News
 

SFAC set to begin hearings next week

Committee disperses $19M in student fees

By Portia-Elaine Gant
Senior Staff Writer

Although most students may not be familiar with the Student Fees Advisory Committee, they are likely aware of the student service fees it is charged with allocating to fee-funded student organizations.

"It's a really important process that involves a lot of student input," Dean of Students William Munson said. "The state Legislature mandates that each university have a student fees advisory committee."

SFAC is comprised of five students appointed by the Student Government Association, two students and two faculty representatives appointed by President Jay Gogue and is overseen by Munson. The committee is accepting budget requests from student organizations campuswide and will continue to do so through Thursday.

Each student fee-funded group must present its fee request to SFAC. This year, the hearings are scheduled for Feb. 13-23.

"A lot of requests are based on requests that were made previously, so we look at recommendations we made last year and see if (the organizations) made any improvements," committee Chairman Jackie Thomas said. "Most organizations request the same amount every year. If they request more, then they have to prove why they deserve more."

Among the many other factors affecting the distribution of the funds is University enrollment.

"Since the funds available are based on the student service fee and that varies with enrollment, if there is a lower enrollment, we have less money to allocate," Thomas said. "If there is a higher enrollment, then we have more money."

This year, Munson said the student service fees, University Center fee and Campus Recreation and Wellness Center fee will total $19 million.

On this year's committee are students Kassaye Kassaye and Sean Piper and faculty representatives Ellen Marus and Wil Weber, all appointed by Gogue; and Rojelio Mendoza, Alberto Morales, Vice Chairwoman Claudia Chairez and Thomas, the chairman, all SGA appointees.

One student appointed by SGA resigned from the committee because of a scheduling conflict, leaving SGA to find another member before presentations begin next week.

Although there is no certainty of a fifth SGA appointee being named in time, Piper said the presentations, which are open to the public, will continue as scheduled. The first is set for 9:15 a.m. Feb. 13 in the UC's Bluebonnet Room.
 

 Send comments to dcnews@mail.uh.edu