We the undersigned, wish to see an increase in the health coverage offered by the Nipissing University Student Union. By signing here, we are showing our support for referendum questions to be posed asking for two things. First, an increase in the Student Health Plan Ancillary Fee to $120 per year to increase coverage, and second, a new fee of $3.95 per year be introduced to provide mental health services with The Student Life Line.

The current NUSU Student Health Plan was introduced in 2003 and since then the cost to students of that plan has never been increased. Over that timespan however, shifting costs and inflation have rendered that coverage increasingly obsolete. An increase to the current fee to $120 would provide a dramatic increase in the benefits to students and make the plan relevant again.

The adjusted fee of $120 would still be well below the provincial average of $204 for Student Union run health plans. In addition to this, the current opt out process would remain in place and refunds offered to students already covered from other sources.

Second to the increase in health coverage would be a new fee dedicated to offering new mental health services to students. Offered by Ceridian Lifeworks, The Student Life Line is a new mental health service that offers web based, in person, and telephonic supports to students on issues ranging from counseling for addictions and stress to legal and financial advice. This service will never replace on campus mental health services but serves as a strong compliment to them at a low cost to students.