University of Prince Edward Island

STUDENT UNION INC.

Dear Students,

This letter is in response to your X-Press Editorial of February 13, 1992. The figures that were presented in the past issue came directly from the UPEI Student Union Inc. budget for the year ended April 30, 1992. Further explanation of those figures are explained below. The 1991/92 Budget was created and approved by the 1990/91 Council.

Yearbook 1991/92 -$55,886.00*

printing $22,000

salaries 5,025

material and supplies 3,500

shipping 1,000

workshops 400

misc. 400

32,325 less ad revenue (5,200) 27,125

* printing of the 1990 yearbook included in the $55,886.00 figure

Executive Salaries 1988/89 - 1991/92 10% increase Monthly salary for 8 months; the total salary is broken down by the number of pay periods and paid biweekly (the same asa teacher is paid for 10 months overa 12 month period). This is for a minimum of ten office hours per week.

Capital Savings Fund In 1970 the Barn was renovated and the Student Union borrowed $100,000 from U.P.E.I. The Barn was to be a temporary location until anew Building was built. The Capital Savings Fund started in 1979 as part of an agreement with U.P.E.I. to forgive the remaining balance of our loan. In 1990 aten year plan was recommended witha concentrated savings plan as part of the plan.

$3,000 Council Parties in lieu of Honoraria: Council- lors have never received an Honoraria. The (party) ‘Banquet is a thank-you for Councillors, volunteers and staff for their work and contribution to the Stu- dent Union.

Student council $1,500 Allocated to various council activities. The Charlottetown Harbour Cruise (no food or beverages were provided by the Student Union) was the first meeting of the council asa whole body. It wasa time for council to meet as an informal group, talk, and get to know one another. The cruise cost $150.

CFS Medical Plan 1,500 students x $99 = $148,500 1,000 students opted out of the plan in 1991. The bylaws of U.P.E.I. state that everyone must have some sort of medical coverage. The CFS Medical Plan was approved by council (vote) in 1987/88 and was the first year of its operation. Prior to that Blue Cross was the medical plan administered. Every student is charged a medical fee of $99.00. Every student is given the option to opt out of the plan and to receive areimbursement for the $99.00.

$10,500 for CFS fees. In 1983/84 a referendum was held by the Student Union to implement the $4.00 fee. 1984/85 was the first year that the fee was imple- mented. This fee included such things as the Student Discount Saver Program, national and provincial lobby efforts for student aid, employment for stu- dents, university funding, travel cuts, and CFS Com- puter Network.

Everyone is encouraged to get involved with their Student Union. If anyone has questions or concerns about any of the SU’s workings please feel free to contact any of the Student Council members for further clarification.

Sincerely yours,

Student Council 1991/92

Jo-Anna Murphy - President Nadine De Wolfe - VP External

Tracey Arsenault - VP Internal

Laurie Callaghan - VP Finance

David Fitzpatrick - VP Operations -

ARts Reps: Scott Campbell Melanie Johnston Heather J. Morrison Tara O’ Connor Business Reps: Andrew Johnston Jason Inman Science Reps: Peter Rashad Andrea Griffin

Vet Medicine Rep: Jeff Goodall

Frosh Rep: Ray Murphy

Board of Governors Rep: Bruce Davidson

UPEI X-P RESS February 20, 1992 Page 10