May 9, 1997
CONTACT: Rosemary Gladden, 594-5204
Increase in SDSU student health fee to go into effect
SDSU President Stephen Weber has approved a fee increase for student health services, a measure which was overwhelmingly approved by student voters earlier this month.
The student health services fee will increase from $55 to $70 per semester effective Fall 1997. Currently, the average cost to provide health services for each student is approximately $62.50. The program has been operating at a loss using reserves to cover the deficit. Income above current costs will go towards providing additional health services such as expanding specialty services, extending operating hours two days per week and establishing a 24-hour nurse advice telephone helpline.
"This is a service that goes directly to students," said Dr. Kevin Patrick, director of the University's Student Health Services. "The marginal increase will help us cover our anticipated demand for services." Since 1993, Student Health Services has been supported directly by student fees.
The University's newly formed Campus Fee Advisory Committee reviewed the issue and made recommendations to President Weber to have a student referendum. Stories informing the campus community about the issue were also printed in the student newspaper, The Daily Aztec.
A campus-wide student referendum took place on April 30 and May 1. Voter turnout was 583 students, with 455 voting in favor and 128 opposed to the measure.
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