The Syracuse University Student Association gave students a chance to speak out about whether they would be willing to put SA in charge of a little more money.

The possible raise in the Student Activity Fee prompted Student Association President Andrew Thomson and Comptroller Erin Maghran to hold an open forum 6 p.m. last night in Heroy Auditorium to educate students about the fee and explain the details of an increase.

Thomson and Maghran gave a presentation that detailed the history of the fee and what it provides for the student body. The fee, which began in 1978 as a “student tax,” provides the funds for nine performing arts programs, nine publications, nine activist groups, 15 multicultural groups, three political groups, the Outing Club, community service groups, University Union speakers, concerts, UUTV, two radio stations, Student Legal Services, the Conflict Management Center and SU Ambulance. The total amount of money that the organizations request is double what the current fee can accommodate, said Maghran.

“It’s like a giant rubber band about to snap,” she added. “The Student Activity Fee is stretched as far as it can go.”

The SA is holding an online referendum from Feb. 12 to Feb. 15 where students can vote on how much the fee should be increased, if at all. Students can vote for an increase of $25 increments ranging from no increase to $200.

“By leaving it up to the students to decide, it’s the most democratic way we can do it,” said Thomson. “If they don’t feel they can spare the extra $25, then this referendum can reflect that.”

Pete Thomas, a senior television, radio and film major, agreed that the referendum was a legitimate method of gauging student opinion.

“We have a democratic way of saying yes or no,” said Thomas. “It’s a great thing that we have the ability to do.”

The presentation included a list of the fees of eight other institutions similar to SU. Boston University topped the list at $344, while the University of Rochester checked in at $175. SU’s fee of $114 was at the bottom of the list.

The majority of students they have talked to do not know about the fee or what activities it covers, said Thompson and Maghran. Once they learn how expensive concerts, speakers and other events are, they tend to become supportive of a fee increase.

“Why don’t we have bigger concerts? Why don’t we have bigger speakers?” Maghran said. “There’s not enough money to go around. Do you want more? You pay for what you get, so here is your opportunity.”

The Finance Board meets for hearings in which each organization is given the chance to explain how much money it will need to cover its expenses. The board then examines evidence to see if the organizations truly need and actually use all of the money the fee provides them.

“Everything must have evidence. We don’t just give out a lump sum of money,” Maghran said.

SA is hoping that at least 10 percent of the student body votes in the referendum before any decision is made.

“There are still those small pockets of students who are greatly affected by the fee, and I hope those students vote,” Thompson said.

Jenn Thomas, a undecided sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, found the forum helpful but is opposed to the fee increase.

“There’s already a $4 increase each year, and we don’t really need any more, “ said Thomas. “I just don’t see how they can need so much more when it’s already thousands.”

Published on February 6, 2003 at 12:00 pm