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Student Fees for WSU Pullman
August 7, 2020 |
To our WSU Pullman Students,
As you prepare for fall 2020, we know you have been waiting for a decision on student fees. We recognize and appreciate the significant personal investments you are making in your education.
The decisions we make as an institution impact your experience at WSU as well as your financial future. We’ve continued to keep facilities open that support your basic needs and provide you with the services focused on health and well-being. Many of these services are funded by student fees.
Therefore, we are delaying institutional decisions regarding fee adjustments for fall 2020 until students can be a part of the decision-making process.
Students are key participants in our shared governance model, serving as leaders and representatives on various advisory boards. This model provides partnership, equity, and accountability. Student involvement in the decision-making process for student fees is imperative and, in some instances, governed by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Decisions related to student fees impact access to programs and services as well as the maintenance of facility debt payments previously adopted by students through referendum. As such, existing advisory boards that include a student voice will be convened when the fall semester begins later this month.
To prepare our advisory boards, a university task force completed an initial review of the mandatory fees previously approved for the 2020–2021 academic year. The existing advisory boards, guided and informed by students, will convene to review the data and information gathered by the university task force. Advisory boards will deliver recommendations for the associated mandatory fee to the appropriate university leadership in the coming months. These student fees and advisory boards/committees include:
Tuition and mandatory fees will be charged at the beginning of the fall 2020 semester. You should see charges on your account next week, and your financial aid will be dispersed prior to the beginning of the semester. We are waiving the initial late fee, normally assessed on September 9, to provide more time to complete payment for tuition and fees.
Detailed information about student fees is provided at the bottom of this email.
Please join us at the WSU Pullman Student Town Hall on Wednesday, August 12, 5:30–6:30 p.m. PST. We will discuss the Coug experience for fall 2020 and address questions related to student fees. You can submit questions in advance here.
While so many things have changed what our fall semester looks like, what remains steadfast is our tenacious Coug spirit: our commitment to forge ahead in the face of uncertainty, and to rely on help and support from our fellow Cougs when needed.
Stay healthy, and as always, Go Cougs!
Mary Jo Gonzales
Vice President of Student Affairs
Stacy Pearson
Vice President of Finance and Administration
Elizabeth Chilton
Provost and Executive Vice President
Kirk Schulz
President
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Additional Information Regarding Student Fees
A significant portion of student mandatory fees are dedicated to debt service. Debt services refers to loan payments for capital projects such as facility construction, renovation, or repair. WSU students committed to future payments for the duration of the loans and WSU have a legal and fiduciary responsibility to maintain these payments.
Fees not allocated to debt payments are dedicated to staffing and operational expenses required to provide services both virtually and in-person such as advising for student organizations, fitness classes, medical and mental health appointments, food pantry operations, student success trainings and workshops, as well as insurance and maintenance expenses.
Mandatory Fees
The Compton Union (CUB) Fee was passed by student referendum and is dedicated entirely for debt payments related to building reconstruction and facility enhancement. The CUB will remain open during the fall semester and will continue to provide essential services such as The Bookie, Coug Prints Plus, and the Cougar Card Center. The fee of $120/semester is paid by both undergraduate and graduate students.
The Chinook Building Fee was passed by student referendum and funded the construction and continued operations of the Chinook building. The fee of $98/semester is paid by only undergraduate students. Of the $98/semester fee, approximately $69 is dedicated to debt service.
The Services and Activities (S&A) Fees require that a student led S&A Fee Committee, make recommendations to the Board of Regents regarding the fee itself, and the allocation of the fee to fund student programs and activities. Details about S&A Fee allocations can be found at student fees.wsu.edu. S&A Fees are governed by RCW 28B.15.041–045. The fee of $279/semester is paid by both undergraduate and graduate students.
The Stadium Fee was passed by student referendum and is dedicated entirely to debt payments for building reconstruction and facility enhancement. The fee of $25/semester is paid by only undergraduate students.
The Student Health Fee supports essential services, particularly those needed during a pandemic. For fall 2020, critical services will continue to be offered in a variety of forms, including telehealth and telemental health, same-day mental health, and the medical clinic. An annual debt payment for the Washington Building remodel is also pledged as part of this fee. The fee of $244/semester is paid by both undergraduate and graduate students.
The Student Media Fee was passed by student referendum. The fee helps offset the day-to-day operations of the Daily Evergreen. The Daily Evergreen remains operational for the fall 2020 semester. The fee of $5/semester is paid by both undergraduate and graduate students.
The Student Recreation Center (SRC) Fee was passed by referendum, and funded the construction and continued operations of the SRC. Recreational services will continue to be available through a complement of virtual programming, limited facility access, and classes for students. The fee of $157/semester is paid by both undergraduate and graduate students. Of the $157/semester fee, approximately $90 is dedicated to debt service.
The Technology Fee is used exclusively for technology resources for general student use, and allocations are recommended to the Board of Regents by a student led Technology Fee Committee. The Technology Fee is governed by RCW 28B.15.051. The fee of $20/semester is paid by only undergraduate students.
The Transit Fee was passed by student referendum to partially fund transit service through Pullman Transit (operated by City of Pullman). Transit continues to operate, though at a reduced level, and with physical distancing provisions. The fee of $36.08/semester is paid by both undergraduate and graduate students.
Non-mandatory Fees
Students may elect to purchase a Chinook Yearbook.
The Cougar Green Fund was established by the ASWSU-P Environmental Sustainability Alliance and provides resources for student-led sustainability projects. Students have the option to donate $5 at registration.
Parking permits are available to students at different price points, depending on permit selection. For fall 2020, full refunds will be available until August 26, 2020. After August 26, 2020, all refunds will be subject to the prorated refund schedule.
Sports Pass requests for the 2020–21 academic year have been canceled. If you have requested a Sports Pass, you will not be charged for the upcoming academic year.
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