The student activities fee is typically raised every four years. This year, the senate once again must consider raising the fee in order to support over 65 student organizations which they are responsible for funding.
Typically, the fee is raised by roughly twenty dollars. The last time the fee was raised from $155 to $175. The increase this year will not exceed thirty dollars, according to Student Association President Lonny Mallach.
“We want to have the funds so when student organizations come up with new initiatives we will have the money to fund them,” Mallach said.Mallach further hopes that the raise will help combat the numbers of organizations which apply for funding each year.
Last year there were budget cuts to organizations because of a lack of money, according to Mallach.
The SA plans on submitting and receiving notification of approval for the funds by the end of the semester, before the figures for tuition are announced.
Gilbert renovations planned for basementGilbert Hall Council is planning to create a game room in the basement lounge.
The council, which received additional funds that the previous council had left unused money, hopes that the room will attract students as a gathering place.
“Hopefully our efforts to improve Gilbert Hall will leave a mark for years to come that future classes will enjoy,” Gilbert Hall Council President Lou Kirk.
Planning for the ‘game room’ began last semester, although purchasing has slowed finalization of the room.
Plans include a foosball table as well as an air hockey table. The total cost for the council is roughly $950, which still leaves a lot of money to allocate for student activities.
The council will purchase the tables within the next two weeks, as proposals were already approved last week.
“In the next month or so we should be able to get everything done,” Gilbert Hall Council Vice President James Wang said.
