The Student Senate has on its agenda tonight a resolution asking students to vote to increase the Union maintenance fee in the spring Student Government election.
It’s too early to endorse or decry the plan. However, one thing is certain — this is an issue students deserve a chance to vote on.
True, we elect Student Government senators to represent us. But, a fee of this magnitude deserves oversight by the student body.
The proposal would greatly increase the Union fee students pay. Right now, $47 in student fees go toward Union maintenance. The fee increase would raise that $10 each semester a student is enrolled until a student pays $107 a semester.
This means a freshman who enrolls after the fee’s passage would in four years pay $646 in Union maintenance fees, as opposed to the $376 that student would pay during four years now. While TOPS does cover this $47, it is unclear if it would cover the proposed increase.
So what does this mean?
It means students must now prioritize for the future. Students who feel allotting a large amount of money to revitalize a nonacademic building should vote for the fee. Students who find this money usage on “extra” space superfluous when the campus’ academic buildings are suffering should vote against it.
Setting priorities is difficult, as the plans for the new Union are glossy and spectacular. They include adding more lounge and study spaces, creating an extended hours zone, opening new space for retail services such as a convenience store and more food options, upgrading the Union Theater and creating a center for student organizations.
But these improvements come at a high price — approximately $54.6 million — which would come from the Union’s reserve funds, revenue from retail sales and money from leased operations, in addition to the money the student fee would provide.
But first, before these plans are finalized and funding decisions are made, our Student Senators must send the fee to us for a vote. And once this opportunity is given to the students, we must not squander it.
Last spring, the Rec Sports fee increase of $15 passed by only 10 votes. When money is an issue, controversy is common and an informed voting population is necessary.
Becoming knowledgable about the fee proposal is the first step in prioritizing for the campus’ future. Students can begin this process today from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Union Vieux Carre Room when Union officials will outline the plans for the fee’s usage.
The Student Senate should seize this opportunity to engage students in a debate about this fee issue. Having the fee on the spring ballot is not only the fair thing to do, but it also would increase voter turnout and give current senators and future candidates an opportunity to flex their leadership muscles by informing students about the proposed fee.
Editor’s Note: Twice monthly, The Reveille staff will editorialize on issues of importance to the campus community. Send feedback to [email protected]