The SDSU administration is implementing a $50 Flex spending limit per semester at both the SDSU Dairy Bar and Meat Lab.

The policy restricts students from using over $50 of their meal plan Flex dollars at each location throughout the duration of one semester. SDSU received concerns from Aramark, the university’s food provider, about when students spend their Flex dollars.

Doug Wermedal, assistant vice president for Student Affairs, said there are a couple different reasons for the policy.

“The first [reason] is educational, and it is the desire to see students connect with each other in socially reinforcing ways,” Wermedal said. “This is often done over a meal at one of our many sites or over a cup of Java City coffee … it’s certainly not the whole picture, but it is a well-researched contributing factor and is most intensely important on the front end of each semester.”

Aramark’s profits come from the student meal plan dollars, and Wermedal said the Meat Lab and the Dairy Bar receiving revenues from the same funds is not cost-effective.

“When a third-party entity accesses those revenues, the funds available to covers these fundamental costs of operation are reduced, and it becomes a business model that is not sustainable,” Wermedal said. “Simply put, it is sort of like Burger King having the freedom to print coupons for food discounts that McDonald’s would be forced to honor.”

Aramark representatives were unable to comment.

Adam Rhody, ag research and Meat Lab manager, said they knew about the policy last May during finals week.

“The disadvantages are kind of obvious,” Rhody said. “It doesn’t seem like we are using all of our resources.”

Rhody said that since people have heard about the new limitations they “have had several complaints.”

Although it might be inconvenient to some students, there are other payment options.

“Students may spend whatever they want at either location using credit card, cash or check at any time during the semester,” Wermedal said.

The policy does provide some leeway for the students.

“We are always ready to listen and respond to students who have unique circumstances and need wider access than policy limits indicate,” Wermedal said.

A history of the past purchases at the Dairy Bar and the Meat Lab were used to set the maximum dollar amount for the policy.

“Data was reviewed from last year’s usage,” Wermedal said. “According to this data the $50 figure provides adequate revenue streams to support Dairy Bar and Meat Lab operations in similar fashion to the previous year’s usage by students.”

For some students, the new policy will require a change in spending habits.

“Last year, I was able to spend the extra money off my meal plan at the Meat Lab and it was great,” said Jenn Lindner, sophomore economics and ag business major. “Not being able to spend over $50 there this year means I will have to find alternative routes to reasonably use up my meal plan here on campus, which is hard to do.”

Both the Dairy Bar and the Meat Lab have expressed concerns regarding the guidelines.

“It’s unfortunate I guess, but we will continue to do what they want and follow the rules,” Rhody said.

Excess spending toward the end of each semester from students has definitely had an impact.

“The trend was in a direction that was not sustainable, [this created] the desire to craft a compromise solution,” Wermedal said.

Students, Students’ Association representatives, SDSU staff and community members packed Brookings’ City Hall chamber on Oct. 26 showing support for a request for a $15,000 increase in 3B tax revenue for SDSU.

“The lack of communication between [SDSU and the City of Brookings]I feel was a main concern of mine,” said Brett Monson, president of SA to members of city council.

The 3B tax, commonly referred to as the bed, booze and board tax because it taxes off-sale alcohol sales, prepared food and lodging, is an additional or discretionary tax which governments can impose on leisurely items. Aramark, SDSU’s food service provider, pays the tax. Revenue from 3B taxes goes to fund entertainment programs developed to bring more people to Brookings and to help stimulate the local economy.

SA representatives requested the additional $15,000 of 3B revenue because of increased taxes paid indirectly by students through Aramark food purchases.

“With the $15,000 we’ll use that money to fund events for students … and to make them bigger and better,” Monson said at the city council meeting.

Aramark pays $50,000 annually in 3B tax, based on its annual average sales of $5.5 million. This amount is $15,000 more than the original, minimum amount of $35,000 SDSU received from the 3B tax. The amount was agreed and voted upon nearly five years ago by SDSU and the city.

In fiscal year 2009, SDSU students paid 60 percent of the city’s 3B tax. Students generated a total of $667,804 for the Brookings community. SA members told council members that they are opposed to the 3B tax and suggested that students already support the local economy substantially without the 3B tax.

On Oct. 25, SA representatives, along with their advisor, Zeno Wicks III, met with Brookings City Manager Jeff Weldon, Mayor Tim Reed and the Visitor’s Promotions Committee to discuss SDSU’s request for the additional $15,000.

City officials were not hesitant to discuss SA’s request, but adding the item to the city council’s meeting agenda was an issue.

“State law requires more than 24 hours in advance in order to apply any additional items to the agenda,” Weldon said in reference to the request not being placed on the committee’s agenda for the Oct. 26 meeting.

There weren’t any budget requests from students before its approval deadline, Weldon said. Though there seems to be some miscommunication and disagreement between the city and SDSU representatives.

“All of the information was on time,” Wicks said, regarding SA’s request last spring to receive the $15,000.

Former Mayor Scott Munstermann and his council approved the original amount SDSU was to receive from the 3B tax in order to increase student involvement on campus.

“A deal was set to draw in students to stay on campus over the weekend,” said Eric Haiar, the state and local government chair of SA.

This money agreed upon was to be used for promotional events and included no provisions for an increase, Weldon said.

The total amount of 3B money available to Brookings organizations is $250,000. The Visitor’s Promotional Committee receives requests on how to distribute that money. In the past, 3B money has helped to fund sports tournaments, conventions and other events that may attract people to Brookings, Weldon said.

Weldon said that SA only has to have the visitor’s promotional committee approve its request, since the annual budget has already been set and approved.

“The visitor’s promotional committee has the authority to give whatever amounts to the students they want,” Weldon said.

Another option that Reed presented is to increase the minimum $35,000 to include the $15,000, which he said might help to prevent any future issues.

Reed ended the presentation with the agreement that at the next City Council meeting, Nov. 9, SA’s request will be on the agenda and will be voted upon by members.

Audience members were content with the overall results of the meeting and the lack of available seats.

“Ultimately, I’m very satisfied with [city council's] openness,” Erin Kennedy, vice president of SA said. “I’m very pleased to see students come out and show that they truly care about the amount of funds we’re trying to get back to them.”

The Nov. 9 meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in City Hall, 311

Third Ave., downstairs in the Council Chambers. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

#1.1730928:3037310133.png:3-B-Tax-2-Ryan-Robinson.png:SA State and Local Chair Eric Haiar and President Brett Monson presented a claim at the Oct. 26 city hall meeting requesting the extra money from the city?s 3B tax, built up by inflation totaling $15,000.:Collegian Photo by Ryan Robinson
#1.1730927:375335452.png:3-B-Tax-1-Ryan-Robinson.png:SA State and Local Chair Eric Haiar and President Brett Monson presented a claim at the Oct. 26 city hall meeting requesting the extra money from the city?s 3B tax, built up by inflation totaling $15,000.:Collegian Photo by Ryan Robinson

SDSU broke state higher education fundraising records, acquiring more than $137.2 million in private gifts and pledges.

The money was raised since January 2007 as part of the SDSU Foundation’s “It Starts With State” campaign.

“You can be proud of the campaign’s progress today,” SDSU President David Chicoine said at the Oct. 21 announcement. “You can be proud of your university.”

But that wasn’t the only big announcement at the extravagant event held in The Union, which featured the Jackrabbit mascot, SDSU cheerleaders and performances by The Pride of the Dakotas drum line and brass line. The university also announced the final 2012 goal of the campaign: $200 million, to which the crowd erupted with a thunderous standing ovation.

“In true South Dakota State University fashion, we are setting our sights even higher,” Dana Dykhouse, campaign co-chair and SDSU alumnus, said before the final goal was revealed by students holding up number signs. “Frankly, it’s in our Jackrabbit DNA to strive to be the best, to confront challenges head on, to be the trailblazer.”

Over 18,300 donors gave 65,181 gifts towards the campaign, the funds of which will go toward five areas of need or opportunity. Those areas are faculty strengthening, scholarships and fellowships for students, new and revitalized facilities, athletics, and funds of excellence, which include funds for museums, student clubs, student success, visiting artists and scholars, and lecture series.

“For all of our successes, we recognize that our work is far from over and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead,” Dykhouse said. “It starts with me. It starts with you. It starts with State.”

The campaign, which Dykhouse co-chaired with Jerry Lohr and Al Kurtenbach, is SDSU’s second comprehensive fundraising effort. The first was the “Visions for The Future” campaign, which raised $52 million from 1994 to 1998 8212; surpassing the $50 million goal.

#1.1730937:3809493625.png:Announcement3Ryan-Robinson.png::Collegian Photo by Ryan Robinson

All students at SDSU get an ID card upon enrollment. This card allows access to a meal plan, laundry, printing, campus events and hobo dough.

The university website says “Hobo Dough is a prepaid stored value fund on your Student ID. Loaded funds are spent debt style allowing you to simply swipe and go. There are no fees to start or maintain a Hobo Dough account, simply add funds.”

Students are able to deposit money onto their ID card for convenience at Card Services in the Student Union, load stations at Briggs Library or Larson Commons and online at hobodough.com.

Card Services now lists the businesses around Brookings that take Hobo Dough to include: Arby’s, Backyard BBQ, Bagel Works, Bozied Gas Stop, Burger King, Cinema5, Culver’s, Dairy Queen, Perkins, Pizza Ranch, Qdoba, Subway in Village Square, Taco Johns and Z’Kota Grille.

Student ID cards are not only used for storing Hobo Dough. They allow students to receive discounts around town as well.

“We started to initiate the club in the fall of last year,” said Eric Haiar, state and local government chair for the Students’ Association.

SA contacted businesses around town while some businesses came directly to SA. Each year, different businesses around Brookings offer discounts to current students when they show their SDSU ID card.

“We started the club because students were interested in starting a program like this,” Haiar said.

Some of the discounts require that students use Hobo Dough for payment.

“It’s awesome that businesses are showing their support for SDSU students by sponsoring this type of program,” said Thijs Hammink, 22, EET Major. “I like free stuff and it is easy to add Hobo Dough.”

Hammink said he has used his card for various discounts including his favorite at Qdoba.

“Last year I could get a free order of chips. This year I can get a free drink.”

Other students find the discount club a fun and easy reason to get off campus.

“I’m glad I can use my ID card at local businesses,” said Michele Story, an early childhood education major from Sioux Falls. “It gives students a stronger tie to the community and gives them an option to use their ID card for more than just school stuff.”

Story’s favorite discount last year was getting $1 off the buffet at Pizza Ranch. She said she is looking forward to the new discounts this year.

“It is a great way to bond the city with the university,” Haiar said.

Discounts offered to SDSU students

The following local businesses provide discounts for all card bearing SDSU students. The SDSU Discount Club has a Facebook page too. Discounts change every year. Look for updates and new promotions.

A to Z Used Furniture and Appliances – $10 off over $59.00

Bartling’s Shoes – 30% Discount

Brookings Barbershop – $1 Off Haircuts

Dakota Compounding Pharmacy – 10% off any supplement

Fergens Clothing & Shoes – 20% off any regular priced items (certain brands excluded)

Looks by Leah – 15% off

Mary Kay: Rina H. Reynolds – 605-695-7378, 10% discount with ID

Mix Dry Cleaners – 10% Off An Order (excludes leather and alterations)

Papa Murphy’s – $3.00 off any Family Size pizza

Party Depot – 15% Off Everything (excludes costumes and accessories)

Pro Lube – 10% off Oil Changes

Qdoba Mexican Grill – Free 22oz drink with the purchase of an entrée using hobo dough as payment.

Quiznos – Free cookie with ID

Riddles Jewelry – 5% Off

Ritz Hair Studio & Whole Body Retreat – Purchase all 3: Haircut, Highlight, Brow wax and save $10.

Snap Fitness – $29.95 month to month/ no contract

Sports Connection – 20% Off Regular Shoes and Clothes (some exceptions apply)

Sun Dried Tomato Pizzeria – 5% off

Trendz – Spend $15 or more and get 15% discount

#1.1654828:3696936036.jpg:SDSU ID cards hold more than Hobo Dough.:SDSU ID cards hold more than Hobo Dough.:Collegian Photo by Aaron Stoneberger

A recent study’s results shows the six public South Dakota Board of Regents institutions have a nearly $2 billion economic impact in the state by the amount of jobs and opportunities they provide.

The results of this first ever, comprehensive study was released to the public on Monday, Sept. 20 and has reaffirmed the significance of South Dakota’s higher education system. The study shows that an annual generated $1.97 billion economic significance results from a $176 million state investment.

“We’ve always been aware of the significance that our institutions have throughout our state and have made assumptions of its impact,” said Janelle Toman, director of communications for the SDBOR. “Now these numbers confirmed the tremendous impact that they (the universities) have across the state,” Toman said.

The report was conducted at The University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business and took about six months, Toman said.

It shows that 5,325 full-time jobs in South Dakota exist because of the universities and an additional 9,432 in state jobs are available due to university-generated business which helps the local economy of the cities where the universities are located.

“This report confirms that our public universities contribute in vital and substantial ways to South Dakota’s economic development and quality of life,” said Jack R. Warner, executive director and CEO of the SDBOR.

Some of the SDBOR staff was surprised at the results, Toman said. They were not the only ones.

“Two billion dollars is definitely a higher amount than what I would’ve guessed,” said Elliot Kinnander, a junior agriculture business major. “It’d be interesting to see how we do against other states.”

Difficulty arises when trying to compare these numbers with other state’s universities impact level, Toman said.

“Each study has its own methodology so it’s difficult to compare this study with other universities,” Toman said. In the past, individual studies have been done on specific institutions but never a comprehensive analysis she said.

According to the results of the study, more than 42,800 people live in South Dakota who would not be here without the state’s six SDBOR universities.

The Government Research Bureau conducted the study and the lead researcher of the study was Dr. Michael Allgrunn, an assistant professor of economics at USD. The BOR sponsored the study and results will be updated periodically. A full report of data the study resulted is available at www.sdbor.edu.

Financial Fun Facts

• $182 million is generated by public universities in direct economic impact through daily operations and consumption of goods and services.
• $30.6 million is added to the state’s economy by public university visitors through off-campus spending such as athletic events and performances.
• $233 million in tuition and fees are paid by students while attending college in South Dakota, while an additional $192 million is spent on other goods and services.
• Last year, South Dakota received more than $142 million in revenue for research and development projects at universities, given by federal and private grants and contracts.

The policy regarding how much money brought in from South Dakota resident and non-resident students will now set a fair representation for the university, as nearly half of SDSU students are non-resident.

Tuition prices for non-South Dakota resident students are currently 150 percent more than in-state resident students, said Wes Tschetter, chief financial officer.

In fiscal year 2008 the formula used to divide tuition was changed and essentially abandoned, Tschetter said.

Before this year, 80 percent of both the resident and non-resident rate came to SDSU and the other 20 percent went to facilities fund. The university was receiving the same percentage for both in-state residents, as they were out-of-state residents, even though out-of-state students pay 150 percent more than in-state students.

“For an example, if resident students pay $10 and non-resident students pay $15, then the university should be getting 80 percent of that, meaning $8 from resident students and $11.20 from non-resident,” Tschetter said. “So that is huge for us (now that SDSU receives different amounts for residents and non-residents).”

The 20 percent that goes to the facilities fund was created 40 years ago, Tschetter said. It is used to pay for new buildings, fixing them and maintenance.

The new policy is an improvement for the university. All tuition goes to paying SDSU faculty members; a small portion of this goes to teaching expenses.

The new policy will allow SDSU to keep the full 80 percent of money gathered from non-resident students. It was implemented by the South Dakota Board of Regents and is system-wide for all six universities in the state. Throughout the six universities

the total percentage of resident students in fall 2009 was 71.4 percent and non-resident was 28.6 percent.

“It has always been a priority of the Board of Regents to recruit more outof-state students because we feel that

we need educated students to attend our institutions and stay in South Dakota as well as work here just as

much as we need in-state,” said Jack Warner, executive director of the BOR.

“Each out-of-state student brings in out-of-state rates and that benefits the universities as well.”

SDSU has the highest percentage of non-resident students of all other universities in the state with almost half of

our students being non-South Dakota residents, including international students. In the fall of 2009 SDSU had 8,344

resident students and 4,032 nonresident students, equaling a total of 12,376 enrolled students, making SDSU the largest university in the state.

“This university would not be what it is without non-resident and international students,” Tschetter said. “Everyone brings value to who we as SDSU are.”

#1.1572965:1355911826.jpg:Jackrabbit Village offers SDSU students trendy, new amenities.:Jackrabbit Village offers SDSU students trendy, new amenities.:PHOTO BY RYAN ROBINSON