Exec. Council talks money at meeting
A request for a revenue replacement and dependent use of the Student Health and Wellness Facilities were discussed, among other items, at the Associated Students of Utah State University Executive Council meeting Tuesday.
As a first reading item, Matt Ekins, ASUSU Student Advocate, introduced the Revenue Replacement Bill. The goal of the bill is to provide further financial aid to USU students.
Excess revenues from the campus directory and interest-bearing accounts will be put toward the Service and Academic scholarships. The scholarships will reward students who excel in community service and academics. Recipients will receive $500 each semester for one year.
“This bill will supplement lost revenue,” Ekins said.
Robert Franckowiak, ASUSU Graduate Studies vice president, presented a bill detailing the planned expansion for spouse and family care within the Student Health and Wellness Center. The Executive Council asked questions about the bill as a second reading item.
The bill will enable students, along with spouses and their families, to use the facilities. Patients will be required to pay a $50 enrollment fee to cover the various expenses for the center.
Jim Davis, director of the Student Health and Wellness Center, said allowing spouses and families to use the facilities will lower their overall cost. There is a cost savings in paying the center’s employees with the students’ money as well as the spouses’ money.
The council passed a bill requesting a kiosk in the Agricultural Science Building. Kiosk systems allow students to access e-mail accounts, the QUAD and the university Web page.
Mike Waggoner, ASUSU executive vice president, introduced the 15 members chosen for the Utah Intercollegiate Assembly. The members will present three issues facing the university to the Legislature in February. Other universities will take part in the assembly, as well.
“We’re excited. We have a good delegation this year, and we will continue to dominate at UIA,” Waggoner said.
He also informed the council that a lobbying issue concerning funding for the Merrill Library will be presented to the Legislature in February.
Camey Hatch, ASUSU Public Relations vice president, informed the council that 590 students voted on the revised ASUSU constitution. The constitution passed and will now be reviewed by President Kermit L. Hall and the Board of Trustees.
Celestial Bybee, ASUSU president, reported the results from a meeting with the Board of Regents concerning tuition increases. There will be a 4.5 percent tuition increase fall 2003. First-tier tuition will comprise 4 percent of the increase. One-half percent will be put toward financial aid. The university made a proposal to the regents against the increase.
“They heard us, but they didn’t listen to us,” Bybee said.
Bybee presented the council with a timeline for second-tier tuition discussion dates. A public forum will be held Dec. 11 for students to attend.
-mmackay@cc.usu.edu