UB administrators recently proposed an increase to the Comprehensive Fee to continue offering necessary programs and services to students. The fee includes provisions for areas such as technology, health, transportation and parking, campus life and the University Police.
???Provost Satish Tripathi and Dennis Black, vice president for Student Affairs, are encouraging students to submit their feedback on the proposed 2009-2010 Comprehensive Fee adjustments.
???"Since the fees are paid by students and used to support students, we focus on their input first," Black said.
???Students can review information on how they can use the fees, contribute to the distribution of fees and comment on the quality of the services, according to Black.
???"We are also conducting an assessment of student fee interests and concerns via the My Opinion survey, which can be accessed through MyUB," Black said. "A meeting with student leaders is also scheduled. The results will be shared via the Comprehensive Fee Web site at the conclusion of the consultation process, before a recommendation for 2009 to 2010 fees is finalized."
???There are several opportunities for students to offer feedback, such as e-mail, Black said.
???"Representatives from the areas supported by student fees will be answering questions through a Comprehensive Fee listserv," Black said. "The feedback we receive from students is very important in shaping programs and services offered. Student input is always taken seriously, not only during the formal consultation process, but also throughout the year."
???Students will benefit from the fee increase through the continuation of programs and services they expect and need as part of their university experience, Black said.
???"The proposed increase will fund mandated increases such as negotiated salary and benefit costs for personnel, required operating contractual agreements to support student services that are not provided for in the university's base budget, and to comply with state and federal requirements," Black said.
???Feedback on next year's fee is being requested during the consultation period from Monday, Feb. 16 through Friday, Feb. 27, Black said.
???"In addition, there are also several opportunities for student input on fee planning, including the UB Advocates, Intercollegiate Athletic Board, as well as advisory groups on transportation and student activity areas," Black said. "Student input has also been solicited in development of campus technology, environment and physical plans. Student input will continue to be requested in all areas all year."
???The provost, the vice president for Student Affairs and the executive vice president for University Support Services initially review the Comprehensive Fee proposals. President Simpson conducts a final review and submits Comprehensive Fee recommendations to SUNY for final approval.
???According to Black, there are no eligibility requirements for submitting feedback.
???"The feedback mechanisms available during the Comprehensive Fee consultation process are available to all students, and we encourage their responses," Black said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
