Three weeks ago, the Student Government Association passed Senate Bill 057-12, which separated the Wellness Fee dollars from the Student Activity Fee dollars; effectively allowing students to engage in wellness efforts and ensure their money is being used purposefully. This separation, supported heavily by Student Government representatives, creates opportunities for students to proactively bring wellness initiatives to our campus community. It is my hope that student leadership will properly inform students of these changes and that the student body will enthusiastically engage in wellness efforts.
In January of 2010, Student Government supported the creation of a Student Wellness Fee, which totaled $90 per semester for full-time students of the University. The fee was dedicated to various wellness services, including the Simon Recreation Center, Billikens After Dark, Student Health and Counseling, and the Medical Center Outdoor Complex. In addition, it allowed for Student Government to oversee about $100,000 to allocate for Student Government wellness initiatives.
Over the last two years, that $100,000 was used simultaneously with the Student Activity Fee. This year, Student Government decided to be more intentional and transparent with the $100,000 under their direct jurisdiction. As a result, Student Government created the Student Wellness Committee, which will distribute the $100,000 through a grant-like process for student-led initiatives that promote the “condition of good physical, mental and spiritual health.” In addition, the committee will help interested students create collaborations and effectively implement their initiatives. This process will enforce Student Government’s role as an aid for students, not a judge of students.
Although the committee has been created legislatively, the work of Student Government and The University News has just begun. This spring, we must educate students on the opportunities allowed from this change. We must show them that intentionality of funds allows for greater empowerment and opportunities for engagement. When this committee was created, there was little coverage due to the focus on the upcoming SGA elections. Now that those have past, I hope that these decisions can be covered in depth and students can understand the significance of these changes.
My hope is that students will additionally engage in implementing wellness initiatives. Students now have a unique opportunity to choose the allocation of their monies. I hope students throughout campus can ask themselves what opportunities to promote wellness can be made. Are we doing enough to provide mental health for students? Are we proactive in our prevention of alcohol and drug abuse? Are there spiritual development offerings for students of all faith backgrounds? If the answers to these questions are not satisfying, students can take matters in to their own hands and form initiatives that will create better results.
The allocation of these dollars will begin next fall. It is my hope that SGA’s groundbreaking and intentional separation of the wellness dollars will be greeted with innovative student-led initiatives that strengthen the wellness of our community. Our first step is effective campaigning and education on the topic. I look forward to these efforts being led from Student Government as well as The University News.
– Matthew Ryan, SGA president, is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences
