The proposed Associated Students of UCLA fee increase makes
sense, provided the money goes toward services students actually
need and want.
As it stands, UCLA students pay only $7.50 per year to support
ASUCLA operations, including Ackerman Union, student programming
and campus eateries. (ASUCLA fees are not used to fund Student
Media publications, which include the Daily Bruin.)
Compared to other schools, the current fee is relatively nominal
““ especially considering the size and scope of ASUCLA.
The proposed increase would bring ASUCLA fees to $34.50 and
would allow for additional increases to keep up with the rate of
inflation. Consistently underfunding the operation would likely
result in another budget crisis, like the recent one that
skyrocketed fees to $51.00.
ASUCLA says it needs the money to deal with existing financial
pressures and to expand their offerings. Declining textbook sales
and expanded dining services on the Hill have hurt ASUCLA in recent
years.
But there is also the potential to improve Ackerman Union.
Increased student programming, higher wages and a liquor license
are all possibilities.
Students who support these ideas and value campus life should
support the fee increase. And if the increase is passed, ASUCLA
should make sure the money goes toward services students care
about.