Student leaders say too many loopholes in fee

Student leaders decided yesterday not to ask students to vote on the activity fee until April, saying they need more time to determine the fee's structure.

The Associated Students of the University of Arizona Senate was going to vote on whether to put the student activity fee on the March ballot, but the initiative was struck down.

Instead, a special election will be held for the fee in April. Student leaders on the Collaboration Board originally proposed that the fee be between $5 and $15 per semester.

ASUA Sen. Nick Bajema, who worked on the proposal, said there were too many loopholes and that they did not want to rush the fee only to see it fail down the road.

"We don't want students to vote on a work in progress," he said. "We want it to be perfect and solid."

Bajema said it is important to get the fee passed this semester because next year's student leaders may not have the dedication to continue with the project. The idea of a student fee has been discussed for the past decade, and students this year have the initiative to do something about it, he said.

"Student leaders are together now. If it is going to happen, it's going to be this year," he said.

ASUA Sen. Sara Birnbaum said that student input is still a necessity.

"We would love to hear the opinions of the students," she said.

The Collaboration Board includes representatives from ASUA, the University Activities Board, Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, Residence Housing Association and Graduate and Professional Student Council.