Letters to the Editor

Re-elect Grigg and Bunt

In February I was nominated by our student body president Trevor Grigg to be a voting member of the student fee hearings. The student fee hearings are a series of yearly meetings in which seven students and faculty take requests to raise or lower fees. This year’s process was like no other because we the students had majority vote on the committee thanks to Dr. Laliberte and a strong push from President Grigg. Thanks to that push Mike Reed and I were nominated to sit with Trevor Grigg and Joe Bunt in the hearings.

During this two day process I was very pleased with the work of our President, Vice President, and Senator Mike Reed insuring that our fees were taken care of responsibly. In total there was an original fee proposal up to $90 more a year. President Grigg and Vice President Bunt along with Senator Reed fought extremely hard to hold that proposed $90 increase to just an $8 increase. That’s somewhere in the range of 1.3 million dollars that will be kept in our pockets.

I must say that our student government did an outstanding job representing all 19,000 students during these hearings. They were well prepared, willing to make tough decisions, and very vocal about the tough economic times students face. President Grigg and Vice President Bunt made it clear that right now we need to say no to more student fees or as they referred to them “taxes”. Like many students I didn’t know the power and influence that our representatives could have on campus. I’m pleased that we have Mike Reed, Joe Bunt, and Trevor Grigg in our student government making sure that students have a voice and a vote on major decisions like fee increases.

I am very happy to see that Trevor Grigg and Joe Bunt will be running for re-election this year. After working with them on the student fee hearings I give them my full support and confidence. I know they have the best interests of the students at heart. So please, on April 8-9 I hope that you will follow my lead in voting for and re-electing Trevor Grigg and Joe Bunt for ASBSU President and Vice President.

Nick Drzayich is a junior studying communication.

Spring Break Alternative left holding the bill

A group of eighteen students is dedicated to rebuilding schools in New Orleans this spring break. The annual Spring Break Alternative program is dedicated to making a difference where it’s needed and fundraise the entire expense of the trip. This year, these students were surprised that they needed to fight the University to volunteer. The Spring Breakers, led by Tabatha Carroll, Assistant Director at the Volunteer Services Board, has successfully managed their budget and fundraising. Due to needless delays and misdirection from Student Activities, as well as badly communicated policy changes, the cost of the trip skyrocketed $4,000 in the last week. The decisions of some administrators forced the group to purchase plane tickets much later than planned. Sudden changes and confusion in the department were nearly impossible to navigate. While those responsible involved apologized for these issues, Spring Break Alternative is left holding the bill.

I have to believe our administration desires to support students. I also believe that students are not being supported enough. On behalf of students, I invite the staff of Student Activities to meet with student leaders to revise the current procedures that are damaging to students and student organizations. We must regain control over student fees and budgets, involve students in decision-making, create an appeals or evaluation process, and maintain respect of students’ autonomy and leadership opportunities.

Student fees support Student Activities administration’s salaries, but students have not been left out of the decision-making that so deeply affects student programs like Spring Break Alternative. We cannot challenge policies or keep up with changes made without our knowledge. As a result student activity is hampered and blocked. Students: stand up for your campus and interests. Administrators: meet with students and let’s work together for a stronger university.

Rebecca Ames is a senior studying political science and is the Volunteer Services Board director.

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