WSU Regents approve new student-supported technology fee

RICHLAND, Wash. – The Washington State University Board of Regents this morning approved a student-led proposal to charge a $20 per semester technology fee for undergraduates on the Pullman campus beginning this fall.

WSU is the only four-year institution in the state that does not charge a technology fee. Student government leaders initiated the fee proposal based on constituent comments and formally approved it earlier this week.

Joan King, associate vice president and chief budget officer for WSU, said the fee would generate approximately $750,000 a year. She said a committee led by undergraduate students will determine how those funds will be used. Wireless printing, improving wi-fi coverage on the Pullman campus and increasing the number of smart boards in study lounges are among the top priorities outlined by students.

Board members also heard reports on a number of recent milestones and successes, including the success of the WSU medical school initiative in the Washington Legislature; a recent economic impact that outlines details of the university’s $3.4 billion in economic impact in the state in 2014; and the launching of festivities celebrating WSU’s 125th anniversary.

“The achievements of WSU over the past eight months have been absolutely extraordinary,” said Board Chair Mike Worthy.

In other business, the board:

  • Heard a future action item regarding changes to the Student Conduct Code that would allow students with a single conduct infraction on their record to have it expunged at graduation
  • Appointed King as the board treasurer

 

Contact:

Kathy Barnard, University Communications, 509-335-8055, kbarnard@wsu.edu