By Beth Goodbaum
The Student Government Association's (SGA) proposal to increase the Student Activity fee may raise tuition $54 a year.
The proposal is SGA's solution to expand on funding and utilities beneficial to clubs. The potential raise, which will go into effect next fall if approved by the University Board of Trustees, would add a substantial amount of money to SGA's budget.
If approved, the current activity fee of $56 a semester would be temporarily raised $27 a semester, until SGA members investigate alternative ways to fund their budget.
SGA Sen. Bradley Smallberg said the increase would be insignificant in comparison to all of the expenses of University organizations.
"During my time in SGA, I have seen many clubs coming to us asking for money, and while we would love to give it to them, our current budget does not allow us to," Smallberg said.
He said the Student Activity fee has not been raised since 1983 and insists SGA cannot continue to balance on the current budget because there are more clubs than there were 20 years ago. In recent years there has also been an increase in expenses for these clubs.
SGA members have compiled a list of reasons why they need additional funding. If granted, the money will increase their budget to over $1 million making it possible for SGA to improve the number and quality of campus activities available to students.
The additional funding may be used for prominent guest speakers, conferences and retreats, scholarships and the printing of more student run publications. In addition, the money could be used to assist the numerous fraternities and sororities on campus.
Smallberg said SGA would try to use the funds for additional office space for clubs. He said each club should be entitled to their office space and should not
have to share their space with other organizations.
Smallberg addressed his concern over the fact that SGA has not been able to adequately supply funding for several organizations, including Nexus, the University yearbook. He added the publication of the book generally costs $66,000 and the club is currently short $8,000.
He also explained there is a shortage of vans used for field trips available to clubs. According to an SGA report, there are currently three SGA vans "which must be replaced as soon as possible because they are unsafe to use."
"In the long run, it would be cheaper to buy new vans because we (SGA) have to give money to clubs for travel expenses," Smallberg said.
Freshman Brianne Kennedy questions why every student, including those not active in organizations, should be forced to pay a higher fee.
"I think that members of each club should do a better job in raising money," Kennedy said. "Personally, I don't have many friends who are in clubs. Why make every one pay for clubs they might not be involved in?"
Students who are not involved with organizations are offered a wide variety of activities each year that are funded by the University.
"Some of these activities include Winter fest, Summer fest and the Freshman Focus Program," Holly J. Seirup, vice president for campus life, said.
Sophomore Jeffrey Preval suggested the increase should not be viewed as a financial burden, but as a benefit to students.
"I think that it is up to students to make sure that their money goes to use, by getting involved in clubs instead of turning around and blaming (Student Government) for an increase," he said.