Fee increases raise eyebrows

Two contentious student fee increases, combined, could add $100 to students' bills next year.

These hikes - with the possibility of higher tuition - provoked hearty debate Friday when the chancellor's committee on student fees discussed the Student Information Systems and Administrative Computing Proposal and the $50 Athletic Fee.

The computing proposal will establish a $50 fee to help fund a new system to run most of UNC's administrative systems.

The advisory committee will recommend the fee to Chancellor James Moeser on the condition that it will improve student services and will include a seven-year cap.

UNC's computing services now are provided by SunGard SCT, whose contract expires in 2008.

"It became apparent in the summer that this is something we need to do," said John Gallagher, assistant vice chancellor for finance planning and human relations.

The cost of the entire system could range from $100 million to $200 million, while administrators estimate the student services portion will be $25 million, Gallagher said.

These programs include systems that allow students to pay bills and check grades online.

The new company would provide software and manpower support, but it could take one to two years to implement, said Stephanie Szakal, assistant vice chancellor for enterprise applications.

"Above all, I think we will see a quicker response time for new requests," she said.

But several students on the committee opposed the new fee, questioning whether they should pay for an administrative initiative.

"It's got nothing to do with the student, but with how the University functions," said Lauren Anderson, Graduate and Professional Student Federation treasurer. "And the students aren't responsible for making sure the University functions."

Daneen Furr, student body treasurer, said she understands the fee's justification because it will affect the systems students use.

"We're covering only a very small portion of what it's going to cost," Furr said. "I wouldn't feel that way if the fee was any higher or if the fee didn't have a cap."

Director of Athletics Dick Baddour presented the athletic fee and said potential compliance issues with Title IX merit the hike.

This fee's revenue will be allocated to Carmichael Auditorium - where many of UNC's female athletes compete. The gym is not air conditioned, and Baddour said recent improvements to the Smith Center make the auditorium's age more apparent.

Last year, the Board of Trustees approved a $100 hike to the fee, which was implemented, and a $50 hike to the fee for 2006-07, which was overturned by the Board of Governors amid student concern.

Discussion on the athletic fee will continue during Friday's meeting.

"I think there are more questions that need to be asked just to kind of gauge - where the athletic department is," Furr said.

Members also passed the $27.50 technology fee, bringing the fees' total to $185.80.

A $2 Student Recreation Center fee increase also was approved, which brings the fee's total to $14.

 

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.