The Student Association proposed that the Mandatory Student Activity Fee be increased from $79.75 to $94.75, and next month, undergraduates will get a chance to decide whether or not they accept that proposal.
If that vote follows the grand UB tradition, it will pass solely on the ballots of members of SA and its various clubs. The average undergrad will have no idea what is going on. If it fails, there is a major possibility that the very same undergrad will miss out on the benefit of a hefty entertainment budget.
According to Treasurer John Martin, if the increase were voted down, SA would have to cancel future Fall or Spring Fests. But don't let those clapping Fall Fest hands make the decision for you. Decide to vote for the fee increase because you still have enough faith and trust in your SA as last year's entire undergraduate student body, who allowed the current administration to run unopposed.
Many members of this year's SA are due to graduate in the spring - they should not be blindly trusted to make their "last hurrah" an unselfish one. With $15 more per head in their budget, its time for them to check any shadow of shenanigans at the door and give students the government they are paying for.
Be shrewd, and make sure the current administration's prior year of experience proves wholly beneficial.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
