USSU Executive Blog

Below is a position paper concerning creation of a new dedicated student fee to be used for the purpose of funding a Childcare Centre on campus. This position adopted by the USSU Executive and ratified by University Students’ Council (USC) on January 12, 2012.

Preamble

The University of Saskatchewan currently has two on campus daycares totaling 110 Childcare spaces between them: the USSU Childcare Centre and the Campus Daycare. These serve a total campus population of around 25,000 comprised of students, staff and faculty; however the USSU Centre is dedicated exclusively to undergraduate student.

In the 2011 Provincial budget the University of Saskatchewan received $1.36 million towards adding 110 new childcare spaces. This would double the number of spaces on campus.

The University has examined its options to implement these new spaces. The option it is pursuing involves two parts. The first is a renovation of the Campus Daycare facility in the Education Building. The second option is to develop a new or re-purposed building located on the College Quarter. The total cost of these projects is estimated at $4.3 million.

USSU Position

While the plans have been formalized, proper funding has still to be assembled. The University has yet to make their funding commitment to this project. Many stakeholders, including the USSU, have been approached and asked for a financial contribution.

Due to the recently completed Place Riel renovation and expansion project the USSU needs to operate in a fiscally conservative manner. With this in mind the USSU does not have the funds or reserves to make a financial contribution to this project.

It has been suggested that the USSU implement a small Childcare fee to its members for a limited number of years to raise funds to contribute to the capital portion of the project. As per the USSU Bylaw, introducing a new dedicated student fee would require a referendum to be held and the proposition passed by USSU members. The Executive does not feel there should be a referendum, but rather that if the University wants a fee that they should institute a fee themselves. Imposing a general student fee, rather than a USSU specific one, would ensure that all students, undergrads and graduates, would be subject to the fee and would support the childcare spaces that ALL students will use.

The USSU does support the initiative for more childcare for students on campus. However, at this time does not have the resources to financially contribute and does not feel it appropriate to seek another dedicated student fee.

Reid