Some SDSU students get the chance to speak on issues important to students to the South Dakota’s highest post-secondary education governing body.
It’s not everyday students get to speak to those who directly impact their educational experience on the state level.
But for SDSU Student's Association President Trinity Peterson this was the case when she told the South Dakota Board of Regents about some changes South Dakota State University students are wanting – including changes to the general activity fee.
The requests, if approved, are slated to take effect in fiscal year 2030. One of the major adjustments is addressing student opportunities and mental health resources on campus.
Peterson said students showed interest in seeing an improvement to those areas. As a result, she says the association is acting accordingly.
“So the initial recommendation included a bond that is coming off of our union. It’s $1.77 per credit hour. And we want that to be reallocated, or our recommendation, was it be reallocated to student organizations, student union wages and technology. Also telemental health, an additional counselor, as well as supporting our office of student activities,” Peterson said.
Although the plans sound promising, students still need to approve it by vote.
Peterson said more plans are in the works.
“Other than that, our Senate’s been working on a couple of other projects including getting free feminine hygiene products on campus. We’ve also been working with the city on transportation initiatives. That continues to be an issue for students, especially as we’ve heard with parking and our extremely high student population, so we’ve worked out some agreements to get some cheap rides on our bus," Peterson said.
Peterson said student leaders are working with the Brookings Area Transit Authority to make it more user-friendly, including a better app.
No action was taken on any of the plans.
