Student Government Association members had the opportunity to ask questions about the new student services fee that was implemented this year at Central Michigan University.

Director of Financial Planning and Budgets Joe Garrison presented the rationale behind the fee at the Sept. 24 General Board meeting, in the Bovee University Center Auditorium.

"Many students reached out to SGA regarding the student service fee," said SGA Press Secretary Nick Latuszek. "It was decided to have an individual who is knowledgeable of the fee so they could explain the reasoning and the process of the fee."

Garrison outlined some of the services the fee will fund, such as academic advising, counseling services and campus police.

After conversation on what the money would go toward, senators inquired why money was spent on a new archway across Broomfield Road.

Garrison explained that the archway was part of a branding effort to make CMU's campus identity more cohesive. In an interview with Central Michigan Life, Garrison said no revenue from the fee will pay for capital projects, including the archway.

"I've heard concerns from students that this fee may open up the possibility of more mandatory fees," SGA Treasurer Chase Delor said.

Garrison said he has not heard of any additional mandatory fees.

He emphasized that in comparison to peer institutions, CMU does not change tuition rates based on specific courses, programs or colleges.

"Unlike most institutions, with the undergraduate fee here, you’re going to pay the same price whether you're a journalism major or an engineering major," Garrison said.

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CMU President Robert Davies also made an appearance at the General Board meeting, thanking SGA members for their leadership. He answered questions about how he will combine his background in business with his passion for education.

Senator Jonathan Korpi, a graduate student in the history department, asked if Davies has any plans to "re-strengthen the humanities department."

Davies emphasized his first priority is student success; he wants to "create logical thinkers." He hopes to do so by supporting all colleges and making sure they intermix to create well-rounded students.

"We are here to teach you to think critically, how to research and gauge information, to gather facts and data and understand context," he said. "We will do so by supporting the humanities, and the rest of the colleges, and making sure they intermix."

Senate business

Delor introduced legislation to the Senate that would allow residence halls to include pizza box composting systems.

"Pizza boxes are all over campus, and students love pizza," Delor said. "We want to make an easy way for students to recycle pizza boxes on campus."

"A Resolution to Support a Pizza Box Composting System on Campus" would provide SGA support for the creation of a pizza box composting program across campus.

The resolution is sponsored by the Student Environment Alliance and Take Back the Tap.

Delor explained if this were passed, it would not drastically change the day-to-day for Facilities Management.

Building Management staff would be assigned to check the composting bins three days a week, and funding would be fully absorbed by Facilities Management. The design would consist of wooden slats and hygienic lining.

The legislation was tabled until the Oct. 1 meeting to provide time for RSO representatives to discuss the piece with their group members so they may correctly represent their organization in how they vote.