Laura Bucio
News Editor

Distrust is the main issue for students at the University of La Verne who are concerned with the possibility that the student activity fee might be raised in the next two years.

Results of an informal survey found that seven out of 10 students think raising the fee for student activities can be a good thing if there is an obvious change, but they are skeptical that a change is actually going to occur.

“Raise it, and if people show up great, if they don’t then they should stop,” said Lana Carnahan a senior criminology major.

Currently ULV students pay $90 to help fund various student activities including Homecoming, Winter Formal and other club and organizations’ programs.

The Associated Students of the University of La Verne hope to raise the fee to $270 in order to increase funding for different programs on campus including the Campus Activities Board, Greek Life, Leadership, ASULV, Sophomore/Junior and senior programs and Collegiate and Issue Representation.

Students are afraid the fee is going to be raised and there will be no significant change.

“I would support it if it puts on better activities,” said Marlindy Bratton, a sophomore liberal studies major. For students to fully support raising the fee they want to experience change fast and effectively.

“They could also try to see if they can book bigger names,” said Raquel Chavez, a senior math major. “If it doesn’t work, bump it down.”

Most students opposed raising the fee, however agreed that more funding could become a positive step if it improves student activities.

Students were mostly concerned with knowing that those in charge of distributing the money would do it effectively and that the changes will actually happen. If the fee is increased students want better speakers and better entertainment on campus. Only two students completely opposed the proposition.

“How do we know this money is really going toward activities?” said Dwane Griffin, a senior movement and sports science major, “Why isn’t $90 enough?”

Some students are convinced that raising fees will not improve student activities, instead making the school less affordable for other students.

“We don’t need to raise the fees,” said Jamel Brown, a senior business administration major. “Lower it, don’t raise it.” Brown said.

Only one person agreed that raising the fee would be effective, and it would not create a great financial strain for students, but it can help better student activities.

“Once you’re paying that big ol’ bill, $100 is not really that much,” said Jessica Hernandez, a freshman journalism major.

Students who pay for tuition with grants and loans say they will not experience a great loss, since they do not pay the money directly from thier pockets.

“If it continues to come out of the tuition I already pay, then it would be fine.” Bratton said.

The proposal is expected to be approved or declined today at the University’s Board of Trustees Finance Committee meeting.

Laura Bucio can be reached at lbucio@ulv.edu.