The board was asked at its March 9 meeting to agree to let the University collect $44 per student per term to finance the expansion and renovation of Place Riel. According to Richard Florizone, vice-president finance and resources, board members decided "that they needed to look closer" at the fee, which jumps from $10 last year.

"The board took an interest in this because for the last two years, core undergraduate fee increases (including tuition) have been held to zero," said Florizone. Combining the facilities levy with the new U-Pass fee, which received approval for collection at the meeting, "represents about a four per cent increase in the combined tuition and fee bill for the average Arts and Science student. That's pretty significant."

Florizone said there has also been confusion expressed by the board, University Council and administration over the fact the president of the USSU – a board member – was advocating for fee increases at the March 9 meeting inside the College Building while at exactly the same time, other USSU executive members were protesting the high cost of post-secondary education at a rally outside.

"For me, it's deeply frustrating," said Florizone.

Addressing the facilities levy specifically, Florizone said the board's concerns were threefold. First, they want assurance that due process for approving the fee increase was followed by the USSU. According the Student Union President Ryan Allan, increases to existing fees only require approval of the University Student Council, which the facilities levy received. A new fee, like U-Pass, requires a referendum, he explained.

The board also wants to make sure the Place Riel project follows existing University governance processes, and that "approval of the fee won't necessarily be seen as approval of the project," said Florizone. In fact, Florizone himself is executive sponsor of the project and discussions have already begun with the USSU as per the "standard governance model."

Finally, the board asked for information about whether the potential for escalating construction costs has been appropriately considered in the project budget.

The USSU has been asked to respond to the board's queries. The infrastructure levy will be back on the Board of Governors agenda at its May meeting.

- From On Campus News