A resolution expressing concern about UW-Madison's plan to charge international students a fee for an electronic tracking system is on the agenda for Tuesday's Madison City Council meeting.
Ald. Austin King, District 8, the sponsor of the resolution and a UW-Madison senior, said it is important for the city to weigh in on an issue that affects its citizens.
\When there is a violation of equal protection this severe within our municipal borders it is unconscionable for us to remain silent,"" King said.
The tracking system, called the Student Exchange Visitor Information System, is part of increased security measures required of universities by the government since Sept. 11, 2001. To help with the estimated $330,000 cost of the system, UW-Madison plans to charge international students $50 per semester.
King said it is not unusual for the council to express an opinion on university actions. For example, at the last meeting the council passed a resolution commemorating student shadow day at UW-Madison and congratulated the university for holding it, said King.
Paul Barrows, UW-Madison vice chancellor for student affairs, said the City Council has a right to express its views.
""Students are residents in this community and whenever local government wants to weigh in on issues, it's welcome,"" Burrows said.
Ald. Linda Bellman, District 1, said she was personally concerned with the university's requirement that the international students bear the cost of the system.
""Even though I'm in favor of registration for security reasons, there ought to be some way that we can pay for maintaining that information system without actually adding a surcharge for foreign students,"" Bellman said.
The university values the international student population, said Barrows, but the proposed fee is a result of the current budget crisis.
""Normally we would've found the money, but these aren't normal times,"" Barrows said.
Barrows said the government penalties for not instituting the tracking system are enormous. Yet the international student fee may only be necessary as a short term solution, he said.
""We're still going to work with students to try and see how we can address this in a better way more long term,"" Barrows said.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said he spoke with UW-Madison Chancellor John Wiley about the resolution and Wiley expressed his displeasure that the council was considering the issue. Verveer said Wiley may attend the council meeting to present the university's position. Wiley was not available for comment Monday.
