Undergraduate Student Government discussed increases and decreases in student service fees, approved funds for Registered Student Organizations and officially recognized several student groups as organizations — all while scraping for enough senators.
The students needed at least 15 senators in order to approve funding for organizations and recognize student groups as organizations.
While waiting for three more senators to arrive Wednesday, Larry Dietz, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, spoke about proposed changes in the student service fees that will take place for the 2011 fall semester.
Student service fees include some items that all students must pay such as the Green Fee, Student Attorney Fee and Mass Transit Fee.
Dietz said he is hoping the increase in fees will be 4.5 percent less than the 2010 fiscal year, but is not sure if that will happen. He said he is grateful for the students who are happy to pay these fees.
“Without the support of students, we wouldn’t have some major programs and some major buildings on campus,” he said. “We really appreciate your leadership and support of those amenities that make this a vibrant college community.”
The Extended Care fee for student insurance was one of the greatest proposed increases at 6.3 percent, or $18, which would raise the cost to $302.
Ted Grace, director of the Student Health Center, said the increase is justified because more students are taking advantage of the university’s insurance option.
“During downturns in the economy, people are really using the Health Center in greater numbers,” Grace said.
University housing costs in Thompson Point, Brush Towers and the Triads are also proposed to increase 7.5 percent for new students. Students who have signed two-year contracts will not be affected by the increase.
Many fees are flat, meaning no increase or decrease would take place.
No votes were taken on any of the proposals, which will be voted on by the Board of Trustees in May.
The senators did vote to approve more funding to organizations after the student service fees discussion and after 15 senators were accounted for.
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, U.S. Green Building Council and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity received $846 to pay for various expenses.
The senators have $1,995 left to distribute to organizations from the $8,000 it started with for the fall semester.
Rhonda Daugherty, chairwoman of the Finance Committee, said she’s feeling positive about how the money has lasted.
“I feel that we are doing actually really good to have started off with $8,000,” Daugherty said. “And at the middle of the semester we still have just a little bit to give to some of the RSOs. We all did a good job.”
Moneywise, the senators said they feel that they have excelled, but Ashley Epps, vice president, said she is concerned about the low number of senators that comprise the group.
“I know it seems like I get frustrated down here, because I do,” Epps said. “It’s my job to put my foot down and let you all know we can be outstanding. We need a more proactive senate.”
John Kiwala, executive assistant, said the group could be even better if more students became involved and joined as senators.
“They really need to come here and see what the senate is about,” Kiwala said. “The biggest thing they need to realize is that they have to have some sort of input and need to be in control.”
Erin Holcomb can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 255.
