Decision made to increase Student Activity fees

Written by Maison Davis Friday, 29 January 2010 08:00

Last Sunday evening, a bill voted on and passed by the Student Senate will increase the Student Activity fee.

After much debate, the Senate determined that a slight increase in the student organization fee that students pay each semester is necessary for the institution to adequately fund the organizations that benefit NDSU students. Prior to the vote, a heated debate ensued which brought valid arguments from both sides into the light.

Last spring, the Student Senate passed a bill requiring the Executive Commissioner of Finance to take a look at the current Student Activity Fee and provide a report that includes any increase or decrease in that fee. A committee then formed to look at past financial records and talk to the organizations that would benefit from this fee increase.

After consulting various financial records, the finance department stated that in order to sustain the current student activity funds, money must be taken out of the reserve account that is designated for future projects involving Thunder Radio and any other unforeseen projects that may arise.

This topic made for a long evening at the student government meeting. Many voices were heard, including the heads of several departments on campus and students that were concerned about the increase in tuition.

Those who opposed the bill stated that the student organizations should be more fiscally responsible with the funds they are given.

Others believe that if the budget is increased now, certain organizations will come to expect extra money when necessary rather than budgeting the money properly.

Those who support the bill are against dipping into the school’s reserve funds when a slight increase in tuition – roughly $4.80 per semester for a full time student – will allow student organizations to continue offering the services that they provide in the fields of athletics, campus attractions, intramurals, fine arts and operating the Memorial Union; not to mention a multitude of Tier II organizations.

Also, as NDSU makes its transition from a Division II to a division I school, the traveling expenses for NDSU teams have increased.

The possibility of a student vote was also discussed at the meeting. This would mean that the issue would be placed on the ballot for the next general election. However, it was voted that the bill be passed as soon as possible in order for it to take into effect by fiscal year 2011.

A graph of current funding shows that the funds needed are leveling out so it becomes easier to see how much more money is needed to support these groups. The 40-cent per credit increase will lessen the gap between what is needed and what is available. It was decided that an increase in the fee would sufficiently increase the budget for student organizations on campus.