Student fee increase approved by Board of Regents

The South Dakota Board of Regents approved a General Activity Fee fund increase for the University of South Dakota in April.

The increase will start at $4.50 per credit hour and increase in amount for three years until it caps at $13.50 per credit hour. Only the $4.50 has been approved, because SDBOR can only make decisions one year at a time.

About $7.50 of the total $13.50 is planned to go toward USD’s athletic department, but will depend on the Student Government Association’s GAF Committee evaluations starting next fall.

GAF encompasses student organizations, student health, athletics and other projects around campus, like the Center for Diversity and Community.

The increase student vote passed March 4, and was later approved by USD President Jim Abbott and SDBOR.

SGA President Sami Zoss said the increase will allow student groups to thrive. She said based on the ‘yes’ vote that passed March 4, she believes that many students are behind it.

“I think the USD population noticed the changes that need to be made in order to create an even more amazing atmosphere,” Zoss said.

During the last GAF Committee deliberations, $376,000 was requested by student organizations, but SGA was only able to allot $186,000. Sheila Gestring, the non-voting chairperson of the GAF Committee, said the increase will allow for $57,000 to go towards student organizations each year.

USD’s athletic department was rated last in the Summit League and Missouri Valley Football Conference for funding. It will likely receive a large portion of the funds.

Athletic Director David Herbster said many changes to the department as a result of more funding will take a few years to make a visible impact, but some will be be evident quickly.

“Students will see immediate improvements in marketing, promotions, advertising, student engagement and fan experience,” Herbster said.

Specific changes include hiring an additional assistant football coach, athletic trainer, assistant marketing and promotions director and facility worker. Additionally, other areas such as the marketing budget, recruiting budget, travel budget and salary enhancement will see more funds.

Gestring said this year will allow existing student groups to expand, and newly-formed organizations to receive funding.

“The reactions I have heard around campus have been very positive,” Gestring said. “There is excitement about what this GAF increase can do for the future of USD and the overall student experience.”