A group of Plymouth State students have addressed concerns regarding how the University Shuttle Service receives a portion of its funding: through the student activities fee.
Students Sam Wisel, Mitch Dutcher, Tak Umetsu, Katherine Mehos, and Aly Smedley presented their argument and possible solutions to their Organizational Communication class.
The Shuttle Service budget was $219,977.85 for the 2010 school year. 82% of that budget is made up from the sale of parking permits and revenue from parking violations. The remaining amount, $38,500, is allocated from the student activities fee.
Treasurer Gina Pappa noted that the allocations committee unanimously voted for the proposed budget, because of how well the money is used for the shuttles. Pappa stated, “The shuttle service is one of the outlets on campus that does not take money for granted. They use their money sparingly and as best as they can.”A few of the ways that the shuttle services tries to reduce costs include: switching from diesel fuel to gasoline, changing the route which decreased travel by 50 miles per day, and not increasing driver wages.
This year, each student paid a $386 fee to fund and support student organizations and athletic programs. Smedley stated, “The shuttle service isn’t technically a student activity.” Smedley continued to discuss how student activities take a large cut in funding due to the shuttle service.
However, Jenn White, assistant Director of Student Activities, commented on how the shuttle drivers promote student activities, “The drivers are always looking for ways to connect to students. They actively seek ways to build that connection through the advertisement of programs and student orgs.”
150 students were surveyed by the group. The survey was based on two questions.
Wisel, Dutcher, Umetsu, Mehos, and Smedley proposed a new way to fund the shuttle fee: by including faculty in paying for parking on campus. The group stated, “If the University faculty were to comply with students, our goal would be within reach. Student groups and organizations would thrive, and be eligible to live out to their fullest potential due to the met adequate funds.”
The shuttle fee has been a controversial issue that has been discussed consistently over the years. So far, a portion of the shuttle fees will continue to be allocated out of the student activities budget.
The student body uses the shuttle, which is why a portion of the shuttle fee is funded through the student activities fee. Pappa concluded that “the shuttle benefits students, even if it may be used very minimally by many.”