Every spring, student government is presented with the task of reviewing the budget proposals of every student-fees-receiving entity on campus and determining how much money it should be allocated for the next fiscal year. It is a responsibility not to be taken lightly, for the decisions directly impact the resources received by students, paid for by students.

The process begins in the fall semester when student government appoints student representatives to the student fees committee. The committee is comprised of seven voting members, five of whom are students.

The student body president and treasurer are guaranteed seats, and student governmentvotes on the remaining three student representatives. The committee is rounded out with two administrative representatives — Wade Robinson and Mary Herrin.

The committee meets in February to hear presentations for each proposal and then deliberates before voting on the final numbers. The first hearings are dedicated to Education Opportunity Fund student fees, which are classified as being important for educational development. Once the committee determines the EOF budget, the number appears as a single line item on the overall student fees proposal.

Two weeks later, the committee will review proposals for the entire student fees budget. Big-ticket items include the Rhatigan Student Center, Campus Recreation, Student Involvement and Student Health Services.

Although some students may not realize how such entities are funded, it is important they understand these resources could not operate without student support.

This fiscal year, the student fees budget was approximately $9.5 million. The goal of the student fees committee is to try to avoid any unnecessary increases in student fees, while allocating sufficient resources for the departments to continue enriching student life. But some increases are unavoidable, such as additional dollars for salaries and associated benefits for university employees.

Once the presentations are completed, the student fees committee then deliberates and votes on the final figures. The deliberations can last several hours and requires students to make difficult decisions that impact their peers.

After the committee concludes its work, Student Senate then considers the final budget for two weeks. The first week is considered a first read of the budget, which allows student senators to ask questions about specific items and the rationale behind the committee’s decision. The treasurer will read the lengthy funding bill to the room, specifying how much was requested and how much the committee recommends.

The second week is when the budget is debated and finally voted on by the Student Senate. During these two weeks, the gallery is packed with university representatives who answer questions and provide more information when needed.

The student fees process culminates in this democratic environment that provides students the opportunity to know exactly how their money will be spent.

Throughout the entire student fees process, the public is welcome to attend the hearings and the final review at Student Senate. EOF hearings will be at 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday in RSC 266. The remainder of the student fees hearings will be held Feb. 19 and 20. The SGA Facebook page will release more details as we approach the dates.

As always, you can reach me at [email protected] or 316-978-7060.