Campus Fee Program
About the Program
Finance and Business Services is responsible for managing the Campus Fee Program, which establishes or makes changes to:
- Campus mandatory fees
- Miscellaneous course and lab fees
- Any other student fees other than tuition fees
The Campus Fee Program is twofold, consisting of Campus Fiscal Officer [CFO] review and the Campus Fee Advisory Committee [CFAC].
Understanding Fee Types
Per Executive Order 1102, the California State University Fee Policy defines fees into categories:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Table: Overview of Fees |
To learn about our university fees, please see the overview of fees table. This table provide examples of each fee category, designates who has authority to implement them, and the review process for each category. |
| Category I Fees |
Systemwide mandatory tuition and other fees that must be paid to apply to, enroll in, or attend the university, or to pay the full cost of instruction required of some students by statute. |
| Category II Fees |
Campus mandatory fees that must be paid to enroll in or attend the university. |
| Category III Fees |
Fees associated with state-supported courses. Specifically for materials and services used in concert with the basic foundation of an academic course offering. SJSU only allows course fees for field trips. All other course fees were subsumed by the Student Success, Excellence & Technology Fee beginning Fall 2012. |
| Category IV Fees |
Fees, other than Category II or III fees, paid to receive materials, services, or for the use of facilities provided by the university; and fees or deposits to reimburse the university for additional costs resulting from dishonored payments, late submissions, or misuse of property or as a security or guaranty. |
| Category V Fees |
Fees paid to self-support programs such as extended education, Cal State Online extended education offerings, parking and housing including materials and services fees, user fees, fines, and deposits. Self-support programs are defined as those not receiving state general fund appropriations; instead, fees are collected to pay the full cost of a program. Costs of self-support instructional programs include support and development of the academic quality of the university. |
| Category VI Fees |
Systemwide voluntary fees. |
Fee Proposals
Per Executive Order 1102, all fees charged to students must undergo a review and approval process before they may be assessed or changed. This includes:
- Establishment of new fees
- Increases/decreases to existing fees
- Elimination of existing fees
The CSU groups student fees into six categories, each with a specific approval authority. In most of the cases that arise, the president holds final authority. However, it is important to note some fees require a student referendum, and some require the Chancellor’s approval. Additionally, the Campus Fee Advisory Committee reviews most fee proposals and provides a recommendation to the President.
In order to allow sufficient time for the review process and for proper notification to students, fee proposals for fees taking effect in the fall semester should be submitted by January.
Preparing a Fee Proposal
For fees related to special session, please contact the Office of Professional and Continuing Education [PCE].
All fee proposals require the following:
Proposal Review Process
Student fees that are charged to all students are called mandatory student fees and classified as Category II. These fees typically require a student referendum, review by the Campus Fee Advisory Committee, CFO endorsement and President’s approval. New Category II fees must be approved by the Chancellor. The President can approve changes to existing fee levels.
Participant fees, self-support program fees, and special session fees are reviewed by Finance & Business Services and recommended to the CFO, who in turns recommends to the President. The President has final approval.
Field trip fees are reviewed by the Campus Fee Advisory Committee and must have CFO endorsement to move forward. The proposed fee must fall within the ranges provided in Executive Order 1102 to fall under the President’s authority. Otherwise, they must be approved by the Chancellor.
The Role of CFAC
The Campus Fee Advisory Committee [CFAC] is a working committee, serving in an advisory role, that reviews campus fee proposals and makes recommendation to the campus President. All decisions made by CFAC concerning fee proposals are governed by Executive Order 1102. At San José State University, review of proposals for activities supported by Student Success, Excellence & Technology Fees [SSETF] and their recommendation are included in CFAC’s purview.
The Committee’s membership is governed by the California State University Student Fee Policy - Executive Order 1102, section IV - Responsibility:
- The president is responsible for assuring that appropriate and meaningful consultation
occurs prior to adjusting any campus-based fee and before requesting that the chancellor
establish a new Category II or Category III fee.
- The president shall establish a Campus Fee Advisory Committee comprised of student, faculty, staff, and administrative representatives to provide advice to the president. Membership of the Campus Fee Advisory Committee shall be established in consultation with the campus student body association and the campus faculty senate and shall include the president of the campus student body association and the chair of the campus faculty senate or their designees. The president shall appoint the chair of the Campus Fee Advisory Committee.
- The president shall appoint members to the Campus Fee Advisory Committee, excluding the student representatives who shall be appointed by the campus student body association. Faculty members shall be appointed consistent with normal campus processes for selecting faculty members to serve on similar committees.
- Students appointed by the campus student body association shall constitute a majority of the voting members of the Campus Fee Advisory Committee.
San José State’s committee is comprised of 13 members who serve one-year terms, with reappointments allowed. The committee meets at least once a semester, and as needed when fee proposals are brought forward for review.
CFAC Member Roster
CFAC Meetings and Minutes
Overview of Fees
Per Executive Order 1102, the California State University Fee Policy defines fees into categories:
| Fee Category and Type | Examples | Authority | Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category I Systemwide Mandatory Fees | Application fees, enrollment fees, tuition fees | Board of Trustees | |
| Category II Campus Mandatory Fees | Student Union, Associated Student fee, IRA fee |
Chancellor establishes fees. Campus President has oversight and may adjust or eliminate fees. All Associated Student fees must go through referendum |
Initial Review
Alternative Consultation:
Referendum:
|
| Category III Course Fees | Materials and services related to state supported courses |
Chancellor authorizes a dollar range for fees:
Campus President approval for in range fees. Chancellor's Office approval for out of range fees. |
|
| Category IV Fees Other than Category II/III | Late submission, graduation fees, transfer orientation | CFO review of fee proposal, with recommendation to campus President for approval. |
|
| Category V Self Support Program | Housing, parking, extended education | CFO review of fee proposal, with recommendation to campus President for approval. |
|
| Category VI Systemwide Voluntary Fees | SIRF-Statewide Student Involvement and Representation Fee | Board of Trustees |
