If approved, students will be facing a $30 per quarter increase of the health services fee alongside any other potential fee increases that may occur. This feel will afford three additional health professionals, three counselors and additional psychiatrists and could start fall quarter 2009.
“The health services fee increase is going to have a double benefit; obviously, it’s going to benefit the students directly, but it will also help the staff deal with less stress in terms of their client load,” Cornel Morton, vice president for student affairs said.
The current health services fee is $55.40 per quarter and pending approval, could increase to $87.62. The center would be able to see an additional 250 to 300 appointments per week thanks to the additional health-care providers. Counseling services would have up to 70 more appointment times per week, and psychiatric services would be available to help students who are experiencing emotional difficulties.
The proposed fee increase was recommended by the Campus Fee Advisory Committee in direct response to California’s budget deficit and Cal Poly’s growing residential community, which has over 2,700 new tenants in Poly Canyon.
Based on previous demand, health services saw 1,000 fewer students and had 10,000 fewer visits last year. Counseling services saw nearly 300 fewer students; only 18 percent could get an appointment within 72 hours. Fewer available appointments and referrals to community services resulted in lower satisfaction ratings for health services by students.
Martin Bragg, director of Health and Counseling Services said the additions will be more convenient for students by decreasing the amount of time it takes to wait for an appointment. He said that not being able to see clients once a week because of heavy demand diminishes the effect of counseling. The outcome will allow health services to see more people individually and every week versus every other week or every third week.
“If you’re emotionally upset waiting for weeks to be seen it’s not right, it’s devastating,” he said.
The proposed alternative consultation process will seek approval from three constituencies: Associated Students Inc. Board of Directors, the six college councils, and students, who will be able to attend any of the two open forums or the ASI Board or college council meetings where the fee increase proposal will be presented between Feb. 23 and March 4.
Students who attend any of the nine events will receive an official response form where they can provide individual support or reject the proposal, as well as the opportunity to give suggestions and feedback. Majority support of at least two of the three constituencies is required for the proposal to pass. Morton said that he hopes the alternative consultation process will give students an opportunity to practice direct democracy. “This mechanism requires us to be certain that we have reached out in a sufficient way to the student community in gathering detailed feedback. Students have an opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions,” he said.
A sample response form is available via the Student Affairs Web site.
