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Proposed union fee increase finds opposition on Hill

By Harold Lee

Jan. 6, 2005 9:00 p.m.

As the details for a proposed student union fee increase are
being worked out in time for this spring’s elections, the
Associated Students of UCLA is working to get support for fees that
may become about four times higher than what they are now.

Currently, students pay $7.50 per year to the student union, but
the ASUCLA Board of Directors suggested that the fees be raised to
$34.50, comparable to student union fees on other University of
California campuses such as UC Riverside and UC Davis.

A referendum is being written for the proposed fee increase and
will need to be drafted by mid-February so undergraduate and
graduate students can vote on it in the spring elections in
May.

One concern among students living on campus is that they will
have to pay higher student union fees though they may not use the
union as much as students living off campus.

Student Union Director Jerry Mann encourages students to think
of an increase as beneficial to the entire student body.

“Often we want to encourage people to not vote in their
own self interest, but the interest of the general
population,” Mann said.

Because dorm residents have mandatory meal plans and other
services available on the Hill, which are included in their housing
fees, they may not feel like they have an investment in student
union fee increases. Additionally, ASUCLA officials note that the
dining services on the Hill is competition for ASUCLA eateries and
expansion of the Hill in recent years has contributed to
diminishing revenue for the enterprise.

“I’m just comfortable the way it is,” said
Eunice Im, a first-year pre-political science student. “A lot
of students say things are overpriced (at Ackerman Union) and I try
to avoid shopping there.”

Others feel that the student union does not need additional
support from students.

“I’m not doubting that (a fee increase) is
helpful,” said Talar Kharadjian, a first-year undeclared
student. “But I just don’t see where there’s a
need.”

In recent months, ASUCLA has seen falling textbook sales and at
the same time is looking to expand food service operations.

Student union officials assert that many students use ASUCLA
facilities often without realizing it.

“A student who spends any time on campus, I would think
that at some point in their day, they’re going to interact
with us,” Mann said.

Student representatives on the ASUCLA Board of Directors are
working to encourage students to approve the fee increase.

A fee increase is beneficial because it keeps ASUCLA as a
student run, student-funded entity, and some very good services
will come out of this fee, said Yousef Tajsar, vice chair of the
board.

Because the referendum is still being drafted, the allocation of
the money gained by an increase is still being determined, but
Tajsar suggested that the additional funds could go to student
programs.

As soon as a referendum is finalized, formal efforts will be
made to encourage approval and garner feedback through town hall
meetings.

Representatives of the On Campus Housing Council plan to work
with USAC to discuss the proposed student union fee increases.

“As far as we’re concerned, the more restaurant
options that are available to students on the Hill, the
better,” said Brad Stauber, chair of the OCHC.

ASUCLA officials are anticipating how future fee increases will
work with UCLA’s Housing Master Plan, which will guarantee
four years of housing for undergraduates in new residence
halls.

According to Housing and Hospitality Services, 39 percent of all
students are projected to be living in university-owned housing
““ including graduate housing and university apartments
““ after 2010. Currently, 29 percent of UCLA students are
living in university housing.

But Mann is certain that a large number of students will still
rely on the student union in the future, because graduate students
and people living in university apartments will still be more
likely to use ASUCLA facilities than undergraduates.

ASUCLA officials acknowledge that there will probably be fewer
customers due to the new undergraduate housing and said they may
have to scale back in the future.

Some Hill residents suggested changes that could be made to make
a fee increase more relevant for them.

Chris Heintz, a second-year undeclared student, suggested making
meal swipes usable at Ackerman and other ASUCLA facilities.

“I think that’d be worth it,” Heintz said.

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Harold Lee
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