Referendum questions

Three individuals defended the referendum questions put forward to be posed to students this election during the open forum Monday in the Concourse.

The two referendum questions pertain to the Student Refugee Program (SRP) fee increase and a program that provides scholarships for refugees to allow them to study at Laurier. Laurier currently has five refugee students taking advantage of funding from the program.

“I believe this is really important for students to consider because for such a small amount we really do have the opportunity to create very powerful change in these people’s lives,” explained Sean Gallagher, who defended the fee increase to a small crowd.

Another referendum question being posed is an increase to the Student Life Levy (SLL) fee – money to be eventually funneled towards the expansion of the Athletic Complex’s fitness centre.

“We have run out of space at the fitness centre, one of the most popular places on campus,” Matthew Rice put simply. He went on to explain how the new expansion would include eight new multi-purpose rooms, an expanded ground floor, an entire new second floor for more equipment, and all the “latest and greatest” equipment, among other things.

Third was Aneesh Lal, who defended a hike in the School of Business and Economics Student Society (SBESS) fee.

“We want to maintain our quality that we have as one of the best business schools in Canada,” explained Lal, mentioning the great expansion the SBESS clubs have had over the past five years as a factor in the increase.

Lal summed up the points of all three party chairs by pointing out their common interest – students.

“We’re all looking to sustain the growth coming into this school,” said Lal. “We’re all looking to make a positive change for our school and we’re not asking for much at the end of the day.”

On the ballot:

The SBE faculty-based referendum question aims to raise the fee from $15 to $21.25 per term.

The SRP is asking students to consider the creation of a new fee of $1 per half credit, to a maximum of $4 per term.

Saying YES to the SLL increase will cost each individual student $8/class. Students are currently charged $41.92 per semester.

—courtesy of wlusu.com