In the upcoming 2015-16 academic year, Mississippi State University students can expect to pay $5 each semester that will go toward a Student Activity Fee. Students were initially polled and asked whether they would approve of an activity fee. Over 50 percent of the student body voted for the implementation of the fee.
Former MSU Student Association President Rhett Hobart initially proposed the Student Activity Fee four years ago. Since then, SA has been working to complete Hobart’s vision. 
The funds will go toward financing three primary goals: student organization funding, late night events and educational speakers. 
SA President Brett Harris said the fee is a great asset to benefiting the entire student body. 
“This is a very minimal fee. Originally, we talked about $15 dollars a semester, but we eventually lowered it to $5,” Harris said. “Five dollars? That’s just one drink from Starbucks. Expect cheaper concerts, more events to go to around campus and those involved in student organizations can possibly get more money. We truly believe that the impact of the fee will outweigh the very minimal cost.”
Harris said he looks forward to seeing how much this fee can assist smaller organizations on campus.
“I am really excited about the possibility of small student organizations being able to get more money and having a bigger role on this campus,” he said.  “Student Association has good bit of money to do events through the year, but I would love to see this money distributed to smaller organizations so they can do multiple events as well.”
A majority of other universities in the region have a Student Activity Fee in place as well. MSU’s required fee is considerably less than others in the area. 
Taylor Simmons, sophomore criminology major, said she voted against the fee but has since changed her mind.
“At first, I guess I didn’t really weigh the pros and cons. I just knew I didn’t want to pay any extra money,” Simmons said. “All I know is that they better use my $5 for good and not evil. I expect only the best from MSU.”
The fee will be regulated and distributed by a board created with Student Affairs administrators and Student Association members. The funds are to be used solely to enhance the student college experience.
Sunny Patel, director of research and development for SA, said research for this project was thorough, and the fee will be very advantageous to everyone.
“I was the main research person. I looked at how student fees at other universities benefited them,” Patel said. “Then, I researched the best way to bring that here, bring that to our state. I can’t think of any consequences. We saw that SA needed a concrete supply of money, and we decided how to get it. I am very happy that it passed. No matter how this money is spent, it can only better the experience for our students.”