With the end of the spring semester in sight, Isaac Sandidge, former student speaker of the senate for student government, encouraged senators to contemplate their service to the student body.

He said the senate had overcome a series of trying times during the semester in light of a declining economy and little aid from the state.

Despite the obstacles senators faced and will continue to cope with in the coming school year, including a reduced budget, Sandidge praised the organization for the accomplishments made for the sake of the students and implored them to work together to achieve greater representation.

Tuition and fee increases

After extensive debate, the senate endorsed two fee increases that were ultimately approved by the Board of Trustees, including one that will raise tuition over the next four years.

The first was the Campus Improvement Fee, which will increase to $2.50 per credit hour in fiscal year 2011, rising from $12 to $14.50 per credit hour. This $2.50 increase will continue yearly until the rate reaches $22 per credit hour in fiscal year 2014.

The funds from the increase will go toward deferred maintenance in the existing science facilities and will eventually be used to pay for a new science building.

The second fee increase is a bond-revenue fee that will support maintenance to the Lantz Arena and O’Brien Stadium, which will increase 65 cents per credit hour for the fall semester, bringing it to $2.50. It will then increase by 50 cents for the next three years. The total fee will be $4 in fiscal year 2014.

The Student Action Team

In the effort to lobby legislators for the timely dispersal of the nearly $27 million Eastern is owed by the state, 13 members of the Student Action Team traveled to Springfield to participate in the College Lobby Day.

Eric Wilber, executive vice president, led the team in discussions with local politicians Rep. Chapin Rose and Sen. Dale Righter about salvaging funds for higher education.

The team will continue to lobby for the annual restoration of funding for the Monetary Awards Program Grant, as well as inform the student body on voter registration.

Wilber will graduate at the end of the semester, leaving behind a four-year legacy of involvement on the Student Action Team and as student executive vice president. Aaron Wiessing will succeed him.

Student Government fan bus

Senators voted to approve the allocation of funds for a fan bus to transport Eastern students and members of Panther Nation to Nashville, Tenn. for the OVC Women’s Basketball Tournament.

The resolution stirred a controversy on the senate as some members said enabling travel during a time of financial hardship was irresponsible and unjustified.

The effort, led by Student Body President Michelle Murphy, pioneer of the student cheering group Panther Nation, proved successful when she appealed to senators on the grounds that rejecting the resolution would be opposed of the student body’s interests.

Her request was emphasized by the attendance of the entire women’s basketball team at the meeting.

Elections

In the spring student government elections Murphy was re-elected to serve a second term by a total of 1,009 student votes.

She will be joined in the fall by the newly staffed executive board, along with the 13 senators inducted at the final meeting of the semester.

Seven of those senators are new to the organization and will participate in a senate mentorship program reinstated this semester by Isaac Sandidge.

His younger brother, Jason Sandidge, will replace his brother in the fall as the newly elected student speaker. Jason said he intends to continue the program and will review the feedback submitted by participants to improve the experience.

Members will also have the advantage of the new “Senators In Training” program approved to generate interest in the student senate and expand leadership skills in freshmen.

Erica Whelan can be reached at 581-7942 or elwhelan@eiu.edu