Computer lab fees cut; Eagle newspaper fees cut again

The good news is student fees for the 2018-19 academic year are only going up $10 semester, the bad news is the computer and The Eagle newspaper fees were both cut by the Student Fee Allocation Committee.
Student success skills and debate did not turn in proposals so their fees were cut, plus the alumni association asked for $1 to help pay for the USU Eastern Alumni magazine sent to all alumni; it was not funded by the SFAC Committee.
According to the meeting, the computer lab proposal asked for a raise from $18 to $44 to meet Blanding campus fees. The SFAC voted 6 to 1 to deny the proposal and lower the fees to $15. The lack of students using the computers and the uncertain future of the computer lab is why the SFAC cannot recommend the increase to $44.
The Eagle newspaper proposed to sustain their funds at $5.50. The SFAC voted unanimously to deny the proposal and recommends that they be decreased to $5. This decision was made based on the idea that all students should not have to pay for a few to go to competition. The SFAC also recommends that less copies of the Eagle are printed due to the lack of readers. The SFAC believes that the newspaper is a great asset to the students and there is a benefit. Editor’s note: no fees were used to pay for students to go to a competition. The Eagle staff attended an awards ceremony to pick up awards they earned at the Utah Press Association banquet which was totally paid for from the Arts and Sciences Division. They have not traveled to a competition since 2005.
The alumni association proposed an increase from zero to $1 from Student Fees to help publish their alumni magazine. The SFAC voted unanimously to against this proposal and recommends they sustain their funds at $0. This committee could not see the benefit of a magazine for the alumni.
Groups getting additional funding by the SFAC included the health and wellness center 50 cents, counseling center $3.50, library $8.27, student support services $1.25, QRC $1, theatre $4 and multi-cultural center $3.
Other fees the SFAC committee voted on included the Student Bond on the Jennifer Leavitt Center is no longer required. The SFAC recommends the decrease funds to $0. In place of the Student Center Bond, the remaining student fees of $44.72 be put towards a “Future Students Project Bond.” This bond is to be used only onw future student projects that are approved by the SFAC. The SFAC voted unanimously in favor of this proposal.
The SFAC has unanimously voted to sustain the $6 funds given to campus police as proposed. The campus police serve our students well and provide to an atmosphere of safety.
The Health & Wellness Center proposed an increase from $16.50 to $24. The SFAC voted four for and four against to deny the proposal and recommends the fee increase to $17. If services do not expand, this committee cannot see why the Health & Wellness Center needs that much more funds.
The counseling center proposed to increase their funding from 50 cents to $4. The SFAC voted unanimously to approve. The Counseling Center provides an invaluable service to the students here.
The student center proposed to sustain their $7.50 funding from student fees. The SFAC unanimously approved the proposal to pay for the upkeep and improvement of our Student Center. Some recommended improvements are better seating, updated paint, and making it for the students.
The library proposed to increase their funds of $27.67 to $32.67. The SFAC voted unanimously to accept the proposal because they were required to do so.
Student orientation proposed their funds are increased by $.25, from $2.25 to $2.50. The SFAC voted unanimously to deny this proposal. This committee recommends they sustain their funds of $2.25.
The advising department proposed to sustain their funds at $0.25 to continue operation. The SFAC voted unanimously in favor of the proposal because of the valuable service advising provides.
The Student Support Services proposed an increase in funds from $0 to $1.25 to fund their Relaxation Days event. The SFAC voted unanimously in favor of the proposal because this event is entirely for students.
The SUN Center proposed to keep its $6 allocation as is. The SFAC agreed.
The theater proposed an increase of funds to $5 to keep up with production costs. The SFAC voted has voted 4 to 2 in approval of this proposal on the base of the importance of the arts on the campus. This committee would like to recommend that there are nights when the student body can see the productions for free.
The testing center proposed an increwase from zero to $2. The SFAC voted unanimously to deny the proposal and recommends they sustain their funds of zero. This committee believes that student fees should be used to increase the quality of the college experience for the students, not necessary parts of the school. The testing center is a necessity to college and should be considered as a part of tuition dollars.
The Athletic Center/BDAC has proposed to increase their $17 funding to $20 for equipment upgrades. The SFAC voted unanimously in favor of the proposal with the recommendation that the BDAC receives new equipment, paint, and carpet.
Athletics proposed a $5 increase, from $20 to $25. The SFAC voted 4 to 2 against the proposal and instead recommends they sustain their current funds of $20. The rational is that the fees would not go to benefit the entire student body but just a few in the athletics programs.
EUSA Leadership proposed to sustain their funds at $34. The SFAC recommends EUSA Leadership sustain their $34 funding. EUSA leadership stipends, club council, student campaigns and initiatives, EUSA marketing and publicity, and various leadership programs are planned using funds from this account. EUSA has no other operating funds outside of student fees. Without student fees, there would be no student government.
Activities proposed to sustain their funds at $25. The SFAC voted unanimously in favor of the proposal.
Legacy Fund proposed to sustain their $2 funding. The SFAC votes unanimously to sustain the $2 fund. This fund allows special campaigns and student projects to come to fruition.
Recreation proposes they sustain their 25 cents funding to help provide events for the student body. SFAC recommends Recreation sustain their 25 cents funding.
The multicultural association proposed to sustain their funds at $8. The committee voted unanimously in favor.
The Queer Resource Center proposes they increase its funding from zero to $1. The SFAC voted unanimously in favor of the proposal in order to grow the organization.