Students testify at fee hearing

Students and community members attended a fee increase hearing

Monday to discuss proposals to raise student fees as much as 10

percent.

About 100 people attended the hearing including members of the

Executive Budget Committee, a significant increase in attendance

from last year’s hearing.

Fee proposals include a 10 percent increase to the matriculation

fee, housing increases and activity fee increases for athletics,

The Arbiter and marching band.

The State Board of Education set a 10 percent cap on fee

increases after approving a 12 percent increase last year.

If a 10 percent increase is approved, full-time students will

pay $149 more per semester $1,641 per semester compared to $1,492

this year (excluding health insurance).

The Executive Budget Committee, which met Wednesday to consider

the proposed increases, will make recommendations to President

Charles Ruch. The State Board will then consider proposals in

April.

Steve Schmidt, director of Institutional Research, presented

information about the proposed matriculation fee increase. Schmidt

has said he requested 10 percent to provide flexibility because

state appropriation levels are uncertain.

Four students and a BSU alumnus testified in opposition to the

proposal, according to a hearing summary.

Glenn Miles, BSU alumnus, said college students in Wyoming,

Nevada and other states pay less for college than Idaho students

– therefore fee increases are not justified.

Craig Thompson, director of Student Housing, presented

information about a proposed 8 percent increase in general room and

board rates in residence halls, and a 5 percent increase in

apartment rental rates.

One written statement was received in favor and one BSU Alumnus

testified against the proposed residence hall rate increase. Also,

one student testified in opposition to the apartment rental rate

increase, according to the summary.

“If residence hall rates increase 8 percent, is there

going to be an 8 percent increase in services or benefits?”

Miles said.

Chris Mathias, ASBSU president, presented information about a

dedicated fee for club sports that wouldn’t increase

fees.

Twelve students and staff members spoke in favor of the

proposal. An ASBSU senator read Senate Resolution 32,

“Support for Club Sports Fee Proposal,” which was

approved unanimously by the Senate, according to the summary.

Brad Arendt, Arbiter general manager, presented information

about a $1 per credit hour summer student fee increase.

One student spoke in favor and one in opposition to the proposed

fee.

Curt Apsey, associate Athletic Director, presented information

about a $5 increase for full-time students.

Three students testified in support and one in opposition to the

fee increase. Seven written statements, all in favor, were also

presented.

David Wells, director of the Keith Stein Blue Thunder Marching

Band, presented information about a $1 increase for full-time

students. Three students spoke in favor of the proposed

increase.

Brandon Fiala, The Arbiter

Related Posts:

1. Ten percent fee increase to be proposed Friday
2. Board approves 5 percent fee hike
3. Board meets to hear Student Fee Proposals
4. Student leaders struggle for greater fiscal transparency
5. Board denies 6.1 percent student fee increase