NIU students will decide this spring whether to continue to pay a $1 fee in exchange for Illinois Student Association representation.

ISA is Illinois’ only association which links campuses to give students a united voice in Springfield. The board is made up of approximately 15 Illinois colleges and universities represented by student government leaders.

“It is important for NIU to play a primary role in setting state policy,” Student Association Political Action Advisor Tom Ellett said. “The only way to do that is through ISA.”

ISA follows a self-imposed bylaw that requires all Illinois colleges to cast a student vote every two years to reaffirm their desire to be included on the board.

The ISA has influenced higher education policy since 1979. Working closely with the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the General Assembly, the ISA has succeeded in defeating tuition increases, improving education for minority students, and monitoring financial aid legislation.

A petition with 1,250 NIU student signatures will be completed this week to put the opportunity to vote on the ballot for the spring Senate election.

“Without our $24,000 contribution the ISA would not be the same,” Ellett said.

Ellett said he expects that the referendum will pass the student vote.

“There is no reason why the students should not support ISA,” Ellett said. Those who absolutely are not in favor of the referundum have the option to have their dollar refunded through the bursar’s office, he said.

“With the reauthorization of the higher education act this year, Northern’s membership is especially important,” Ellett said.

Student Association President Rob McCormack attends the monthly meetings on Northern’s behalf.