News

SFAC advises keeping $142 fee

Report commends Athletics, SGA

By Matt Dulin
The Daily Cougar

Perhaps providing some relief to cash-strapped students who fear more fee hikes, the Student Fees Advisory Committee saw no need to increase the student services fee for the 2003-04 school year.

"We believe that even without an increase, there will be sufficient funds available in the fund balance for emergencies," the report states in its introduction. The student service fee is $142 including a $20 health center fee.

The SFAC recommendation was submitted to UH President Arthur K. Smith and Vice President Elwyn C. Lee on Feb. 28. It expressed increased confidence in the financially maladroit Athletics Department and the Student Government Association, which were both rebuked last year for fiscal mismanagement. 

In its Athletics recommendation, which approved more than $3 million, or just less than 35 percent of student fee money, the committee wrote, "SFAC is very encouraged by the steps implemented to ensure greater fiscal responsibility and planning within this unit."

The committee also said it was pleased with the "forthright and candid" responses to its questions afforded by the presence of Athletics Director Dave Maggard, who was not present at last yearis SFAC deliberations. During his Feb. 14 presentation, the AD was grilled on a deficit estimated at $10.8 million.

Acknowledging that revenues may not kick in immediately, Maggard said cuts might be necessary. Maggard also expressed his appreciation for the funds Athletics receives through SFAC.

In its recommendation for SGA, the committee stated concerns about the low number of students seeking office in the organization and urged SGA to take steps "to ensure students are aware of opportunities to serve."

SFAC approved SGAis request, setting aside $99,004 for the 2003-04 school year and $20,000 as a one-time allocation to be dispersed between the next two administrations.

The committee also gave considerable support to the up-and-coming forensics program, which recently secured spots in national-level competition and attracted a bid to host a national tournament at UH next year.

SFAC approved the team with a base augmentation of $50,720 to "cover travel and entry fees for competitions." An additional $23,440 was allocated as a one-time infusion to help fund the hosting of next yearis national tournament. 

"We recognize the potential for positive community and national exposure for the University of Houston," the report said of the forensics program.

On resolving the issue of campus Web development, SFAC denied Campus Activitiesi request to employ a full-time Web developer and urged cooperation between the group and the Vice President for Student Affairs Web Development Office to provide online resources for on-campus groups and activities. SFAC urged the VPSA to offer such services "at no cost, or at a greatly reduced rate."

Student Legal Servicesi request to employ a full-time attorney was approved.

The report is awaiting approval from Lee and Smith. The final report, which may be revised at their discretion, will be presented at the next Board of Regents meeting in May.
 

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