All student fee requests on the 2025 Homecoming ballot were denied by the student body.
The ballot featured four student fee increase requests and two proposals from organizations that wished to become student fee-funded.
Theatre had proposed an increase from $2 to $5 per student, band from $9 to $11, and the SGA Organization and Executive Funds from $4 to $6 and $6.25 to $9, respectively. The Powerlifting Club requested a new $1.50 per student fee, and the Equestrian Team requested a new $3 fee.
In spring, the Student Government Association reviewed these proposals and passed them, sending them to the president’s office for approval. The proposals were then approved by the University of Louisiana System Board, paving the way for the requests to go on the fall ballot, which also includes homecoming court candidates.
The results were announced during Wednesday’s 4 p.m. SGA meeting.
SGA President Lianne Motelibano said there are other ways students can and should support these organizations.
“While we can’t support them fiscally, you can still support them by attending their events, going to equestrian’s meets or going to powerlifting meets,” Montelibano said. “You may not want to have paid these fees, but you can at least do your due diligence by sharing their flyers if you can’t attend their events. We are a big McNeese family, so we really want to play in on that.”
At the same meeting, the Cowgirl Kickers, McNeese’s official dance team, requested a fee increase from $1 to $4.
Emily Derouen, director of the team, said the team is currently under Student Services but does not receive any financial support from the office. Neither do they receive any assistance or perks from the Athletics Department.
She believes the increase would allow the team to recruit more students for McNeese and offer them better opportunities.
“One of our greatest things is working with the public so that the networking and exposure get our girls jobs after graduation,” Derouen said.
If the bill passes, the Cowgirl Kickers could join the Student Art Association and the McNeese Choir, both of which have asked for a $1 to $3 increase, in defending their proposal to the University of Louisiana System Board later this semester.
Oct. 22 is the deadline for organizations to submit student fee requests to the SGA.
