Legislature Considering Bills to Decouple S&A Fees from Tuition

The Legislature is considering legislation this session to delink services and activities (S&A) fee increases from undergraduate resident tuition increases at public four-year universities. S&A fees are used to fund a host of student activities and programs at Western and other higher education institutions, and current statute limits S&A fee increases from exceeding the rate of increase authorized for resident undergraduate tuition. In the 2013-15 and 2015-17 operating budgets, the Legislature decoupled S&A fees from tuition and authorized university governing boards to increase S&A fees by amounts judged reasonable and necessary. Second Substitute House Bill 1433, sponsored by Representative Melanie Stambaugh, and its companion bill in the Senate, Substitute Senate Bill 5592, sponsored by Senator Guy Palumbo, would modify state statute by permanently delinking S&A fee increases from tuition increases while capping S&A fee increases at four percent per year.

Western’s quarterly S&A fee funds various services on campus, with the Associated Students receiving the largest share each year. At Western, the fee is developed by the Services and Activities Fees Committee, a student-led organization with students serving as six of the seven voting members. The student members represent the constituent areas of the Associated Students, Athletics, Campus Recreation and IMA/Club Sports, and department-related activities. The other voting member on the Committee is a faculty representative appointed by the Faculty Senate. The Committee is responsible for evaluating existing programs and program priorities each year and proposing the fee level and distribution among student activities and programs to Western’s administration and Board of Trustees. You can find additional information about Western’s S&A fees here and here.

Services and activities fees play an important role in providing an inclusive and healthy campus culture and in enhancing the educational experiences of Western students. SSHB 1433 and SSB 5592 have both passed out of their respective fiscal committees this session and are currently in their respective rules committee for consideration. Stay tuned to the Western Legislative Review throughout session for additional updates on these bills and other legislation impacting WWU and higher education in the state.