Student Health Service is usually the go-to answer for ailing students, mainly because it's conveniently located on campus and, let's face it, we've already paid to receive unlimited visits. However, student perception is that SHS doesn't always deliver the bang for its buck. We're disappointed that its "buck," the mandatory health fee for full-time undergraduates, will be increasing to $272 from $268 – an announcement without promise of improved service.

The price seems reasonable for all-encompassing health care on campus – but many can attest to the claim that the services provided can't justify the cost.

The Feb. 1 University News Briefs e-mail announcing the fee increase included no specific explanation. Students already frustrated with the services must pay even more without the promise of improved care.

SHS Director Dana Mills said the $4 increase will go to inflation and pay raises for good performers on staff as dictated by the university.

Unfortunately, the fee increase still won't cover additional costs. Additional costs often arise when students need more extensive testing that must be sent to a reference lab, Mills said. However, Mills said SHS' charges are often less than other health care providers.

The increase also allocates more funding for front desk staff to increase efficiency of service to students – a change we loudly applaud to address another common student perception of SHS. We know students who refuse to use SHS for complaints of inefficiency.

For example, if symptoms point to something small, the time and energy spent making an appointment seem worthless. And if there actually is something wrong, we either pay more to cover the extra expenses or are encouraged to seek additional treatment at a hospital.

Why, then, should students be required to pay a fee increase for services they already deem substandard? We must mention that Mills said previous surveys of users indicate most students gave SHS an "A" or "B" grade. That doesn't mean there aren't certain desired improvements, he said.

Yes, the bills must be paid and the staff needs paychecks. But we can't agree with a fee increase until there is a corresponding increase in quality. We hope student needs and limitations will be better addressed; otherwise "health service" may become a hindrance for the student.