Students in favor of fee increase to support later library hours

Just when VCU students thought they were safe from increases in tuition and fees, the Student Government Association plans to change that. And the students can blame themselves for the increase.

The VCU Student Government Association polled 500 students to measure their opinions about a possible University Fee increase. Students were asked if they would pay an increased fee to extend the James Branch Cabell Library’s operating hours.

Although the results of the student survey have not officially been released, the majority of the respondents favored a tuition increase of $20 to $30.

If this occurs a $20 increase would extend the library’s hours to 2 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays, said Tiffany Kao, director of SGA’s student services committee. A jump of $30 would allow a 24-hour operating schedule.

Before the increase can be implemented, the Cabell Library and the SGA steering committee must approve it. Then a senate resolution can be drafted for a vote.

“I want to get this done as fast as possible,” Kao said.

Student pro-and-con responses were nearly equal, according to the survey report.

“I wouldn’t mind paying a couple of extra dollars to stay later (at the library),” said Steven Allen, first-year engineering major. “I usually don’t go there until 11 p.m.”

Nonetheless, Saedah Tyler-Muhammad, a senior history major, suggested that VCU apply for philanthropic grants instead of relying on revenue from student fees.

“There are other ways to get the money than always taxing students for it,” she said. “There are people who are more than willing to help if asked.”

Paul Timmreck, VCU’s senior vice president for finance and administration, said a groundswell of support exists for the proposed extension of hours. No action had been taken by presstime.