Trustees approve facilities fee to fund non-academic space

Chart: Non-tuition fees at Penn State and select peer institutions. Click on the image above for a high-resolution version.

University Park, Pa. -- A student facilities fee was recognized by Penn State's Board of Trustees as the best option to accommodate improvements to non-academic, recreational and multi-use space.  Trustees today (May 16) approved a resolution to implement this new fee beginning in fall 2008.
   
Division of Student Affairs leaders have held several discussions with student organization representatives since January to explain the rationale for the fee and to receive their input. Feedback from these sessions was reviewed by Penn State President Graham Spanier, who decided, in consultation with other senior administrators, to move forward with the fee as the most viable option to address these facility issues.
   
"Today's college students have come to expect a level of services and a range of facilities for their non-classroom experiences that we aren’t currently able to provide. The facilities fee will establish a permanent funding source to help ensure a well-rounded experience for our students," said Gail Hurley, interim vice president for Student Affairs, who led talks with the student groups.

At University Park, the facilities fee will be phased in over a two-year period, starting at $50 per semester in 2008-2009, followed by $100 per semester during the 2009-2010 academic year. Students at other campuses also would pay a facilities fee, but would be asked to participate at various levels as determined at each campus. This fee structure is similar to the existing but separate student activity fee at Penn State.

The facilities fee will grow by no more than the increased rate of tuition in subsequent years, noted Hurley. In addition, an advisory group that includes student representation will provide input to help senior administrators determine the priorities for applying funds generated by the facilities fee. Ultimately, the Board of Trustees approves major building and renovation projects proposed by the administration.   

"Non-academic building projects have a difficult time competing for funding against academic buildings," explained Al Horvath, vice president of Finance and Business. "Funds generated from the facilities fee will support these student-centered facilities that might otherwise receive a low funding priority. It will also allow for effective long-range planning for facilities that support student activities, recreation and fitness."
   
A survey of annual non-tuition fees at 17 of Penn State's peer institutions (see chart above) revealed that the University's fees are low in comparison.