Feb. 17, 2011

Council, senate working on rec fee options

by Erin Rosacker

In an update on the status of recreation services user fees at the Feb. 10 Professional and Scientific Council meeting, president Mark Clarridge said council and Faculty Senate leaders are working together to find other options for a planned increase in rates.

"We see this as a benefit to the university as a staff or faculty member," Clarridge said. "When we lose something like that and we're struggling to keep our benefits, it's kind of tough."

Last month, recreation services sent a letter to users outlining the new fee structure for use of the renovated and new rec facilities set to open in August. Administrators were invited to the Jan. 13 council meeting to field questions about the change.

"We want to work through the issues and find a good common ground so we can move forward," Clarridge said. "It's still open, there are still some options out there. It is a high priority, so we should see a resolution soon."

He said council and senate leaders may create an ad hoc committee to examine the recreation services budget.

Other business

  • Council members will vote next month on bylaw amendments that would tweak the timing of council elections.
  • Dan Burden, program coordinator of international and special projects in ISU Extension's value added agriculture program, was voted president-elect for the 2011-12 year. He will assume his duties in July, when Ken Kerns, associate director of environmental health and safety, takes over as president.