MTSU SGA proposes, passes activity fee increase
October 21st, 2008 . by Matthew
Over the course of the past few weeks, members of the SGA Senate proposed, debated, and passed an activity fee increase that will soon go before the student body in the form of a referendum. The proposal - a 100% increase from $20 to $40 - sailed through the SGA Senate with very little opposition. Senators eventually decided to allow the proposal to go before the student body.
With nearly 23,000 undergraduates, the totals of the activity fee are staggering. The current breakdown of the student activity fee looks like this (aggregate amounts are in parentheses):
SGA - $3.00 ($69,000)
Student Programming - $3.00 ($69,000)
Sports Clubs - $2.00 ($46,000)
Distinguished Lectures - $2.00 ($46,000)
Student Organizations - $10.00 ($230,000)
(Total amount: ~$460,000)
A couple questions arose throughout the debate which were not answered by any proponent of this proposal:
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How would the $20 increase be apportioned?
Nowhere in the legislation does it address how the $20 will be broken up as the current fee is on the SGA website. If the funds are for Student Organizations, then it leads us to the next question… -
How many organization requests are denied due to insufficient funds?
Student Organizations must file paperwork to receive these funds. Are requests denied? And if so, for what reason?
I could go into great detail concerning these two critical issues. Regardless, the SGA Senate was unable to produce evidence as to why an increase is necessary. Justin Wax, an MTSU alumnus, wrote a letter to Sidelines about the increase. I also wrote a letter a couple weeks ago. A Facebook group exists to oppose the increase, as well.
I will continue to follow this story as it develops.
October 21st, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Matt, I have been apart of groups that were not given the proper amount of funding. The Future Airport Executives requested money last year for funding to put on a career fair for Aerospace Students. It was the second year for it, and we had success both years.
We did get some money, but we really only got around $700, when we had requested much more. WE had to pay for food, and parking attendants and even marketing.
I didnt think it was fair, considering, some groups get 1000s of dollars for a trip that really doesn’t do anything for the university, like a career fair would.
I’m not saying we should raise it just because and those questions you asked were valid questions. I think you should keep fighting for that.
We cant jsut keep taking money from people becuase “we need it” they need to explain exactly what its going for.
Cyle
October 24th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
It’s appalling that Student Orgs get three times as much money as Student Programming. I was a part of SP for most of my college career and chaired a committee; the money that comes from the fees is used as back-up.
But with rising entertainment costs, it’s not anywhere close to enough money for supporting a variety of activities on campus. If students want more to do (a common complaint), then the SGA needs to divvy (sp?) up the funds a bit more equally. Or maybe throw another dollar from each fee, especially if the fees double.
I know, I know. I’ve graduated so it doesn’t even concern me. Just wanted to throw in my pennies.