I would like to start off by first welcoming everyone back. I hope your breaks were rejuvenating. This is a new year with old issues and it is time to get back to work.

Tonight the Undergraduate Student Government will be voting on fee increases. Earlier last semester, the Senate passed legislation stating it was concerned with the ever-increasing cost of higher education.

During the past few years, students have been hammered with dramatic increases and this year seemed to be a year of change. Most auxiliary directors recognized the burdens placed on the backs of students and have begun to scale back on increases, and their efforts are appreciated.

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I must inform students that I am most concerned about the increases coming from Recreational Sports and Services.

This year we have emphasized the importance of priority. We have been discussing with administrators across campus what priorities students think the university should have and working to improve SIU together.

We have expressed that students come to SIU for an affordable, quality education. We went further to express our concern of the cost increases and how, even though tuition is locked, student fees are not. My administration has identified this as one of the many reasons retention rates are where they are today.

It is apparent Financial Aid is struggling to keep up with the rising costs. A dramatic increase closes access to higher education for students on grounds that have nothing to do with academics. We have a responsibility not only to ourselves and those we represent, but also those who come after us.

Recreational Sports and Services would like a 426 percent increase on a $6 fee. They have stated it is in part due to the loss of fields by the Saluki Way project. The fact of the matter is we can come up with a plan to where we will not lose fields, but a vast expansion of recreational fields at this time is not the answer. It is also unwise to pass a fee increase when Recreational Sports and Services is not sure how much this plan would cost students.

We understand the importance of recreational activities. I know from talking to many students there are some who support this increase; however, those students do not stand in the majority. The USG, along with Megan Pulliam, our student member on the Board of Trustees, are working hard to keep the fields we have without increasing the burdens students have to carry.

Someone stated fee increases are inevitable; the truth is some are and the campus Recreational Sports and Services fee increase is not inevitable. The only inevitable aspects to increases are staff and maintenance.

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At a time when our nation is moving rapidly toward a recession and the middle class is being squeezed, at a time when many are finding it difficult to obtain a degree in higher education, I do not feel it is wise to push this sort of increase onto students.

When I campaigned for office, I campaigned on a platform of affordability. I have done my best to keep the promises I made to you. I will not back down now; I am in your corner. Over the next few months I will continue be your voice, but as I always state, I will need your help if we are to improve things for the students here at SIU.

White is a senior studying psychology and USG president.