Student Activities Fees at Work

Many HVCC students are not sure what their $35 student activities fee buys them, but it’s the Student Senate’s job to make sure students get a bargain.

After paying your tuition bill, your money joins forces with every other student's to form a powerful fund, about $570,000 for the academic year 07/08, according to Jonathan Winnicki, assistant director of student life. This money is the Student Senate budget and they are responsible for deciding how to spend it.

“After associated expenses, part of the $570,000 is used to fund over 63 student clubs on campus,” said Winnicki. “The amount of the funding varies according to how active each club is,” he added.

“The funding allows our club, the Student Christian Association, to purchase bibles to give away to students on campus,” said freshman April Andersen.

The money also goes to pay for events held on campus, such as lectures, music and trips. One way to make sure Student Senate is bringing quality events is by attending the National Association of Campus Activities conference, said Alyssa Cavosie, Senate president.

Events this semester include the Save a Life Tour, New York City day trip, Leadership Week and a spring break trip to the Bahamas. There are weekly events include the Coffeehouse showcase, discounted Regal Cinema movie tickets and free pizza on Thursday’s.

The best way to have a say in where it goes is to join the senate. “You can be anyone. As long as you pay the $35 activity fee, you’re part of the club, so you can get involved and have just as much say as someone who’s been involved for over a year,” said Winnicki.

Cavosie said students can either be elected or appointed to the Senate and there are vacancies at this time. If interested, call or send a letter saying why you would like to join the senate.

If you’re not interested but have an idea for an event that you’d like to see on campus, you can pitch it at the programming board meetings, held every other Monday at 2:00.