The 2014 – 2015 Services and Activities budget exceeded two million dollars cashing in at precisely $2,075,000. This money is distributed amongst various student programs including the Associated Student Government, cultural programs, sports and outreach among many others, 63 programs in total.
The budget saw a $200,000 increase from last year, a $500,000 increase from 2010 – 2011 and a $1,110,000 increase from 2004 – 2005. The budget grows with enrollment with the exception of one time incomes such as grants. Stephanie Rowe, finance office assistant for Student Programs, attributes this to the slow in the economy, sending everyone back to school.
Following a yearlong hiatus of ASG, Student Programs saved up in order to run off of actuals as opposed to projections. Similar to the technology and environmental fees, the S&A fee is added to one’s tuition. Students pay per credit up to 10 credits and for all credits exceeding 18, according to Brandon Lueken. For example, a student taking 10 credits would pay for 10 credits worth, a student taking 15 would pay for 10 and a student taking 20 credits would pay for 12.
This year, the budget allocated money to outreach services. “The college is oddly enough not paying for it,” commented Rowe. “It’s on the backs of students.” The program received a one-time grant in an effort to find funding the committee deems more suitable. $50,000 was given from U.S. banks and the technology budget according to Leslie Mayo, former S&A committee chair for the 2014-2015 budget.
The budget went into effect July 1, 2014.