The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is asking Michigan Tech students to complete a survey, sent via mass email on Oct. 12, on the Student Activity Fee (SAF). The survey asks students for their views on the utilization of the fee and whether the amount needs to be changed. The SAF is charged to all Michigan Tech students and serves as one of the primary funding sources for student organizations, campus programs, traditions, and more. The fee is currently set to $80 for undergraduate students and $50 for graduate students.
USG reviews the SAF every three years, evaluating how effectively student funds are being used. The annual budget hearing process places a majority of SAF funding directly to student organizations, events, programs, travel, leadership, projects, and other student experiences. As part of the current review, students are being asked to provide feedback on whether the current fee amount is acceptable for students, regarding the programs and organizations the SAF supports.
Student feedback gathered from the survey will help assess how well these funding mechanisms are serving the Michigan Tech community to ensure the fee benefits Michigan Tech students as a whole.
Fourth-year Materials Science Engineering student Kyle Carroll talked about his thoughts on the SAF, stating, “I know the fee helps fund organizations and events at Michigan Tech. I don’t know all the organizations and events that are funded by this fee, but I do know that K-Day is a part of this fee.”
The SAF plays a big role in supporting Michigan Tech student engagement across campus. SAF funding helps to sustain traditions and initiatives. The current Tech Traditions receiving support include Homecoming, Keweenaw Day, and Welcome Week. The funding provided by this fee also supports programs and initiatives such as leadership programming, wellness, community service, and many more.
For many students, the review creates an opportunity to influence where and how we invest in Michigan Tech’s campus lifestyle. The SAF will determine how future Huskies will experience student activities and involvement.
