Less then three weeks ago, The Spectrum endorsed the Student Association's request for a $10 increase in the mandatory student activity fee. We did so on the condition that students get involved in deciding how the money would be allocated.
On Tuesday the SA Senate, the government body with the power to make these big decisions, held its first meeting. But not a single student attended the meeting.
Voting is not enough. Students, as both members of this university and the larger American electorate, need to become actively involved in political decisions such as this one.
Elections held the week of Sept. 27 approved the proposed increase supported by 2,677 students. The increase from $69.75 to $79.75 will give SA $300,000 more in funding. Students will begin to see this money being used as soon as next semester.
Although the fee has only risen by $10 for each student, the total funding is a large chunk of change. This money directly affects students in a variety of ways. Sub-Board Activities like the Health Center, student medical insurance, SA entertainment events like Fall and Spring Fest and the Distinguished Speaker Series are all funded by a portion of the mandatory fee.
The Senate can make the decision without any student input. In order to maintain the Senate's accountability to the student body, students need to attend meetings and give their two cents.
Whether one voted yes or no to the increase, this meeting presented an opportunity. Those who voted yes obviously felt that the money was needed, but did they all vote unconditionally? Club members, those whom are most dependent on SA funding, were nowhere to be found.
The Senate itself is partially to blame. New Senate chair Mazin Kased must work harder than previous chairs to publicize the meetings.
A little over 800 students voted against additional funding. Although they lost the vote, they still have the opportunity to ensure that the Senate allocates the money responsibly.
This lack of involvement is widespread in American society. College is a chance for students to grow and socialize into our culture. Voters age 18 to 24 are notoriously uninvolved in politics. Some argue that we are too busy or have other more important issues on our minds.
But life doesn't get any easier. Politics affects every aspect of our lives and the fee increase is the perfect example. It is our money collected for our benefit and we must become involved in how it is spent.
Luckily, the Senate did not discuss the new funding at this meeting. The next meeting, date yet to be announced, will most likely broach this topic. The date of the meeting will be found on the SA website and it will be published in The Spectrum. Concerned students should be sure to attend and have their ideas heard.
