As the University’s Fee Review Committee wraps up its deliberations regarding proposed fee increases this week, regular students will get the chance to make a similar decision at the polls Monday and Tuesday.
Starting early this morning, students can visit vote.ncsu.edu to decide where they stand on eight proposed fee increases. The proposals range from a $1 increase for Student Legal Services to a $23.15 increase for Recreational Sports.
The referendum will ask voters to decide whether they would fund each fee at 0 percent, 50 percent or 100 percent of the original proposal. Students will also get the chance to prioritize fees based on importance.
According to Student Senate President Greg Doucette, the vote marks the first time in the University’s history where students have been able to directly voice their opinions on fee increases.
Although Doucette said he spends time talking to students about costs at the University, he said the referendum has the potential to reach a greater percentage of the population.
“The best-case scenario is that I can get 100 students,” Doucette said. “[The referendum] gives every student a chance to log in and give their opinion.”
One of the problems with the referendum, however, is where it fits in the University’s fee process.
Doucette said Student Government will release the results of the vote early Wednesday morning, which means the data will be available for the Fee Review Committee before it submits its final recommendation to Chancellor James L. Oblinger on Oct. 5.
But the committee is the only group commissioned by the chancellor to examine fee proposals, which means they can choose to consider or ignore the referendum.
Most committee members who chose to comment on the referendum said they would consider it in their deliberations.
“The reasoned judgement of 33,000 students is far better than just me as the Senate President,” Doucette said.
Since the referendum is in its first year, Doucette said it may be more important as a tool for the Senate, which finalizes its own fee bill Wednesday.
“For this first year, the goal is for it to be a reference for Student Senate,” Doucette said.
And Scott Lassiter, chair of the Senate’s Tuition and Fees Committee, said he agrees.
“We may modify the bill based on what the student input is,” Lassiter said. “It’s nice as a senator to have that outlet for input.”
He also pointed out that the referendum also presents a chance for student senators to “put their money where their mouth is.”
“We always say we represent the people,” Lassiter said. “Here’s a chance to take it straight from people’s mouths.”
Lassiter said the referendum would also increase the legitimacy of the Senate’s bill.
“Every little bit adds up,” Lassiter said. “When you have a consensus that students want to keep their fees low, it’s better than a piece of paper the Senate ratified.”
Although Lassiter said the impact of the referendum will depend on its turnout, Doucette said a lot of senators don’t really know what to expect.
“Their concern is that no one will vote,” Doucette said. “If we get 200 people, I’ll be satisfied.”
Lassiter also said that because every full-time student has to pay fees, they have the potential to have a strong voice in the fees process.
“I don’t think it takes a Ph.D. to have input on a budget,” Lassiter said. “Look at the General Assembly. How many of those ladies and gentleman have a dang accounting degree?”
But he said students have an even more important reason to vote.
“If you don’t vote and fees increase, than you’ve lost your right to complain,” Lassiter said.
