Leaders propose fee hike
By MATT BRAMANTI
News Writer
Student government officials will propose an increase in Notre Dame's student activity fee this week. This year's proposal, however, provides for small annual increases, instead of the larger, more infrequent hikes of the past. The Financial Management Board, a unit of the Student Union Board, will recommend increasing the fee each year by 3/4 the rate of tuition increase. Tuition increases have generally been raised by 5 to 6 percent per year.
This year's student activity fee was $80, compared to $65 of last year. The money is a key source of funding for student organizations. Amy O'Connor, chair of the Club Coordination Council, said the plan is necessary to promote the "overall financial health of the student union."
"Most student activities are under funded," O'Connor said. "Currently, the student union is unable to meet the demands of the student body."
She said that The Shirt project generates a significant amount of money for student activities, but those revenues can be unpredictable. "If the market was saturated this year, we have a lot to lose in the future," she said.
Andrew Oxenreiter, student union treasurer, agreed. "The fixed fee that is now in place is too low to adequately meet the needs of campus organizations."
Both officials stressed the long-term nature of the proposal. "It's not just about the money," O'Connor said. "It's about fiscal responsibility for the future."
The Financial Management Board is currently writing a resolution. Members of that board are working to gain the support of more officials across student government including the Student Senate and Executive Cabinet, before presenting it to the Campus Life Council. "We want to do this in the next couple of weeks, before the final budget is approved [in March]," O'Connor said.
"Our proposal is basically a strong and informed recommendation," Oxenreiter said, adding that the ultimate decision lies with the University's officers.
All News Stories for Monday, February 10, 2003
