14 April 2003 58 Legislative Council Resolution #8 ACE Fee

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

STUDENT UNION

Sponsored by: Jennifer Thompson Music Senator

Laura Reinsch Representative

Authored by: Jennifer Thompson Music Senator

A Resolution

Administrative Increase in the Arts and Cultural Enrichment Fee (ACE Fee)

Resolution History

Recently, the outstanding artistic programs provided by the colleges and schools dedicated to the arts at the University of Colorado have enjoyed a rising rate of attendance to all of their events, including Theatre and Dance, Fine Arts, Film Studies and the College of Music. These events, among others, include the Film Series, CU Opera and Artist Series, all Theatre and Dance productions, and Fine Arts galleries. In many cases, the increase has been significant. These events have been strongly supported over the years by the rise in audiences and attendance, as well as the fact that most of the events are free or discounted to the students. However, the costs of mounting performances, art exhibits, presenting the Film Series, plays and operas have risen as materials, rental costs and labor have increased. In order for these programs to continue at the discounted rate and maintain the highest quality of production, an increase in the Administrative Arts and Cultural Enrichment Fee (ACE Fee), in the proposed amount of $3.00, is at hand. The fee is at a current rate of $4.00, and has not been touched since 1995; therefore, in light of the recent state budget cuts, which have previously supported costs of production, this increase is of the utmost necessity. It would be an unfortunate economic blow to the student body to suddenly start charging more for concerts and performances that are already discounted, or worse, to begin charging for those that are free. This fee will allow for the perpetuation of the free and discounted arts events and programs that our campus enjoys, and will also allow the University of Colorado to retain our national reputation as a leader in the arts.

Resolution Summary

Whereas we, the Legislative Council of the University of Colorado Student Union, recognize the need for an increase in the Administrative Arts and Cultural Enrichment Fee (ACE Fee) which has not been raised since 1995; and

Whereas we are aware that the fee increase will yield tangible and satisfying results to the student body as well as to the community, and will continue the fine artistic programs on our campus; and

Whereas the benefits to each college and school which will be impacted by this fee increase, particularly the Fine Arts, Theatre and Dance, Film Studies and the College of Music, are important in keeping the programs at their current rates and availability to the student body;

Therefore Be It Resolved by the Legislative Council of the University of Colorado Student Union, THAT:

Section 1: The Legislative Council of the University of Colorado Student Union recommends the implementation of an optional student fee of $5.00 per student, per semester, for the 2003-2004 Academic Year; and

Section 2: The Legislative Council of the University of Colorado Student Union supports the increase in the Administrative ACE Fee (currently $4.00) in the proposed amount of $3.00 per student, bringing the total to $7.00 per student, effective in the Fall Semester of 2004; and

Section 3: This Resolution takes effect upon passage.

4-17-03 Passed 9-6-0

4-24-03 Passed 9-3-0

Sergio Gonzales, Leg. Council President Latifah Al-Attas, Tri Executive

Michael Donnelly, Tri-Executive Kevin Boyer, Tri Executive