Disparity in the money the Student Recreation Center took in for damaged equipment compared to the amount of money spent to fix it has resulted in new damage fees.

Jodie English, Student Association recreation committee adviser, said she is changing the damage fees for students because the center was paying more to its employees for fixing and cleaning the damaged equipment than it was charging the students who misused and damaged center equipment.

Some of the equipment was returned damaged or dirty and the students were charged a minimal amount for the damages. However, the fees had not been updated since 1979.

The camping and sporting equipment checking policy falls into two categories. For equipment valued at $50 or less, there is a $5 fee and for equipment valued at $50 or more, there is a $15 fee.

Previously, the center had charged different sums of money for different types of equipment, English said.

However, the damage fees are not the only changes students will find at the rec center. Students can join three new athletic clubs sponsored by SARC.

A men’s badminton club will be among the new clubs, said SARC Chairman Jodie English. Despite the name, any student—including women—can join the club. Also, persons with handicaps and those who have never played before also may join, she said.

A men’s gymnastic club also will be started. Because there is already a women’s gymnastic team, this club only will be offered to men.

Also new to NIU will be a Martial Arts club for men and women, English said.

There will be a “Club Sports Callout” night Sept. 13 for any students interested in joining the clubs, she said.

Other improvements include the completion of the rec center’s weight room and the addition of two new Stairmasters, English said.