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Cost of rec center benefit increases slightly

Aug. 16, 2010

KALAMAZOO--All benefits-eligible employees who renew or start memberships in the Student Recreation Center this fall will see a slight change in the modest cost of this Western Michigan University wellness benefit.

They may still activate their yearly SRC membership and pay nothing more than the taxes on the value of that membership. However, the membership value has changed due to an increase in the recreation fee charged to students.

During its July 23 meeting, the WMU Board of Trustees increased the Student Recreation Fee by $15 per semester and $7.50 per session. The new rate is $90 per semester and $45 per session, effective with the start of the 2010-11 academic year.

The board's action raises the $225 value of a yearly SRC membership by $45 to $270 and will become effective for benefits-eligible employees starting with the fall semester.

WMU emeriti/retirees as well as their spouses may join the SRC for free, but they must sign up in person. Non-benefits-eligible employees and others affiliated with the University become SRC members by paying the per-semester and per-session rates.

"The new benefit value will result in an increase in taxes of only a few dollars for most benefits-eligible employees who are members," says Amy Seth, WMU director of University Recreation.

"Joining the SRC to maintain your health and wellness remains a huge bargain and you can't beat the convenience. The SRC is centrally located, operates year round and offers a wide variety of fitness equipment, exercise classes and wellness programs."

Members may use the SRC anytime the building is open. They are encouraged to bring in their families during specific hours and, together, maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Individuals may join the SRC at any time, and memberships are processed immediately. Their membership year starts at the beginning of the semester or session in which they join.

The fall 2010 semester begins Sept. 7, so benefits-eligible employees renewing or starting a membership on that day will get the biggest bang for their buck. Their membership year will run from Sept. 7, 2010, to Sept. 5, 2011. Memberships renewed or started before Aug. 20 will be valued at $225, but will be based on a year that began July 1, 2010, which was the beginning of the 2010 summer II session, and will end June 29, 2011.

Anyone wishing to join the SRC may do so in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in the SRC office. The membership form and contract also are available online and may be faxed to the office.

Details
Joining the SRC, membership categories and costs

For more information or to arrange to have an in-office presentation about the SRC, contact Cindy VanderWoude, coordinator of member services, at cindy.vanderwoude@wmich.edu or (269) 387-3115.

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Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/news