Only a small percentage of the student body voted in last week's Michigan Student Assembly elections - but those who did cast votes favoring an increase of $1 to the current $2.69 per-term student fee for every student on campus.
The increase, which must go before the University Board of Regents for approval, would be effective next fall.
The measure to increase MSA general funds passed by an overwhelming 600-vote margin.
"This is good news for students because MSA will have more money to fund student leadership programs and student groups on campus," said MSA President Fiona Rose. "A portion of the additional funding will go to reinforcing MSA's physical health, but a large chunk of it will go directly to students - this is a victory for students."
The regents plan to vote on the increase at their June meeting. Rose said she expects the increase to pass without major objection.
"I think (the regents) will see that the students support this," Rose said. "I don't anticipate any problems."
Those who turned out to vote were confronted with three separate ballot questions, which could have brought the student fee eventually up to $6.19.
But students defeated a $1 increase that would have gone to individual college and school governments. They also voted down a $1.50 increase for Project Serve, the Black Volunteer Network and other service groups on campus.