While students voted ‘yes' for the Green Fund fee during the Student Government Association elections, the Campus Life and Athletic Initiative was rejected. Only 18.5 percent of the student body participated in the election for new fees.
On April 21-22, 3,746 students voted in the SGA elections, which also included the selection of SGA officers.
The Green Fund fee passed with the support of 65 percent of the voters. The final count showed a 2,435 to 1,086 vote.
"Students were skeptical at first, but once their questions were answered they were really excited for it," said Rafael Rivera, junior environmental sciences major and president of the Environmental Advocates.
The $3 fee will be added to tuition per long semester beginning in the fall and $1.50 during the summer semesters. After five years, students will be able to vote in subsequent elections to increase the fee.
"We have to finalize the bylaws with SGA to make sure everything fits within the legislation that was passed and the school system," Rivera said.
UTEP is one of the seven public universities that joined in a statewide campaign to create a sustainability projects fund. All seven of the universities approved the fee.
Texas A & M and The University of Texas at Austin were the first public universities in Texas to pass a green fund.
Rice University was the first private school in Texas that passed a green fee. Rice students will pay an annual $9 fee, also starting next fall.
UTEP's green fee is one of the lowest compared to other universities.
"The other Texas schools that also had a green fund campaign will hand them their bylaws at the same time, so we make a great statement about this generation being more aware of their surroundings and fighting for a more sustainable future," Rivera said.
The Green Fund Grant-making Committee will integrate students, staff and faculty members. Committee members will be in charge of received fees and support sustainability proposals.
"I hope they will use the money to help UTEP become a real green campus," said Avril Lechuga-Avalos, sophomore communication studies major.
Students will contribute around $60,000 for the Green Fund per semester.
"Thanks to everyone that voted, and stay tuned on how you can participate as a member of the Grant-making Committee, or propose a great green project on campus," said Lorena Mondragon, senior communication studies major and member of Environmental Advocates.
Nicole Chávez may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.
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