Talks concerning a projected student activity fee dominated Wednesday’s Undergraduate Student Government meeting, as a proposal was submitted to introduce an additional $15 fee for all Ohio State students.
By implementing the $15 quarterly fee, USG hopes to overcome student apathy towards campus involvement by offering appealing entertainment.
Possible acts could include Eminem, John Mayer and former “Saturday Night Live” actor Norm MacDonald.
USG will work with two other government councils — the Inter-Professional Council and the Council of Graduate Students — both of which support the fee, to present a unified idea to the Council of Student Affairs, a board representing all students on campus.
“We’re just trying to make the best choice based on what the students want,” said Mike Goodman, vice president of USG.
According to an online survey conducted by the USG policy council, nearly 60 percent of the 11,000 respondents favored the fee if it guaranteed free entertainment.
“We need a diverse and variety of things to do,” said John Payne, a co-director of policy in USG. “This plan isn’t a cure-all, it’s an alternative.”
In the proposal, an independent body of elected and non-elected representatives would control the $1.5 million generated from the undergraduate portion of the fee. The Ohio Union Activities Board and the Schottenstein Center will help the council provide entertainment. The independent council will handle money distribution, while the OUAB will organize the functions.
“OUAB is a strong organization with a strong history, and we want to provide them with more resources and support staff,” Goodman said.
However, Payne said he sees apprehension among senators concerning OUAB’s involvement in the process.
“The first year will be critical, and we need people who are responsible,” he said.
The activity fee is designed to get students involved and invested in the university. It would allow for better programming and helping under-funded student organizations, Payne said.
While it appears students will be bribed with top-notch shows, more students are realizing the benefits, ready to shell out extra money.
“If they provided good entertainment each quarter, I would pay the fee,” said Megan Zale, a senior in material science engineering.
USG will present the final proposal during spring quarter, and the Board of Trustees will grant the vote during its May or June meeting. If passed, the fee will be activated autumn quarter.
