Student Government Meeting
The Associated Students of Green River College held a meeting on March 2. The ASGRC is committed to helping students and the college’s needs. They focus on topics and interests that arise based on student complaints. The ASGRC takes these complaints, on behalf of the students, to the College of Administration and Board of Trustees.
“[It] bridges that gap between the students and the administration.” ASGRC Vice Presdient Harjot Singh said. The student government is all about representing Green River’s students and addressing their concerns.
The ASGRC addressed some issues regarding bus transportation that is provided for the students. The buses at the college have multiple uses, like shuttling students to and from Pacific Raceways (an alternative parking lot), giving safety rides, and providing transportation to other Green River campuses or for student events.
The college buses have been used for a long period of time. The two 39 passenger buses are over six years old. The three 25 passenger shuttle buses are over 11 years old. The maximum life for a bus is seven years; therefore, it was brought to the attention that the Green River buses need to be replaced.
Derek Ronnfeldt, director of campus safety, proposed an increase in facilities fee in order to replace buses. Currently per credit, there is a fee of $3.50 for all state-funded students.
With the increased fee proposal, there are three options given for the student government to vote on. A .25 percent increase would accumulate to $61,087, a .40 increase with $97,740, and a .55 increase with $134,392. Whatever option the student government votes on next week will increase the $3.50 fee.
With the .55 increase, the three buses could be replaced by the end of the year. The old buses would be sold for about $10,000 each.
Singh shared his thoughts on the proposal and the mindset that comes into play when deciding an increase on fees. “We have to really look both sides of the issue,” said Singh. “On one hand we don’t want to have an increase in student fees because we don’t want them to have to pay more but on the other hand the buses do provide a lot of services to the students.”
Another important topic addressed at the meeting by the Finance Committee was the 522 budget. This is a budget for student activities that comes from the student government’s money.
“The remaining money from the budget that the student government didn’t use, can be provided for the sophomore gift, [or] items that students request such as vending machines,” ASGRC President Patricia Argie said.
A new 522 budget of $1.6 million dollars for the 2017-2018 school year.
ASGRC meetings are held Wednesday and Thursday from 12-1 in the Emerald City Room, Mel Lindbloom Student Union building.
