Regents debate raising fees

Friday, Aug. 15, 2003 | 9:50 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Board of Regents was expected to decide today whether to raise student fees at UNLV to expand the Moyer Student Union and to build a recreation center for students.

The divided board debated the issue Thursday. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is proposing to phase in student fees over a four-year span to eventually collect $310 a year from each student to pay off $89 million in 30-year bonds to pay for the projects.

Regents Steve Sisolak and Linda Howard, both of Las Vegas, said the increase in fees would hit low-income and working students hardest.

"They can't afford $310. It's just too large," Sisolak said.

"We keep hitting the students with fees on top of fees. I gag when we talk about $310 a student. I can't swallow that."

Howard said the fee increase could possibly force some students who are struggling with finances to drop out of school.

But Rebecca Mills, vice president for student life at UNLV, said students could receive aid or help from the university in finding a job if needed.

Regent Jill Derby of Gardnerville said she supports the plan.

"UNLV aspires to have a rich student life," she said.

Mills said the students want the projects. UNLV President Carol Harter told the board that these types of projects are supported by student fees in every other state.

Mills said it was unlikely that state dollars would be used because the projects are not a high priority for the state.

Sisolak said he has received calls from parents who say they can understand raising fees for new classrooms or a lab, but not for these projects.

Mills said the expansion of the Moyer Student Union to 160,000 square feet would cost $37.5 million and it could be ready by 2006. The 165,000-square-foot recreation center would cost $49.9 million and would be ready by 2007.

She said the costs are in the middle range of similar facilities built elsewhere.

Under the plan, students would pay a $54 a semester fee this year, $115 in 2005, $140 in 2006 and $155 in 2007.

Molly Scott, a UNLV student and a member of the Rebel Renovation Committee, said students support the projects.

"I hope you will endorse the student fees," she said Thursday.

Students now pay $85 per credit hour, an additional $4 a credit for technologyimprovements and $1 for recycling, in addition to a $30 health fee per semester.