Increase in activity fees would benefit students
Audra Hagan
Controller, Office of the Student Body President
Wednesday night we attended the Student Senate meeting to present arguments supporting the proposed increase in student activity fees. By virtue of our active and long-term involvement in the allocation of Student Union funds, we believe that we can offer insight into the Student Union's financial needs. The Senate rejected the proposal, however, before all parties were heard. We would like to use this forum to present our case.
Simply put, we deal with limited resources and increasing expenses. As we all know, a dollar today doesn't buy as much as a dollar did four years ago, the last time the Student Activity fee was increased. Maintaining the same level of programming and student services year to year has become increasingly more difficult.
For example, the cost of bringing a speaker or musician to campus has increased dramatically over the past several years. Additionally, general operating costs have increased each year, while the amount of money available has remained relatively constant.
To offer some perspective, the organizations within the Student Union requested over $1 million dollars last spring. Only $600,000 was available for allocation, however. The Student Union is comprised of the Senate, Executive Cabinet, Office of the President, SUB, Judicial Council, Officer of the Treasurer/ Financial Management Board, Hall Presidents Council, Club Coordination Council, all four Class Councils, Off-Campus Council and clubs and organizations. This money must also cover the expenses of Senior Week and some administrative salaries. Even a slight increase in the Student Activity Fee would result in more programming and better services for students.
The limited resources of the Student Union also have a direct effect on the 75 percent of undergraduates who participate in a club during their four years here. As costs rise, clubs are forced to either cut activities or require their members to pay for expenses out of their own pockets. For instance, the Experiential Learning Council has been forced to cancel some of its popular seminar service trips and several clubs charge annual dues of over $100. An increase in Student Activity Fees would help clubs maintain their current levels of activity and would encourage future growth.
In comparison to our current $65 fee, students at St. Mary's pay a $150 student activity fee. Even with the proposed increase, Notre Dame students would pay only half of that. We firmly believe that the student activity fee should be increased to account for inflation — permitting the Student Union to maintain the status quo — and benefit all students.
One of the hallmarks of the Notre Dame family is its exceptional commitment to active community involvement. Our hopes in writing this letter are to bring light to this issue as well as to foster dialogue between students and their senators on this issue. We are committed to providing high quality activities to students. From our positions and with our knowledge of the Student Union finances, we feel that only with adequate funding will the Student Union be able to continue its current level of activities.
Audra Hagan
Controller, Office of the Student Body President
John Hagan
Club Coordinator
Amy O'Connor
Club Coordinator - Elect
Jennifer Wolfe
Student Union Treasurer
Chairperson, Financial Management Board
Feb. 13, 2002
All Viewpoint Stories for Friday, February 15, 2002
