The Services and Activities (S&A) Fees Committee heard funding requests for summer 2016 and academic year 2016-17 from university groups at its budget hearing on Thursday.

The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) requested a 17 percent increase from last year’s funding in order to maintain their current community service projects and programs such as Cougs Vote, an initiative encouraging students to participate in state and national elections.

“I’ve seen many students gain perspective and knowledge through our programs,” said Beth Conley, a CCE project leader. “The CCE gives students the opportunities to develop skills in order to be better professionals.”

The CCE proposed to use this funding for employee salaries and a new vehicle to ferry volunteers to civic service project locations.

The Children’s Center asked for a 7 percent increase in its budget. Heather Havey, center director, said the majority of the money would go toward subsidies for parents who cannot afford the cost of college on their own.

The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) requested an 8 percent increase in its S&A allocation to pay for scholarships and programs, such as the evening childcare program. The funding would also be invested into student organization events, a professional development committee, tuition waivers for the GPSA president and vice president, and a survey to identify beneficial resources for GPSA students.

“This is going to be a draw for potential graduate students who are looking at coming to WSU,” said Melanie Thornton, GPSA president.

Transit requested an increase in funding to sustain and improve campus safety, as well as implement new ideas. Colleen McMahon, member of the transit advisory group, suggested a shuttle service that would help students travel from class to class.

“The express bus routes are bringing you to campus, not through campus,” McMahon said. “It is supposed to be a campus circulator.”

Transit hopes to conduct a comprehensive survey to pinpoint student transportation needs, which would influence the shuttle routes.

University Recreation requested an overall 1.3 percent increase to its annual budget. The presenters also requested access to Martin Stadium for recreational activities.

Previously, they had asked for renovations to Roger-Orton and said if they get declined again for use of the field, they would once again ask for renovations to the residence hall recreation area.

The committee will hold another hearing on Thursday at 5 p.m., as well as a deliberation meeting on Tuesday, April 12, at 5 p.m. Both will take place in Lighty Room 405.