The University Student Recreation Complex fee increase proposal received mixed reviews at the Student Senate meeting Wednesday night. UREC officials presented their proposal to the Student Senate in an effort to increase awareness of the fee increase. “This was partially to exclude hearsay and partial information, so starting with the leaders of the student body is logical,” said Tricia Milford-Hoyt, UREC assistant director of marketing and membership. “This was an informative forum. We’re … making sure there is an understanding of the fee. The only way to do that is through clear, concise information.” As previously reported, the fee increase calls for UREC student fees to rise by $25 in fall 2008, followed by an additional $5 increase in fall 2009. The discussion Wednesday night detailed the need for the increase and plans for the money generated from the fee increase. Tamara Jarrett, UREC director, said total expenses will peak in the fiscal year 2009-2010, so there is an urgent need for more funds. “The biggest culprit for us right now is debt service,” Jarrett said. “When the [UREC] was built, they back-end loaded the mortgage. So that would be like buying a house, paying it off for 23 years, and then suddenly the payments go up.” Other reasons mentioned for the need included a drop in University enrollment, which affects student fees generated, combined with an increase in utilities, minimum wage and staff. Jarrett said the UREC is actively pursuing outside incomes, including sponsorships, membership fees for faculty and staff, rentals and summer camps. But it’s not enough. “We have increased self-generated revenue, but it cannot account for a decrease of that size in student fees,” Jarrett said. “We are projected to operate at a significant deficit this year. We operated at a deficit last year, and it’s not going to get any better.” Jarrett outlined plans for the money generated, including eliminating fees for GroupX classes -yoga, cycling, etc.- intramural sports, and the climbing gym, extending UREC operating hours, and implementing an online initiative that would allow students to access classes online. Jarrett said UREC officials are planning four open forums for students to voice their concerns and receive information. Footage of these forums will be posted on the UREC Web site. Student Government senators had different responses to the proposal. Sen. Megan Blanco, College of Arts and Sciences, said she is on board with the proposed changes. “I try to go to the rec often, and I love that the hours are being extended,” Blanco said. “I think it’s really good about the GroupX [fee elimination.] Sen. Matt McEntire, Graduate School, voiced opposition to the increase. “I haven’t noticed any new machines. I think we payed for a new pretty room,” McEntire said. “In the past four semesters, as a graduate student, my fees have gone from $745 to $922. Now I’ll be paying for services like aerobics and a climbing wall that I have no intention to use. I’ve been nickeled and dimed out of $200.” The proposal has already gone before the Student Required Fee Committee, where it passed unanimously. It is currently awaiting final approval from LSU System President John Lombardi.
—-Contact Katie Kennedy at [email protected]