SGA seeks student vote on travel fees

Student Government Association officials plan to poll students for their approval of both the newest edition of the SGA Constitutional Amendments and a $3 rise in student fees to benefit the University’s international study program.

The program, which provides funding for students interested in studying abroad, currently amounts to $1 of student fees, the minimum of a $1-$4 requirement regulated by the University of Texas System.

If students agree to raise the University’s current rate to the maximum $4, SGA officials plan to pursue implementing the change.

SGA adviser Brittany Childs said an official vote from students is required for this kind of issue, but does not represent the final decision.

“In order to have a student referendum, we have to poll the entire student body,” she said. “(But) ultimately, even if the students vote ‘yes,’ that doesn’t necessarily mean the fee will be increased because there are (multiple) steps that go into that through the UT System.”

Freshman senator Addison Gribbin supported the senate’s decision to present the topic to students.

“I believe this is what SGA is about: letting people know and letting people vote,” she said.

However, not all representatives feel the idea is in the students’ best interest.

Senator Ian Phillips said raising the fee would force all students to pay for a program only used by few.

“This is just an opportunity to raise student fees,” he said. “There’s no requirement to travel abroad. Therefore, I think if that’s something you feel is important … you should financially pay for it yourself.”