your I-Fee budget due to Current Service Level cost changes? (round to nearest dollar)

If cost changes are anticipated related to changing the level of services or programming being offered:

• Describe each of the changes in level or type of services you are considering.
• What is your estimated total change in I-Fee budget due to service or program changes? (round to the nearest dollar)
• If your department anticipates that you will be requesting FTE additions (e.g. adding a part-time or full-time non-student employee) please help us understand whether this plan has been approved by the individual with hiring authority in your department (choose from several options)

Tips for Completing

• One form may be submitted by the UO Employee with Budget Authority for your Department.
• Your accuracy is appreciated. Please be as specific as possible about any proposed changes in the types of services and programming your department intends to provide for the next fiscal year. If you are requesting an increased budget, ASUO Officials need to know what basis you are using to estimate these costs.
• The Current Service Level Memo is being finalized and will be posted soon. You will find it, as well as additional resources about the ASUO Budget Process, on the ASUO Website: https://asuo.uoregon.edu/budget
  

Questions? Check the ASUO Website first; then, for lingering questions, contact DFC at dfc@uoregon.edu.  

What Happens After You Submit?

1. Benchmark Request. DFC will receive your benchmark request and your form will be marked as "received.”  This is part of our administrative process and does not indicate your request has been accepted by the committee.  If you have questions, about your benchmark form, please meet with your DFC Tag and discuss your questions.  NOTE: This Benchmark Request form is NOT your budget request. It is a requirement before your Budget Request Forms may be reviewed.   
2. Budget Request Form. No later than October 6, you will receive an email from DFC with additional budget information, your budget template spreadsheet, and a link to this year's DFC Budget Request Form via Engage. Your department must submit the Budget Request Form, which is detailed and will require several attachments, no later than October 31.
3. Meet with Your Tag. You will also be invited to meet with your DFC Tag (a DFC member assigned to your dept) to discuss the budget process and committee priorities. You must meet with your tag at least once before submitting your Budget Request Form.
4. Budget Hearing. After your Budget Request Form is submitted, the committee will review your request and contact you to schedule a hearing. Budget hearings will occur between October 27 and January 15.