SGA Votes against tuition increase
Shepherd University’s Student Government Association (SGA) voted against a proposed tuition increase last Tuesday night in the Storer Ballroom.
The proposal, presented by the University’s Board of Governors (BOG), would increase both in-state and out-of-state tuition, housing costs and meal plans. While student senators voted against increasing tuition and housing costs, 52% voted in favor of increasing meal plan fees, just shy of the 66% passing requirement.
The vote took place after members of the Shepherd administration were able to listen and comment on concerns brought by student senators, including university finances and food issues on campus.
Shepherd administrators in attendance were Associate Vice President for Campus Services Jack Shaw, Director of Finance Colin Alexander, Director of Resident Life Dr. Elizabeth Sechler and Food Service Director Katy Mong.
“A lot of this is trying to deal with real issues now, and just trying to take as balanced an approach as possible, without putting this all on either the staff and/or students,” explained Alexander.
Shaw discussed the reason for the proposed fee increases, which include the Shepherd’s budget deficit, which was at $6 million since the Summer of 2023. It has caused the university to lay off several faculty and staff. Various programs are no longer offered at Shepherd in order to reduce expenses.
“We would likely be asked to still work towards balancing those budgets in spite of fee increases, which means we’d have to consider adjustments to our services, which unfortunately might mean cuts in hours of operation and cuts in staffing,” Shaw said.
Grubhub issues to be fixed
Shepherd’s Food Services team will be fixing issues with the campus Grubhub system for Riverside Marketplace and Fireside Bistro, two of the dining locations on campus, according to Mong. Her team will also be looking to change the prices of certain add-ons at the Bistro, specifically non-dairy milk alternatives.
“We should not be having to charge for any of the speciality milks now, so that should be a no-charge modification to your beverage.” Mong said.
Shepherd to begin planning annual Relay for Life event
Other than continuing the discussion about fees, Coordinator of Student Community Services Jackson Heath, a student, discussed Relay for Life, an annual charity event which will take place this year on April 12 from noon to midnight.
It is meant to raise money and bring awareness to those who have battled cancer and their supporting families. This year, the theme is Olympics; the slogan is “Going for Gold against Cancer,” according to Heath. Shepherd hopes to raise $70,000 for the event and although it is help on campus, “it is for the greater Jefferson County community,” Heath explained.
Those who wish to join can either sign up as a new team on the Relay for Life website, or can join a pre-existing team. All teams are encouraged to begin raising money before the event.
Campus Events
The Theater Department will showcase “The Safety Zone,” with performances on Feb. 20 and 21 at 7:00 p.m., Feb. 22 and 23 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the Marinoff Theater. Organizers are students from THEA 303 Devising New Works & the Acting & Technical Studios course are
Due to the weather, Counseling Services’ “Let’s Talk about Sex” was moved to Feb. 18. It will still be held in the Storer Ballroom at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Leave a Reply