Frustrations surrounding the recent implication of a $495 increase to students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst headlined the last Senate meeting of the semester.

Members of the Student Government Association gathered to discuss the recent budget cuts with each other, and listen and question Paul Page, Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance.

Page came before the Senate in an effort to explain the recent budget cuts and the toll that the University will be taking. He explained to the Senate the break down of the budget within the University and where $495 student fee increases will be distributed.

Page explained that out of the $495 students will be paying this spring semester $235 will be going to the curriculum fee and $265 will be going to the service fee. He further explained that out of the $265 going to service funds, $65 will go to athletics, and $200 will go toward infrastructure.

Members of the SGA however raised concern over the distribution of funds explaining that they were unaware of the funding allocations to areas at the University.

“When I spoke to Chancellor Marcie Williams just two days ago there was no administrative plan as to where the fee would be split up,” President John Sheehan said. “I just wonder why we weren’t consulted about this, and why, if they’re taking $500 from us, they’re not inviting us to the table to discuss this. They say the University is a value, but I’m not sure I think so anymore.”

Discussion continued surrounding the time span of when students would be expected to pay the newly approved fee. Page explained that it would not be included in the original bill students will be receiving.

“The increase in fees will not be on students spring bill, but will be noted on the bill that a subsequent fee of $495 will be sent there after,” Page said.

When asked about the time period in which the bill of $495 would be sent to students, he estimated a month time span after the original bill would be sent.

“What you need to be concerned about is where these resources are going to be applied,” Page said. “Some of the apportionments may not make sense, but we’re trying our best to use all the resources available to us.”

Page also addressed issues surrounding the University in regards to the state Legislature, explaining that UMass is facing difficult times in the future. He stated that the University had originally expected an increase in which they are now compensating for.

“Our original budget outlook wasn’t expecting a decrease, but an increase of three million dollars. So that’s now a three million dollar problem for the University,” Page said.

Members of the SGA further expressed their concerns surrounding the current fee implication by explaining that Senators need to take the situation to their constituents.

“We need to wake up,” Sheehan said. “We have a big job ahead of us and we need to be ready for it. We should be going to our constituents and the people we claim to support because it’s our job to advocate for them.”

Another issue discussed at last night’s meeting was a motion calling a Police Issues committee. The motion, which was removed and replaced on the agenda, caused debate amongst members who explained they felt the motion to be for personal reasons. The Senate passed the motion.

“This committee will only add to the Senate, not take away,” Senator Jason Maelstrom said.

Senate members also passed a motion, which allows student run business to petition for and receive emergency funding from the financial committee.

As the last Senate meeting of 2001 came to a close, members reflected on the semesters events and what is to come in the New Year.

“This has been the most productive semester for the Senate and this winter we’re going to have our work cut out for us,” Saunders said. “Here in Senate we deal with By-Law changes and motions, but right now we’re dealing with real issues that effect the students and we have to let them know the SGA is right behind them.”