Student Union fee raise approved

UAA Chancellor Cheryl Siemers sent a university-wide email on April 1 announcing the approval of a $3.50 per credit hour fee, which will be implemented in the upcoming fall semester.

According to Siemers’ more detailed statement released by Green and Gold News, the Student Union fee is applicable to all Anchorage campus students. A full-time student taking 12 credit hours can expect to see an increase of $40 per semester.

In the statement, Siemers said the fee increase would allow more student employees, extended building hours, partial funding to UAA’s Esports Lounge, furniture and technology upgrades, and funding to allow Student Activities to contribute to support programming and events. 

Siemers referenced USUAA’s resolution in the email. In the resolution, USUAA presented Siemers with a survey which demonstrated that 75% of students surveyed were in favor or neutral to the fee raise.

USUAA’s resolution was passed on Feb. 14, 8-3 in favor of the fee raise. Students and student workers attended USUAA meetings to voice favorable opinions on the fee increase. 

While the survey demonstrated that a majority of students were in favor or neutral toward the increase, there were students who opposed the resolution. 

UAA student Mariam Hall is double majoring in marketing and management and serves as a delegate on USUAA, and opposed the resolution. 

In an editorial sent to The Northern Light, Hall wrote that she is opposed to charging students another mandatory fee rather than exploring other revenue generating options.

Former USUAA Senator Christopher Bauer also voted against the resolution. Bauer issued a letter of resignation after the resolution was approved. 

USUAA’s resolution included a requirement for the Student Union to provide an itemized and comprehensive report during the next annual student fee cycle that will detail revenue allocation, student and staff impacts, and balances or reserves.