Spring Break
Students to be seen, not heard at fee meeting
Andy Silva
Issue date: 2/19/03 Section: News
Students will be allowed to voice their concerns at the Student Fee Advisory Committee meetings on Feb. 19 and Feb. 20, but they will have to do so in the form of written statements at the conclusion of the meetings, and via online forms as opposed to expressing their concerns during the meeting itself, according to Eddie Daniels, director of campus activities.
Sam Miller, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs, said a Web site will be available for students to access the form and an e-mail address where they can send their concerns.
Vicky Triponey, vice chancellor for student affairs, said students can discuss specific ideas with the appropriate student organization committee members.
"All of the committee members are expected to represent specific constituencies," Triponey said. "[Students] are welcome to go to any committee member and address their concerns about specific fees. The student representatives' duty is to represent the student voice."
The meetings have been advertised as public hearings, but students cannot make their opinions known until after the meeting is over, according to Triponey. Connecticut freedom of information by-laws define public meetings as any hearing of a public agency, gathering of or communication by that agency to a quorum of a multi-member agency to discuss or act on matters that the agency has authority in. Triponey said she believes that the meetings meet these standards, and compared them to Board of Trustees meetings where the public is allowed to observe, but not make comments during the meeting.
"These are really public hearings," Triponey said. "It used to be that these decisions were made behind closed doors. That doesn't mean it is an open process where anyone can ask anything at any time."
Triponey also said there is a need for structure in the committee.
"There has to be a structure so that the committee can manage and do their work," Triponey said.
Those involved with the meetings think the idea of having students submit forms works just as well.
Sam Miller, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs, said a Web site will be available for students to access the form and an e-mail address where they can send their concerns.
Vicky Triponey, vice chancellor for student affairs, said students can discuss specific ideas with the appropriate student organization committee members.
"All of the committee members are expected to represent specific constituencies," Triponey said. "[Students] are welcome to go to any committee member and address their concerns about specific fees. The student representatives' duty is to represent the student voice."
The meetings have been advertised as public hearings, but students cannot make their opinions known until after the meeting is over, according to Triponey. Connecticut freedom of information by-laws define public meetings as any hearing of a public agency, gathering of or communication by that agency to a quorum of a multi-member agency to discuss or act on matters that the agency has authority in. Triponey said she believes that the meetings meet these standards, and compared them to Board of Trustees meetings where the public is allowed to observe, but not make comments during the meeting.
"These are really public hearings," Triponey said. "It used to be that these decisions were made behind closed doors. That doesn't mean it is an open process where anyone can ask anything at any time."
Triponey also said there is a need for structure in the committee.
"There has to be a structure so that the committee can manage and do their work," Triponey said.
Those involved with the meetings think the idea of having students submit forms works just as well.