During his Nov. 20 report to the Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees, Student Government President Alex Miranda announced that Student Government is researching a proposal to increase the student activities fee that students are charged each semester.
During his update, Miranda stated that he is currently looking into the budget and researching this proposal. Miranda and Student Government Vice President Michael Zazzo said they haven’t decided on the set amount for the increase yet.
Student Government doesn’t have the authority to raise the price level themselves and will have to present their proposal to the administration before any changes are made.
“We’re in contention and discussion with that right now. I would even say members of Student Government are not in agreement right now on the exact number,” Zazzo said. “It wouldn’t be higher than probably $10.”
Students currently pay a $5 fee when enrolled in one to eight contact hours and $10 for nine or more. Student Government mentioned the possibility of raising the part-time amount of $5 to match the full-time student fee of $10.
“Another possibility we are also looking at is mashing the $10 level full-time students pay so part-time students would pay $10,” Miranda said.
Zazzo stated he was in favor of this idea since part-time students have equal access to events on campus just as much as full-time students.
“That would be what I am more in favor of, as well,” Zazzo said. “Part-time students get access to all of the events and all of the activities that full-time students get to and I think just because they are attending less classes doesn’t necessarily mean they should be paying less if they are still getting access to every single event.”
Student Government had a revenue of $198,000 from the student activities fee this year, which is $22,000 less than the 22-23 academic year. This budget is used for student organization allocations, student leader pay – including Student Government and Collegiate editor stipends – and other student activities.
You can attend the next Student Government town hall meeting on Monday, Nov. 27 in Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall room 108/109 from noon – 2 p.m.
