May 26, 2020
Wichita, Kansas
University President, Dr. Jay Golden, has approved the Fiscal Year 2021 Student Activity Fee portion of the Student Fees after gaining approval by the Student Senate and Student Body President Rija Khan. President Golden will bring forward the updates to the Kansas Board of Regents.
The 62nd session and former President Kitrina Miller approved a 1.5% increase across all tiers of the student fees. Shortly after taking office, newly sworn in President Khan issued Executive Order 002, which had the newly sworn in Senate reconsider the increase with the concerns of COVID-19 and the financial impact it has on students.
The Special Committee that was formed under the Executive Order, under the leadership of Treasurer Ostermann. The committee voted to reduce all funds by the 1.5% increase while protecting the Educational Opportunity Fund and maintaining the Student Health Services and Counseling and Prevention Services funding that was approved by the original Student Fees Committee.
“In keeping the student fees flat, the Association has proven itself and its commitment to serving the students,” President Khan said. “It was possible because President Golden adopted the rule of shared governance. I am honored to be working with all of the students and administrators who are trying to put students first.”
During this review, the Rhatigan Student Center Remodeling Project Debt Service line item could not be reduced due to this fund being an approved bond payment. The Association has to maintain this fund at the full capacity, resulting in other funds having to make up the difference. In addition, the Special Committee voted to reduce Student Affairs by $22,531 in order to balance the Student Service Fee Budget but is requesting that Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Teri Hall adjust the Student Affairs budget to make up that difference.
Student Affairs will re-submit to the Association an updated budget that shows how the reductions were made up. Finally, the Senate approved a $76,530 cash sweep for several budget areas to be placed in the Student Fees reserves. These dollars may be allocated at the approval of the Student Senate if needed.
In the near future Student Body Vice President Mackenzie Haas will begin forming the 2021 Student Fees Committee in order to prepare for the future conversation regarding the potential budget shortfall of the 2021 budget and to begin the process for the 2022 cycle.
Press Contact: David Garcia, Director of Public Relations
Office: 316.978.7270 | sga.pubrelations@wichita.edu