2008 Woodie Awards
WSG member wants SUFAC changes
Amy Eschenbauch
Issue date: 3/19/08 Section: News
Whitewater Student Government Academic and Student Affairs Director Justin O'Rourke is working on a piece of legislation to change how the members of the Segregated University Fee Allocation Committee are elected.
Currently, the committee has representation from WSG, Resident Hall Association and each college. O'Rourke said he would like to see all members appointed by WSG.
"It is fair and right to put the power in the hands of students to have responsibility of their own money," O'Rourke said.
If passed, SUFAC would be a more representative form of government. Students would have more control over the fees because the students would be indirectly electing the representatives. Members would be elected through the senate, and some appointed by the president.
"I understand student government has the right to change, but I think they ought to change for the right reasons to add value to make the process better," said Stephen Summers, deputy assistant chancellor for Student Affairs.
WSG has equal representation of students on campus. O'Rourke said he does not feel that SUFAC is bad.
"SUFAC has been effective, it is just that in the future where students are not satisfied they have someone to hold accountable," O'Rourke said
O'Rourke said he feels the new committee would bring more attention to SUFAC because students would want to be more involved with their own money.
"I think anytime you get better student representation, and students get a more clear voice on how their money is spent, that is a good thing," Sen. Brandon VerVelde said.
In 2007-08 students paid $61.50 in allocable fees with a total of $740 in student fees. Allocable fees include money for student organizations and intramurals. Not all organizations are eligible for SUFAC money. Organizations that restrict membership based on sex, race, religion, color, creed, national heritage, age, marital status, sexual preference, income level or source and handicap are not eligible. For every $1,050 spent, each student pays one cent.
Currently, the committee has representation from WSG, Resident Hall Association and each college. O'Rourke said he would like to see all members appointed by WSG.
"It is fair and right to put the power in the hands of students to have responsibility of their own money," O'Rourke said.
If passed, SUFAC would be a more representative form of government. Students would have more control over the fees because the students would be indirectly electing the representatives. Members would be elected through the senate, and some appointed by the president.
"I understand student government has the right to change, but I think they ought to change for the right reasons to add value to make the process better," said Stephen Summers, deputy assistant chancellor for Student Affairs.
WSG has equal representation of students on campus. O'Rourke said he does not feel that SUFAC is bad.
"SUFAC has been effective, it is just that in the future where students are not satisfied they have someone to hold accountable," O'Rourke said
O'Rourke said he feels the new committee would bring more attention to SUFAC because students would want to be more involved with their own money.
"I think anytime you get better student representation, and students get a more clear voice on how their money is spent, that is a good thing," Sen. Brandon VerVelde said.
In 2007-08 students paid $61.50 in allocable fees with a total of $740 in student fees. Allocable fees include money for student organizations and intramurals. Not all organizations are eligible for SUFAC money. Organizations that restrict membership based on sex, race, religion, color, creed, national heritage, age, marital status, sexual preference, income level or source and handicap are not eligible. For every $1,050 spent, each student pays one cent.
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