The Tripod

In light of recent economic hardships, the Student Government Association (SGA) has become concerned with the stability of student activities on campus. Traditionally, the Student Activities Fee (SAF) is raised every few years in order to "cover expenses for the student services including student activities and social events," according to a resolution issued Sunday, Nov. 22. However, the SGA Budget Committee is now concerned the SAF will be too low and therefore unable to sustain student activities on campus. Thus, the SGA is resolving to raise the SAF so that it will be permanently set at one percent the cost of tuition.

On Thursday, Nov. 19, the SGA Budget Committee and Vice President of Finance, Krystal L. Ramirez '10, sent a letter to the SGA regarding the SAF. In the letter, Ramirez noted that the last time the Student Activites Fee was increased was in "the 2007-2008 academic year to $370, or $185 per semester, only 0.95% of current tuition costs ($38,900)." She then supported the decision to increase the SAF slightly in order to safeguard various student activities.

"Increasing the Student Activities Fee to $389 would mean only a $19 increase per student; per year however, this approximately $39,000 aggregate increase of the Student Activities Fund and a subsequent yearly increase of the Student Activities Fee can be used at the SGA's discretion to deal with increased demands for student funding including, new student organizations, social events, athletics, campus improvements, community outreach, academic trips to conferences etc. which the College would not be able to financially support," Ramirez said

The Finance Committee then voted on the one percent increase and unanimously accepted the resolution in the same Sunday, Nov. 22 resolution. SGA member S. Alyssa Simpson '10 noted her excitement about the increase resolution. "It is great the school recognizes the importance of student activities and we are thankful the school has decided to ensure the continuation of these activities for future Trinity generations," Simpson said.

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