Student Fees

Student fees are the primary funding source for student activities, student technology, student health services, athletic programs, student centers, transportation and campus recreation.

Student fee revenues are generated from the following sources:

Mandatory Student Fees – As defined in Section 7.3.2.1 of the Board of Regents (BOR) Policy Manual, these fees are paid by all students unless waiver provisions apply.
Elective Fees and Special Charges- As defined in Section 7.3.2.2 of the BOR Policy Manual, these fees are generally authorized and approved by institution presidents, with the exceptions noted in the Policy Manual regarding fees or special charges that apply to the entire undergraduate student body or for a specific degree program, which must be approved by the BOR.

The information on mandatory student fees is provided to help students understand how their fees are used and the process developed to recommend the fee to the university president and the BOR. These guidelines are not intended to be all inclusive, but to provide a general framework on how student fees should be used to support operations, services, programs and activities.

"Mandatory fees must be paid by all students unless waivers are specifically approved by the Board of Regents. There are two categories of mandatory fees: fees mandated by the Board of Regents for all University System students; and fees mandated by the institution and approved by the Board of Regents for all students at the individual institution, such as activity fees, athletic fees, health fees, and transportation fees." (BOR Policy Manual Section 7.3.2.1)

Mandatory Fees Explained

Student Activity Fee

The student activity fee is used to fund various organizations benefiting students, such as the Student Government Association, the Production Crew Programming, Student Publications, Homecoming, Cultural Events, and student‐run organizations. This fee enables students to take part in all student activities offered through the Student Life and Engagement Office on campus.
The student activity fee funding is allocated through a Student Activity Fee Committee composed of students, faculty, and staffs.

Transportation Fee

The Transportation Fee is used for the operation of student-focused routes on the Augusta University shuttle system. The shuttle system serves various locations including Christenberry Fieldhouse, University Village, Summerville Campus, Health Sciences Campus, and the Nathan Deal Campus for Innovation.

Student Health Fee

The student health supports a comprehensive approach to student well-being, including services for physical health, mental health, personal wellness, and educational programming. Students have on-campus access to provider and nursing visits. Medical procedures and immunizations are offered at a significantly discounted rate for students. A USG sponsored student health insurance plan, which covers the full cost of most procedures, can provide supplemental coverage for referrals, hospitalizations and other medical expenses. In addition to primary care service, Student Health also offers: family medicine, women’s health, sports medicine, laboratory services; immunizations; dietician; and travel consults.

Technology Fee

The Technology Fee is intended to enhance and maintain the informational and instructional technology available for the education of Augusta University students. It is used to fund the refurbishment of existing technology‐based equipment and to fund innovative projects for the use of technology in education. The fee helps to fund new computer labs, replacement of machines in existing labs, classroom upgrades and classroom AV equipment, advanced hardware and software for instruction, technology-based course development, student technical support and training, extended hours for computer labs, and other technological advances of direct benefit to students.

Athletic Fee

The Augusta University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics currently receives an athletic fee from all students as part of the Mandatory Student Fees. Intercollegiate athletics enhances the university experience of all students, participants and non-participants alike, by developing school spirit and creating a sense of community. Athletics thus serves the university's mission of enhancing the quality of the student experience. The Athletic fee contributes to the operating costs of maintaining quality Intercollegiate Division II and Division I Golf Athletic programs that are also NCAA and Title IX compliant.

Campus Recreation (Wellness Center)

Provides students with access to campus recreation facilities, programs, and equipment. Personal attention is provided to foster student interest in personal well-being, a healthy lifestyle, and recreational pursuits. Users may choose to utilize weight equipment, cardiovascular exercise equipment, basketball & volleyball courts, studio exercise space, and outdoor athletic fields. Program opportunities include: group fitness classes, personal training, intramural sports, club sports, outdoor recreation equipment and trips as well as personal wellness opportunities.

Jaguar Student Activity Center (JSAC)

This fee, first implemented in 2001, helps cover the debt service payments on the Jaguar Student Activity Center. This fee is determined by and will continue for the full term of the bonds that finance this facility. The Student Activity Fee provides funding for staffing and operation of the JSAC.

Online Learning Fee

Implemented in 2024, this fee applies only to students enrolled in distance learning courses or programs who are not also enrolled in on-campus courses nor residing on campus. Students paying this fee do not pay other mandatory student fees. The online learning fee is equal to the Technology Fee plus fifty percent (50%) of all other mandatory student fees. Students charged the online learner fee continue to have access to the resources funded by mandatory student fees.

Augusta University Miscellaneous & Elective Fees

These fees are different from the required Mandatory Student Fees approved by the BOR. Students may be charged certain miscellaneous fees either one time or each semester as part of course‐specific and program‐specific charges as part of their regular enrollment with Augusta University. This can include charges for Arts Supplies, Music Supplies, Biology Course Fees, Lab Fees, Testing Fees, Liability and Disability Insurance Fees, Immunization Tracking Fees, Orientation Fee, Parking Fee, and Graduation Fee.

MANDATORY STUDENT FEE COMMITTEE

The Augusta University Mandatory Student Fees Committee was created to implement the provisions of Board of Regents Policy 7.3.2.1, as amended on February 9, 2000. The Committee shall make recommendations to the President who makes recommendations to the BOR on changes to existing mandatory student fees or on possible new mandatory fees. Fees considered by the Committee shall exclude elective fees that are paid by the students who choose to receive specific services.

“Proposals to increase mandatory student fees and proposals to create new mandatory student fees, submitted by an institution, shall first be presented for advice and counsel to a committee at each institution composed of at least 50% students. Students shall be appointed by the institution’s student government association. All mandatory student fees collected by an institution shall be budgeted and administered by the president, using proper administrative procedures, which shall include the advice and counsel of an advisory committee composed of at least 50% students. Students shall be appointed by the institution’s student government association. All payments from funds supported by the student mandatory fees shall be made according to Board of Regents approved business procedures and the appropriate business practices of the institution." (Board of Regents Policy 704.021 February 9, 2000)

FEE RECOMMENDATION & APPROVAL PROCESS

Institutions must submit a fee request proposal to the Board of Regents in December of each year. The proposal must include:

Summary of fee requests
Detailed revenue project for each mandatory fee request
Financial data form with actual and projected revenues and expenditures, and
Mandatory student fee participation form.

* Fiscal Affairs reviews the fee requests submitted by each institution. After review, the Office of Fiscal Affairs makes recommendations to the Chancellor and the Board of Regents.

* All mandatory student fees and fee increases must be approved by the BOR at its April meeting to become effective the following fall semester.

Criteria:

Pursuant to BOR policy 7.3.4.2, mandatory student fees may be waived for students who meet waiver requirements as determined by BOR and institutional policy. Mandatory fees may be reduced for students enrolled in summer courses.
Student participation in the fee approval process is required; specifically, the mandatory student fee committee must be composed of at least 50% students and include at least four students. Students are appointed to the committee by the institution’s student government associations and administration. Both student government associations make a concerted effort to include broad representation among the students appointed to the committee.
The purpose of the committee is to provide advice and recommendations to the university president. The president makes the final determination of the fee requests submitted to the BOR and may or may not follow the recommendation of the committee.
Mandatory student fees are to be used exclusively to support the institution’s mission to enrich the educational, institutional, and cultural experience of students.
All payments from funds supported by student mandatory fees must be made using approved and appropriate business practices of the institution.

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