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News

Ten-dollar increase is just the right size

Lee says an increase in Student Service Fee needed; 
students want it kept reasonable

By Adriana Barillas-Batarse
The Daily Cougar

Though many UH students said they wouldn't mind an increase in the Student Service Fee in order to fund all the programs and groups it benefits, there's a line they wouldn't like to cross -- and it's $10.

The University's vice president for student affairs, Elwyn C. Lee, told the Student Fees Advisory Committee last week that the fee would need to be increased by $10, to $160 per semester, to fully support every fee-funded group's financial request for fiscal year 2006.

The decision on whether to raise the fee lies with the SFAC, which distributes the fee revenue. UH President Jay Gogue will decide whether to act on the committee's recommendation.

"Raising the fee $10 is not a big price to pay to have some of the programs," biology freshman Crystal Johnson said. "The fees are getting put to good use, and it's a small price to pay for all the benefits you get."

Intercollegiate athletics, Student Publications, the Student Government Association, Counseling and Psychological Services and University Career Services are among the groups partially or fully funded by Student Service Fee revenue.

"If it's just $10, if it's for the school, it's a good idea -- as long as the increase is not astronomical," history sophomore Carrie Smith said.

Johnson agreed, saying she didn't mind a slight increase in the fee as long as she sees reasonable improvements in services and the money is being used well.

"The fee covers things that everybody is able to use and benefit from," anthropology senior Kristen Mosby said.

Some other students said even $10 is too much considering the cost of tuition, books and living.

"I think it's absurd, because as students we already pay a lot," Angelica Ledesma, an education junior, said. "We already pay $150, and that is not enough. It might not be too much, but for students that pay out of our pocket, $10 is money for gas or food."
 

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