On February 9 at 5:07 p.m., Slippery Rock Student Government Association (SRSGA) met for their first formal meeting. Here, they discussed and voted on new budget and funding introduced by the board of trustees, discussed new hiring and position recognition, and coverage of the recent student life survey (SLS).
Board of trustees’ proposals
While the board of trustees and SRSGA met to discuss parking and meal plan pricing, it is important to note that none of these motions and plans are set. No matter how SRSGA voted, they are only expressing support, the board of trustees has final say in what pricing changes.
Chris Cole, assistant president of Auxiliary Operations and Student Services, introduced the proposals. Cole expressed that changes to these fees were to meet budgetary obligations. Meal plan fees and parking fees are auxiliary operations, meaning that profit granted by parking and meal plans is the sole funding for these necessities.
Firstly, Cole discussed meal plans and dining prices. He proposed a 6.74% increase in dining fees, which would move a default weekly 14-meal plan from $1,776 a semester to $1,885 a semester. Additionally, this proposal would not introduce an increase in flex allotment, so a 14-meal weekly plan would still offer $350 in flex. After the 2024-2025 meal plan pricing increase, Cole addressed that the board of trustees would continue an increase every other year. Cole and the board estimate that, without an increase, the dining program would be in a $10,000 deficit in 2027-2028 school year. Cole and board announced plans to use this funding increase to renovate and add more selections in Rocky’s.
Our SRSGA did not vote in favor of the proposal. Senators indicated that the rate was unfairly too high for the portions provided and the low amount of meal swipes. One senator recommended increasing the meal exchange rate proportionally to the price increase.
Cole proceeded to introduce the parking proposals. Since 2008, Slippery Rock University’s parking permit fee has been $25 without a limit on the amount of permits you can purchase or are issued. One of the strategies the board is considering is a $75 increase in the parking permit fee, pushing it to $100 a year, and offering a cheaper semester-long parking pass. Cole expressed that him and the board are in discussion with local landlords to purchase and open an off-campus parking lot for residents to park their cars in. According to Cole, students have a high tolerance for parking, having to have paid more at home or in high school. The board hopes this price jump will dissuade locals from purchasing permits.
Much like the meal plan proposal, SRSGA did not vote in favor of this proposal. Senators also commented on the student body’s already-existing complaint of not feeling safe walking long distance to their car.
New Hires and Senator Organization
SRSGA’s Charlie Severeau, current student trustee, is graduating and they are looking to fill this position. The student trustee acts as liaison between SGA and the board of trustees. They vote with the board of trustees as student body representative.
Lacey Mario was voted on and selected as the new senator to represent the College of Liberal Arts. Mario is a criminology major minoring in both forensics and social work.
SLS Survey Response
- 50% of on-campus respondents that responded would use the Happy Bus service
- 46% of respondents would support a parking permit lottery
- From the last SLS survey, there is 94% decrease in respondents feeling safe walking at night
- 66% of respondents would use the Happy Bus service if it brought them to the residence hall
- 42% of respondents disagree that monthly meal exchanges are nutritious and enable healthy living
- 19% of respondents believe that on-campus location hours are convenient for their schedule
- 50% of respondents believe the portions of their meal swipe was sufficient
- 77% of respondents have a vehicle on campus
- 3% of respondents have a car but do not have the appropriate permit
Regular Business
SRSGA senators spoke with the Provost Micheal Zieg regarding the success of recent snow days. Senators commented on how professors and deans failed to inform students properly of the plans. Additionally, they commented on the lack of Zoom availability to host meetings.
SRSGA currently has $49,000 left in reserve and is taking meetings for club budget review. The finance report approval consisted of The Potter’s Guild’s request for $300 to host an art demonstration, the Rock Racing Club’s request for $293.77 for equipment, The Harbor’s request for funds to attend a Jubilee event in Pittsburgh, and both Slippery Rock Independent Winter Guard and Slippery Rock Ice Hockey Club’s requests for travel funds.
SRSGA approved a request for $39,900 for Slippery Rock University’s cheer squad to attend the National Cheer Competition. This is the first year that SRU’s Cheer could not raise for this themselves. This money comes from a separate pool. Additionally, SRSGA approved the Athletics Insurance Claim Fund of $30,000. The Athletics Insurance Claim is required for student athletes to participate, as they must be insured, something not covered by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
