Sacramento State students frustrated over proposed mandatory fee increase after town hall
As a result of state budget cuts, Sacramento State is looking to charge students up to $1,000 in mandatory fees. In defense of the increase, President Luke Wood said these fees will be used to support and fund existing programs.
An increase of fees for instructional-related activities will go to supporting the university’s affinity centers and cultural resources. The uptick in fees for intercollegiate athletics will go to repairs on athletic facilities and scholarships to club sports programs.
University representatives said throughout a Thursday town hall that a fee increase would improve the quality of academic life and resources on campus. These fees, which are on top of tuition, range from $1,700 to $3,000 for undergraduate students.
If approved, the proposed mandatory fee increase will begin to roll out in fall 2025:
▪ Non-Resident: $0 to $500
▪ Recreational Sports: $19 to $60 or $90
▪ Instructionally Related Activities: $8 to $310
▪ Intercollegiate Athletics and Spirit: $181 to $206 or $256
▪ Health Services: $152 to $203 or $212
Nearly 31,000 students attend Sacramento State. During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, Sacramento State received more than $166 million in tuition fee revenue.
During the forum, Sacramento State representatives provided examples of how they seek to allocate the mandatory fees if increased.
Around 60 students attended Thursday’s town hall. One student, Utkarsh Mehta, asked if there would be more forums to accommodate more student participation.
“This feels more like a hearing session to me than a listening session,” Mehta said. “Also, this is less than 1% of the student population (here). So how will you get true feedback if there’s not true representation?”
A representative from the university said that the listening sessions are “different” than the town hall, and Wood plans on more “listening sessions” this academic year.
Earlier this week, Wood said the forums need to have at least 300 students to be considered a “legitimate alternative consultation.” Conversations will extend until that feedback is delivered. He promised that this increase will be the only fee increase process for the next three years. The university’s Student Fee Advisory Committee held information forums this week and a town hall to gather feedback to review the proposed fees before making a recommendation to Wood.
Students expressed frustration by the scheduling of this week’s forums and town hall. Hafsa Omer, a senior psychology major, said she feels like the timing of the events have left “students purposely in the dark.” Sacramento State students are on summer break.
Wood said the university is holding these forums and town hall now so it can inform high school students interested in Sacramento State of incoming costs.
“We are in an urgent financial situation,” Wood said. “Being in this role, I cannot in good conscience, not at least move this as a conversation for students to weigh in on, given the importance of what we’re talking about.”
Non-resident fees
Particular fees, like the non-resident fee, which would only be paid by international students, caused significant concern.
The non-resident fee would go to 75% student support for engagement and retention, with the other 25% to scholarships and emergency funds, according to data presented by the university.
Shachee Baralya, an international student from India, expressed anxiety over the fee. She said international students make major contributions on campus and must be supported. But with this additional fee, she’s unsure how it will serve that student population.
“Even if we pay this $500 fee, will these issues actually get solved? What’s the guarantee?” Baralya said.
“We need to know if these fees will genuinely improve our experience, or will they just add financial burden without resolving the fundamental problems,” she continued.
This story was originally published August 16, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
