Message from the Student Association regarding the Mandatory Student Activities Fee

The following message was shared with students by email on Jan. 20.

Dear Students,

The Student Association Executive Board made a decision over the summer in response to COVID-19 to reduce the Student Activities Fee to $80 from $105 for the fall 2020 semester. We made this decision keeping in mind that students would be facing more financial stress than before, and the hope was to relieve some of that stress. We also were aware that programming of the Student Association, our clubs and organizations would be limited in their cost demands as we began to adapt to a remote environment of engagement. Additionally, the Student Association refunded a portion of the fee to students last spring and contributed to the College’s Food Pantry and Student Crisis Fund, an opportunity for students who are struggling during this time to seek support financially.

Now that we are moving into the spring 2021 semester, the Executive Board considered many factors in our decision to restore the fee to $105. We anticipate programming will increase in the spring as students have had the fall semester to adjust and have indicated a desire for more opportunities to engage. Our current Activity Fee revenue is down from last year, most likely in part to reduction in enrollment, withdrawals and a slower collection pace of the fee. Our collection of the fee is spread out throughout the year, meaning any adjustments for the spring could impact our operations in fall 2021. We are hopeful that by that time we will be restored to providing in person co-curricular engagement and other services essential for students.

In the spirit of full transparency and the hope that more students will continue to take advantage of what is provided to them through the Student Association, here is an outline of services funded through the Mandatory Student Activities Fee:

• free legal consultation service from our activity-funded Student Association legal counsel, available for any legal issue any student may face.
• peer-based mental health support through Oasis/Haven, supervised by the college’s Psychological Counseling Center; open daily 8-11 p.m. (845-257-4945)
• campus child-care services, offering daycare for student parents while attending class
• funding for research projects
• club programming remotely that has ranged in the past semesters from distinguished speaking engagements and yoga classes, to fortifying club equipment, supplies, and promotional items.
• transportation services around campus and in the town of New Paltz and surrounding area
• access to participation in student government, which serves as a collective voice for students regarding many issues that include academic, college policy and the future direction of our campus community. All students have access to meetings held remotely on a weekly basis.

The Student Association will continue to support students through this pandemic as best we can. We provide many opportunities and services for students to engage in and utilize whether remotely or residentially. The Mandatory Student Activities Fee that funds the Student Association continues to provide funding support for those opportunities and services. The executive board meetings weekly on Thursday’s and our student senate body meeting bi-weekly on Wednesdays. If you would like to get more involved or have questions about the opportunities/services we provide please reach out to president.newplatzsa@gmail.com or call the SA Business Office at 845-257-3070. Additionally you can fill out this form with any questions or concerns: SUNY New Paltz COVID-19 Concern Form.