SA fee increase raises $800K

By Aleksandra Sidorova

The Student Association raised more money for this year thanks to the SA fee increase, but its overall budget falls short of last year’s.

The SA has almost $800,000 to invest in the shuttle, trips, events, clubs and organizations this academic year, according to SA Liaison Tyler Hargraves. The SA sets $10,000 aside for additional allocations every semester.

Unlike last year’s budget, the entire amount was raised through student fees, which have increased from $80 to $125 per student starting this semester. Despite the $200,000 gap between the two budgets, this year’s budget is enough to cover SA expenses. 

Last year’s budget was $1,050,047, with about $400,000 sourced from unallocated funds, money not spent two years before. There were no leftover funds flowing into this year’s budget, which Hargraves said the SA anticipated and prepared for by increasing the SA fee. 

Students can directly participate in managing the SA’s budget by joining its Finance Board, which makes decisions for allocations of $300 or less. The board meets every Friday at noon in Meeting Room 1 on the second floor of the Angell College Center. A student must attend three meetings before they can become a board member. 

Students can also run for elected positions or tell SA officials what they want to see on campus.

The SA Senate approves allocations of more than $300 when it meets 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the Cardinal Lounge, also on the second floor of the ACC.