STUDENT SERVICE FEE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS for FY 2014-15
March 12, 2014
Many organizations and departments at UMD recognize the importance of maintaining an
appropriate student service fee level for our students. This year’s requests reflected an overall
potential increase of 7.76%. The Committee was not able to recommend a fee increase of that
magnitude, but rather worked diligently to find ways to keep the increase as low as possible
while also providing necessary programs and services for UMD students.
As recommended here, the SSF for 2014-15 will be an increase of 2.76% ($8.61). The
committee’s recommended allocations were sent to organizations on February 28, 2014. The
final fee recommendation was sent to the Vice Chancellor for Student Life on March 12, 2014.
Each year the Committee uses an anticipated enrollment figure when determining the
recommended fee. For fiscal year 2014-15, the Committee used 18,200 as the total number of
SSF-paying students over both the fall and spring semesters.
The University system has developed a new formula to determine fringe rates for employees. It
is anticipated that Health Services, Kirby Student Center, and RSOP will see significant
reductions in their fringe rates for 2014-15. The Committee recommends that those allocations
be reduced by an amount equal to the savings realized from fringe rates.
2014-15 Allocation Recommendations
In order to better evaluate future proposals, the committee recommends that organizations with
a large number of services or activities perform a “strengths inventory” of their services and
programs. With the potential for increased scrutiny of fee increases, the Committee may require
additional information next year regarding how organizations are reaching a broad number of
students.
Access for All - $4,000
The Committee respects the ongoing contributions of this organization and hopes that a modest increase
in funding will allow them to continue their impact on the campus. AFA will need to work diligently on
building their membership base and prepare for a successful transition to a new student leadership group.
AFA has an opportunity to better utilize their presence in the Multicultural Center to welcome a broader
population of students.
Asian Pacific American Student Association - $13,600
The Committee is recommending the full amount of APAA’s request. The Committee respects the
ongoing contributions of this organization and hopes maintaining this funding level will allow them to
continue their impact on the campus, its environment, and implementation of the campus strategic plan.
The Committee recognizes APAA’s good work in fundraising and encourages those efforts to continue.
Black Student Association – $15,000
The Committee is recommending the full amount of the Black Student Association’s request. The
Committee recommends maintaining separate prices for student and non-student attendance at events
(especially those with significant meal expenses). The Committee recognizes the change in both the
leadership and advising for BSA, and recommends that existing leaders do their best to advise and
develop the new student leaders.
Bulldog Taxi - $38,200
The Committee recognizes Bulldog Taxi’s need to change the current program into a service that better
benefits UMD students. The Committee highly supports the use of multiple cab companies, and also
recommends that SA continue to market the program well beyond the standard Welcome Week and
other freshmen initiatives. To better serve students looking for cards and/or information about the
program, SA might consider connecting with the Kirby Welcome Desk and/or designating more standard
office hours.
CRU – $2,000
The Committee appreciates CRU’s effort to welcome new students with their care packages and is able
to provide some additional funding to help with this program. The Committee recommends other
fundraising methods are used to provide equipment necessary for meetings, and that SSF funds be
applied directly to programming that will benefit students. CRU manages a very large budget and serves
a great number of UMD students, and the Committee values their ability to effectively seek funding
outside of SSF.
Collegians for a Constructive Tomorrow - $6,000
The Committee recognizes CFACT’s improved programming and presence on campus from previous
years. The Committee recommends creating a more formal student-led executive board to lead the
group’s programs and services. The Committee is not able to consider supporting the funding for a staff
person until CFACT better demonstrates how the student executive board is operating effectively.
Continuing to monitor attendance figures from events will be helpful in future requests for increased
funding.
Chinese Student and Scholar Association - $4,000
As a new group receiving SSF funds, the Committee recognizes CSSA’s contribution to cultural diversity
on campus this year. The Committee recommends maintaining separate prices for student and nonstudent attendance at events (especially those with significant meal expenses). There may also be an
opportunity for CSSA to engage the community more in their programs.
Facilities Capital Improvement - $273,000
The Committee recognizes the importance of reserving funds for future capital projects that will have a
direct benefit to students. The Committee recommends increasing this allocation from $10/student to
$15/student. UMD students expect modern facilities, and feedback about recent construction and
renovation projects has been very positive. With a number of requests for facility improvement expected
in the near future, the Committee strongly recommends this action.
Glensheen - $15,000
The Committee supports funding Glensheen’s request to provide unlimited free student admission for the
2014-15 season. The Committee recommends that Glensheen track and collect data related to student
admission for 2014-15. This data will be important for the committee to review for next year’s SSF
process.
Greek Life - $2,250
Last year the Committee recommended that Greek Life continue its efforts to both work with and develop
relationships with other student groups. Greek Life should continue this endeavor and work toward
partnering with other groups, rather than merely co-sponsoring programs. The Committee recognizes
Greek Life’s effort to provide programs that appeal to a wider campus audience and encourages this
effort to continue.
Health Services Operations - $1,396,000
The Committee recommends a modest increase in funding for the annual operating budget to cover the
necessary increases in staff and equipment costs. The easily-accessible services and programs
provided by Health Services benefit a large number of students, and many students comment on the
welcoming environment provided by the staff despite the pressures that are felt by an aging facility. The
Committee praises the time spent with students per visit - which is much higher than the public sector.
Some students are still unaware of all that Health Services provides, so the Committee recommends that
Health Services provide a more aggressive marketing campaign to reach as many students as possible.
Health Services Capital Improvement - $125,000
Two years ago the Committee requested that Health Services return with a more long-term plan for
facility development, and appreciates the information provided again this year regarding a more
substantial wellness facility. The Committee understands the capital needs required for maintaining and
growing services, and therefore recommends another increase in capital improvement funds this year.
With the planned pre-programming study underway, the Committee anticipates a report from Health
Services (and partnering organizations) during next year’s SSF process.
Intercollegiate Athletics - $836,400
Given the increases related to staff and conference costs, the Committee recommends a modest
increase again this year for Athletics. The Committee recognizes the efforts made by Athletics to garner
additional funding, especially from outside sponsorships. Athletes have provided a large number of
service hours to the local community and the Committee supports continuing these efforts.
Intercollegiate sports provide many opportunities to showcase UMD, while also connecting the campus
with the Duluth and surrounding communities. The committee appreciates that Athletics keeps the
student experience at both the center of the presentation and mission of UMD Athletics.
International Club - $9,000
The Committee supports a modest increase in funding, and recognizes the struggle that International
Club has had regarding their Taste of UMD annual event. The Committee urges the club to be proactive
in working with the Environmental Health & Safety Office, Kirby Student Center, and UMD Catering to
develop a plan that works best for our students while also adhering to required university policies.
Kirby Program Board - $172,198
The merger of Late Night Kirby and Kirby Program Board has proven to be successful. The Committee
recognizes KPB’s contribution to student life via their breadth and diversity of programs. The Committee
recommends that KPB provide more detailed budget and attendance breakdown (by audience type) for
some of their larger programs.
Kirby Student Center Operations - $914,511
With careful management KSC has been able to maintain a healthy operations budget, and the
Committee appreciates that no additional SSF funds have been requested for next year. KSC provides
services and programs to the entire campus, and recommends that additional funding sources continue
to be developed. Kirby provides safe and welcoming environments for students and organizations, and
helps those students to grow in many ways.
Kirby Student Center Capital Improvement - $423,000
The opening of the new Kirby Lounge has transformed the student experience in KSC. The change from
an Information Desk to a Welcome Desk is not only good for students, but for the entire UMD community
and visitors as well. The second phase of the first-floor remodel is scheduled for 2015 and the
Committee looks forward to an update on progress during next year’s SSF process. The Committee
recommends a modest increase to accommodate additional renovations.
KUMD - $100,000
The Committee recognizes the on-going work of The Basement, and KUMD’s overall commitment to
including students in all aspects of its organization. The Committee encourages KUMD to continue its
efforts to remain visible on campus, and to maintain efforts in working with other groups on programs and
events. The committee recommends keeping, and if possible expanding, the student involvement at
KUMD.
Latino Chicano Student Association - $13,600
LCSA remains an active and visible organization at UMD with growing membership and outreach to the
students and campus community. As with many large food events on campus, Fiesta may need to
consider finding alternative funding sources and/or increase ticket prices, especially for non-students.
The Committee recommends sustaining funding at the current level.
Library Communication and Events Team - $1,200
Last year, the Committee recommended that students become involved with the planning process for
events, and that LCE demonstrate specifically how their programs appeal to a more broad audience of
students. The Committee was quite impressed with LCE’s commitment to this recommendation and
appreciates the programs and events that were supported this year without SSF funding. The
Committee recommends full funding this year and asks that the good work be continued.
Minnesota Public Interest Research Group - $42,727
Again this year, MPIRG has requested the funding necessary to completely support a full-time campus
coordinator position. At this time, the Committee recommends a modest increase in funding, but is not
able to support the position 100%. The committee recognizes the importance of the Diversity Fellow
position, but is not able to support at this time with SSF funds. MPIRG should continue to seek
alternative funding sources, including fundraising and grant-writing efforts.
Music Organizations - $55,000
The Committee appreciates Music’s understanding of the SSF process and the need to keep fee
increases as low as possible. The Committee supports Music’s request and recommends that they
continue to provide broad support to student ensembles, while ensuring that the student experience
continues to be enhanced by the use of Student Service Fees.
Queer Allied Student Union – $12,000
The Committee recommends maintaining current funding for QASU this year. QASU remains an active
and visible organization and the committee commends the group for their service to the student body.
The Committee recommends that some alternative funding sources also be identified to help support the
total cost of their leadership retreat.
RSOP Operations – $1,074,666
The Committee recommends a modest increase to funding, specifically so RSOP can effectively manage
the anticipated payroll increases while also maintaining current levels of programming. The programs
and services offered by RSOP are recognized as being of high quality and of great service to students.
The Committee recognizes RSOP’s concern about pending minimum wage increases.
RSOP Capital Improvement - $211,104
The Committee recommends a modest funding increase. As a self-sustaining unit, RSOP must plan for
future capital needs and thus requires on-going support of SSF funds. The Committee also recognizes
the needs for a future expansion and the opportunities for collaboration with other departments in a
renovated and/or new facility and supports RSOP’s effort to identify a potential future project. The
Committee supports RSOP’s effort to collaborate with Health Services, the local Duluth community, and
potentially the School of Medicine and local health care providers.
SERVE - $6,450
The committee recommends a modest increase in funding to assist the organization in reaching larger
numbers of students with its programs and services. With the closing of the Office of Civic Engagement
the Committee recognizes the potential pressure that SERVE will face to support volunteer engagement
for UMD students. However, the Committee does not support the use of SSF funds to be used as a
replacement for the services and programs previously offered by OCE.
Statesman - $31,146
The Statesman has shown good fiscal responsibility both in its structural reorganization as well as its
financial changes over the last several years. The Committee recognizes that regular turnover in its
leadership has had some effect on the Stateman’s consistency. With print media continuing to lose
overall readership, the Committee recommends that the Statesman continue its efforts to create more
alternative avenues for providing news and information to the campus community. The Committee
recommends maintaining funding at the current level.
Student Association - $95,000
The Committee appreciates Student Association’s decision to eliminate the use of SSF funds for the
Washington, DC trip from previous years. SA demonstrated a clear need for additional funding for
registered student organization via their fund allocation committee (FAC). The Committee supports an
increase to SA for FAC funding.
Theatre - $55,000
Theatre should continue its efforts to provide reduced ticket prices for students, and the Committee is
very supportive of the large discounts provided to students for season packages. The Committee
recommends that Theatre take additional measures to better inform all students about the available
discounts, as well as the shows in general. The Committee would like more details about how these
dollars benefit Stage 2 Theater Company and Attitudes Dance for next year’s presentation.
Tweed Museum - $18,000
The Committee recommends maintaining funding at the current level. The Committee recognizes
Tweed’s effort to engage students through direct employment and numerous programs. The Tweed
Museum has an opportunity to better promote not only its works of art, but also its facility and services to
UMD students.
Women’s Resource and Action Center - $10,000
The Committee recommends maintaining funding at the current level and encourages WRAC’s
leadership to continue to seek new ways to support all students, regardless of gender identity. The
services provided by WRAC are critically important to our student population and the community.
Allocations from SSF Reserves:
Buydown - $150,000
The Committee recommends using the SSF Reserves to buydown any balance that remains once the
fringe rates have been adjusted. It is anticipated that the fringe reductions will be close to $150,000 and
thus the buydown will be reduced very close to $0.
Minimum Wage - As Needed
If a Minnesota state minimum wage increase goes into effect during the 2014-15 fiscal year, the
Committee recommends that Health Services, Athletics, Kirby, and RSOP be allowed to utilize funds
from the SSF Reserves to make up any deficits in student employee payroll lines that are supported by
SSF funds. This recommendation is for 2014-15 only and will allow for units to avoid cutting student
positions if there is a wage increase.