Students at the University of North Texas will vote on a “green fee” next month that could charge each student $5 per semester to fund Earth-friendly campus projects.

The proposal is scheduled to go to a student vote April 19-23, coinciding with Earth Week.

If students pass the measure, regents would need to approve the fee.

An approved proposal would net an estimated $360,000 each year to fund student-driven projects that could include a sustainable university garden, a better campus recycling program and organic food being offered in the cafeteria, said Cameron Tharp, president of the North Texas Energy and Environment Club, which is spearheading the student-led campaign.

“It’s definitely coming at a time when fees are increasing at the university, but all I’ve gotten is positive reaction,” Tharp said. “There’s a lot of support for sustainability here.”

UNT’s student senate voted unanimously for the fee earlier this month.

The “green fee” initiative stems from a 2009 state law that allows public colleges and universities in Texas to establish student-supported fees.

Along with UNT, the University of Texas at El Paso and the University of Texas at San Antonio will take student votes next month.

Students at the University of Texas and Texas A&M University passed referendums supporting the environmentally friendly fees this month.

If UNT students pass the proposal, it could help the university compete against other institutions and keep its “green” culture ahead of the curve, said Dakota Carter, president of the Student Government Association.

“I think students felt a need for this to happen; it’s part of our culture, and it’s part of what we do,” Carter said.

While it would increase fees for students, the dollar amount isn’t significant, considering that the measure calls for students to spend money in student-directed initiatives, he said.

UNT’s sustainability council would oversee the funds and would create a special committee to oversee the implementation of any projects selected by the students.

Most members of the committee would be students directed primarily by student feedback, with a small level of involvement from faculty and staff, said Todd Spinks, director of the Office of Sustainability.

“This will provide an opportunity for students to spend their own money to improve their campus,” Spinks said. “It’s a great research opportunity for students.”

CANDACE CARLISLE can be reached at 940-566-6889. Her e-mail address is ccarlisle@dentonrc.com.