Georgia Southern University Students Vote to Support Three Proposed Student Fees

VIDEO: Comments from President Brooks Keel regarding Students Approving Proposed Fees
VIDEO: Comments from Coach Jeff Monken regarding Students Approving Proposed Fees

STATESBORO, Ga. – A record number of Georgia Southern University students cast their ballots to support three new proposed student fees during an online vote this past week.

A record turnout of more than 9,390 students, nearly 55 percent of eligible students (students who paid Student Activity Fees this semester), voted to approve three fees including: a fee to fund an expansion of Allen E. Paulson Football stadium ($25); a fee to fund Georgia Southern's potential move up to the Football Bowl Subdivision ($75); and a fee support for Sustainability and Green efforts on campus ($10).

The University will now forward the proposed fees to the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents for their review and consideration.

““This past week a record number of Georgia Southern students voted on three proposed student fees and to express their support for the future direction of this great University,” said Dominique Quarles, president of the Student Government Association at Georgia Southern.  “The University asked us for our opinion and the results speak for themselves.”

“This has been a student-led process from the beginning, and we are exceptionally proud of the effort our Student Government Association has made to provide objective information and encourage their fellow students to vote.  This entire process is another example of the student-centeredness of Georgia Southern,” said Georgia Southern University President Brooks Keel, Ph.D.  “Whether it in the area of academics, research, sustainability, economic development or athletics, our goal is to take Georgia Southern University to the next level,” said Keel.  “From what I have been told, this is one the largest turnouts for a student vote on our campus.”

While there has been much discussion about the two athletic-related fees, Georgia Southern University leaders were particularly impressed with the high vote of confidence that the sustainability efforts fee received.  The proposed $10 fee passed with 7,018 students (74.9%) voting in favor.  This past year, Georgia Southern was nationally recognized for its efforts when it was named to the Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges, recognizing the University's commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.

“Georgia Southern students have a desire to make a difference in the world.  They want to improve their surroundings and are very aware and interested in topics concerning the environment,” said Keel.

 Next Step

The student vote is just the first step in the process.  The University will now forward the proposed fees to the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents for their review and consideration.  If approved, the expansion fee and sustainability fee will go into effect Fall 2013.  If approved, the “FBS fee” will not go into effect until Georgia Southern University is offered and accepts an invitation to join an FBS conference.  Timing for implementing the “FBS fee” will be dependent upon when the University receives an invitation from an FBS conference.

By the Numbers: Student Fee Vote Results

Expansion of Allen E. Paulson Football Stadium Fee ($25)

    Total Voters:  9,390
        Yes: 6,612 (70.4% of the vote)
        No: 2,778 (29.6% of the vote)

Fee to Fund a Potential Move Up to the Football Bowl Subdivision Fee ($75)

    Total Voters:  9,390
        Yes: 5,748  (61.2% of the vote)
        No: 3,642 (38.8% of the vote)

Sustainability Efforts Fee ($10)

    Total Voters:  9,390
        Yes: 7,018 (74.7% of the vote)
        No: 2,372 (25.3% of the vote)

Category: Athletics

Published on Friday, 28 September 2012 12:59