ASUCLA proposes union fee hike

UCLA students will likely decide later this year between a more
sociable Ackerman Student Union or saving an extra $20 each
year.

If a proposed online referendum passes fall quarter 2003, the
Associated Students of UCLA will spike its annual student union fee
from $7.50 to approximately $20 to $30, said Student Union Director
Jerry Mann.

The outside source of money will be used to fund the Student
Union Strategic Initiative ““ ASUCLA’s plan to make
Ackerman more student-friendly. A portion of the anticipated fee
increase will also pay to remodel its food services.

The initiative, estimated to cost ASUCLA $100,000 to $500,000
annually over the next several years, is designed to fill Ackerman
with more student programs, computer lounges and even a pub.

The association hopes the fee increase will help pay for the
initiative, among other things.

The referendum would generate an additional $500,000 which could
be used to create more lounge spaces and meeting rooms, Mann said,
citing a lack of space available for student groups.

“Even if it’s financially painful, we’ve got
to do the right thing,” Mann said of the increase.
“There’s not much more we can do to increase the
sales.”

Board members pointed out that compared to other universities,
UCLA’s yearly $7.50 student union fee is low; annual student
union costs at UC Davis and UC Irvine hover around $100.

Unlike the five-year $51 union fee increase passed in 1997
““ a temporary fix to help the association overcome
substantial financial hurdles ““ this proposed fee hike is
expected to be permanent, Mann said.

Though the association has seen the looming prospect of another
fee increase since last year ““ when the $51 fee expired
““ the possibility of a referendum was formally brought up at
the ASUCLA Board of Directors retreat in February.

The board ““ which consists of student and management
representatives ““ is in charge of approving policies for the
association.

Because of recent fee increases in tuition and student
government, Mann said student board members might be reluctant
supporters of the referendum.

“For student board members, it’s difficult to be an
advocate for a fee,” Mann said.

But Dria Fearn, undergraduate representative for the board
supports the student union fee hike, saying students can actually
experience what they pay for.

“Unlike the university fee, the (student union) fee hike
would result in an increase in student services,” Fearn
said.

Lawrence Rubin, a graduate student representative on the board
also supports the student union fee increase, saying it’s
necessary for Ackerman’s well-being.

“If students want to keep the same types of services, we
need to find a way to do it,” he said.

“The board is trying as hard as it can to try to find
means to come up with money; this is sort of the last
resort,” Rubin added.

ASUCLA’s business model ““ which relies heavily on
food and store sales ““ is already in a financial rut because
of a floundering economy.

“Students, faculty and staff just aren’t buying as
much as they used to because everyone’s holding onto their
pocketbooks,” said ASUCLA Finance Director Rich Delia at the
last board meeting.

Large chunks of association money ““ about $800,000 ““
will also be needed to pay 80 unionized workers who were granted
full-time status last year.

On top of these financial constraints, ASUCLA is also coping
with the prospect of lower university enrollment, which could
heavily hurt store sales, particularly with respect to
textbooks.

“The store is what’s carrying the
association,” said ASUCLA Executive Director Pat Eastman at
the meeting.

“I’m going to double our efforts to go after
undergrads and transfers ““ that’s the only thing going
for us,” Eastman said.

Adding to ASUCLA’s financial woes were a dismal
men’s basketball season and a mediocre football season that
slashed concession and BearWear sales.

“The business model just doesn’t hold
anymore,” Mann said.

To the association’s longtime observers, the future
doesn’t look bright for store sales ““ or even athletic
performance ““ which some ASUCLA officials are banking on
improving next season.

“I do not share Bob’s optimism for the basketball
team next year,” said John Sandbrook, assistant provost of
the College of Letters & Science, referring to comments made by
ASUCLA Food Services Director Bob Williams.