The UNC System has released a bill draft called “Regulation on Student Fees” that would, among other changes, end financial support for student legal services at UNC System schools.
The draft, dated Jan. 9 in the title, affects how schools distribute student fees. Student fees fund several university services, including Student Government, student media and, currently, Student Legal Services. Students pay student fees as part of semester tuition and fees.
NC State Student Legal Services said they’d likely be affected by the changes.
“While the full scope of the proposed UNC Policy Manual change is not yet certain, the prevailing understanding is that if approved, the Student Legal Services program would be terminated.”
NC State Student Legal Services advises, educates and represents NC State students in legal matters. They provide immigration, tenancy and employment services, among other services — and do so without charging additional legal fees. Student Legal Services said it saved students over $1 million in legal fees.
The draft lists funding legal services as a prohibited activity,
“Student activities fee revenue may not be used to provide or subsidize legal advice, counsel, or representation to individual students or student groups, whether delivered through university-employed staff, external counsel, or affiliated entities,” the bill said.
Student Legal Services sent an email to The Nubian Message regarding the decision.
“We have expressed our concerns and are working closely with University leadership, who are making every effort to demonstrate to the Board of Governors the vital benefits this program provides to the students of NC State.”
When The Nubian Message asked 14 questions about the fees, UNC System Director of Media Relations Andy Wallace sent a one-paragraph response in email correspondence.
“The UNC Board of Governors is looking at ways to contain student costs in every way possible. A draft proposal on fee spending limits has been circulated for comment, but no decision has been made. We look forward to hearing feedback from the campuses,” he said.
In email correspondence, NC State Student Body President Isaac Carreno said that he was concerned by the draft.
“The UNC System is one of the premier university systems in the country, serving as a beacon of research, innovation, and opportunity. Student life is central to the system’s premier status, and implementing policies that diminish the student experience risks undermining the very excellence that defines our institutions. I will engage with campus administrators to learn more about this policy proposal and promote student advocacy from NC State to the Board of Governors,” he said.
The bill bans schools using student fees for charitable donations and financial aid. The bill would also limit how much money could be spent on student organizations.
This is a developing story.
