Dear Editor,
I am writing this in response to the letter to the editor in the March 4 issue of the Spinnaker regarding the use of Activity & Service Fees allocated through Student Government for the REVAMP concert.

While I certainly agree there are numerous noble causes and needs throughout this country and world that this funding could be used to support, the purpose of Activity & Service Fees are to fund activities and programs for students.

Florida State Statute 1009.24 section 10(b) states that A&S Fees “shall be expended for lawful purposes to benefit the student body in general.”

SG provides funding to campus organizations that provide a variety of activities and services for the benefit of our diverse student population. The Volunteer Center, an agency of SG, mobilizes UNF students to serve their community both on- and off-campus.

The Volunteer Center was active in collecting items and volunteering hours toward recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina and has had a major role in many other natural disaster relief efforts.

On campus, this agency recently hosted Read Across America day. More than 500 elementary school students from the Jacksonville area  attended and learned about the importance of literacy.

Through Club Alliance, SG supports more than 160 clubs and student organizations with various purposes, many philanthropically and ministry-based.

Campus Recreation provides students the opportunity to participate in intramural sports and to develop healthy and active lifestyles.

These are just a few examples of the many ways that A&S Fees are used at UNF to enhance campus life and create opportunities for students to develop as individuals.

I hope you see that while A&S Fees are not intended or able to be used to directly support the sorts of causes mentioned in the letter, they are contributing to our students’ college experience and individual enhancement.

John Barnes,
Student Body President