Current $7 fee may increase to $15 if plan wins approval
Students are encouraged to come voice their opinions on a possible student fees increase at the next SGA meeting.
Beverly Cage, director of Student Leadership and Campus Life, recently told the Foghorn News that she would be proposing a move to more than double the student fees to $15.
Student fees are what cover a lot of the events that are put on by the college, Registered Student Organizations, services such as the free Scantrons and other supplies that are given out for free, plus costs for things like free bus rides for students.
Del Mar’s $7 student fee cost has not changed since 2003 and is one of the lowest compared with other junior colleges in Texas, Cage said. Even the $15 will still be among the lowest against schools like Laredo Community College and Texas Southmost College, which both charge $60 for student fees.
Cage said the move will be “coming through the Student Life and Student Government Association” and will be to help improve services for students.
“In 2016, student participation went up by 32 percent,” Cage said of her motivation to raise the fee. “Clubs have also increased by over 50 percent over the last couple of years.”
Cage said these increases in activity show the need for a $15 student fee.
John Beauford, SGA president, said he supports the increase.
“Student service fees are one of the lowest in our region and even though we all hate to see an increase in any amount it is something that is needed,” Beauford said.
“The fee goes to help provide free Scantrons, blue books and it helps to pay for activities and speakers for students. The one good thing about this fee is that it is used for the students and student clubs on our campuses,” Beauford said.
Angelica Duke, a nursing student, said she wouldn’t mind the increase.
“The fee isn’t big enough to really affect much,” Duke said.
Cage said students are welcome to come voice their opinions on the possible increase at the Feb. 21 SGA meeting, set for 12:30 p.m. in Room 165 of the Harvin Center, where the idea will be discussed more. Cage said that depending on how things go, she hopes to propose the raise at the March Board of Regents Meeting.
