2008 Woodie Awards
Open forum a key player in newest rec proposal
Issue date: 2/12/08
Section: Editorial
Open forums are heavily publicized, dealing with weighty issues affecting many, but they seldom draw large crowds. That's unfortunate, since they are some of the few opportunities students have to ask thoughtful questions directly to administrators who greatly influence our lives at Minnesota State, for better or worse.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday in the CSU's lower level, those pitching the newest outdoor recreational facilities will try to gain student input on the issue.
The rec proposal has a good chance of passing. Last year, spendier proposals were narrowly shot down by a student referendum. It's unclear if a referendum (vote) will happen again, given that the MnSCU Board of Trustees is on a different timetable, thereby requiring changes to fee structuring be submitted earlier than last year.
In other words, the open forum will likely play a significant role in the outcome of the newest proposal. A survey was to be e-mailed to all students today taking the pulse of the student body's opinions on the rec proposal, smoking ban, green space, advising and other issues.
Although the proposal will likely get the go-ahead, there are still possibilities for modification; the most popular prop, and the one presented to senate last week, was tweaked to shave off a few dollars, which would mean full-time students would pay about $28 per term. Students will hopefully have a say in how their dollars are spent, and perhaps even influence the new proposal's options if necessary.
Before you make up your mind, consider a few things: Currently, student activity fees (which include organizations, intramural sports and recreation) make up less than 30 percent of total fees, while the bulk of the rest goes toward technology and the CSU's renovations. MSU is overall a good bang for the buck compared to Winona State (where students are charged a mandatory $500 laptop fee plus a $43 athletics fee, per semester) and competitive with St. Cloud State (whose tuition and fees are slightly less).
Ideally, if enough input is heard, the open forum will serve as a guiding point for an issue long at the forefront of the university.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday in the CSU's lower level, those pitching the newest outdoor recreational facilities will try to gain student input on the issue.
The rec proposal has a good chance of passing. Last year, spendier proposals were narrowly shot down by a student referendum. It's unclear if a referendum (vote) will happen again, given that the MnSCU Board of Trustees is on a different timetable, thereby requiring changes to fee structuring be submitted earlier than last year.
In other words, the open forum will likely play a significant role in the outcome of the newest proposal. A survey was to be e-mailed to all students today taking the pulse of the student body's opinions on the rec proposal, smoking ban, green space, advising and other issues.
Although the proposal will likely get the go-ahead, there are still possibilities for modification; the most popular prop, and the one presented to senate last week, was tweaked to shave off a few dollars, which would mean full-time students would pay about $28 per term. Students will hopefully have a say in how their dollars are spent, and perhaps even influence the new proposal's options if necessary.
Before you make up your mind, consider a few things: Currently, student activity fees (which include organizations, intramural sports and recreation) make up less than 30 percent of total fees, while the bulk of the rest goes toward technology and the CSU's renovations. MSU is overall a good bang for the buck compared to Winona State (where students are charged a mandatory $500 laptop fee plus a $43 athletics fee, per semester) and competitive with St. Cloud State (whose tuition and fees are slightly less).
Ideally, if enough input is heard, the open forum will serve as a guiding point for an issue long at the forefront of the university.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 5
Mike Norton
posted 2/14/08 @ 11:31 AM CST
Don't hold your breath. From the looks of things the MSSA is going to just let this pass them by.
Mika
posted 2/14/08 @ 4:56 PM CST
Are we going to just sit here and let them pass that? We are just the student body, but if we join enough forces together they might take our opinions a little more seriously! Lets have protests! Sit-ins! Silence on this issue is deemed acceptance even if you don't agree with it. (Continued…)
SK
posted 2/15/08 @ 9:12 AM CST
I think MSU has made great strides in the past 5 years of developing our campus and this is another step in the right direction. I understand college kids are cheap and low on cash, but this is $30 spent directly for student enjoyment. (Continued…)
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