A. Policy

Although the University is responsible for funding the basic cost of instruction, student fees and service charges may be assessed to cover the extraordinary cost of services or materials, to encourage compliance with administrative rules, or to replace or repair damaged equipment.

The Chancellor, or the Chancellor's designated representative, is authorized to establish user fees and service charges, and to assess fines in addition to those listed in the guide to UC Student Fees and Deposits if they are deemed necessary for administrative purposes. This authorization does not apply to fees that require Regental or Presidential approval.

Fees and service charges are categorized by the level of authority required for approval of each fee: The Regents, the President, or the Chancellor. The UCI Approval Authority for Student Fees, Service Charges and Deposits categorizes fees and related charges by the level of authority required for approval. No fee or service charge can be imposed until it has been approved by the appropriate level of authority.

B. Definitions

1. Student Fees

   Student fees are fees paid by students at the University of California for specific benefits. General University Fees include: Nonresident Tuition, Educational Fee, University Student Services Fee, Fee for Selected Professional School Students, Course Materials and Services Fee, and Disability Insurance Fee (for medical school and dental school students). At Irvine there are other student fees:

   • Associated Students Membership Fee
   • Student Center Fee
   • Bren Events Center Fee
   • Recreation Center Fee
   • Campus Spirit Fee for undergraduate students
   • Measure S Fee
   • The Green Initiative Fund Fee
   • Undergraduate Student Health Insurance Fee
   • Graduate Student Health Insurance Fee

   The authority for charging student fees is vested in The Regents, who have delegated the following authority to the President:

   "The President shall fix and determine the amount, conditions, and time of payments of all fees, fines, and deposits to be assessed against students of the University, except that the President shall secure the Board's approval prior to the assessment of the University Student Services Fee, Educational Fee, tuition fees, and fees and charges required in connection with the funding of loan financed projects, except student-fee-funded facilities, parking facilities and housing projects."

2. Miscellaneous Fees and Service Charges

   Miscellaneous fees include those fees listed in the "Student Fees and Deposits" circular and are collected in accordance with procedures stated in the circular. Service charges are assessed to cover the cost of unfunded or optional services or materials. University imposed service charges are listed in the UCI Approval Authority for Student Fees, Service Charges and Deposits.

   Following are examples of miscellaneous fees and service charges which may be imposed by the campus:

   1. Fines

      A fee assessed to cover an infraction of an established set of rules; i.e., a fine for lost locker key, lost library book, etc. Requires Chancellor's approval.

   2. Course Materials and Services Fees

      Fees to cover the cost of miscellaneous classroom materials and services that are not normally provided by the ongoing budget for a course. Requires Chancellor's approval.

   3. Optional Charge or User Charge

      Charge levied to cover the cost of providing optional services or materials, i.e., recreational equipment, tutoring, etc. Requires Chancellor's approval.

C. Campus Approval Process

The Budget Office is the office of record for matters concerning student fees.

Departmental requests to change or initiate fees other than Course Materials and Services Fees should first be approved by the appropriate coordinating point and then should be directed to the Budget Office at least 90 days prior to the requested implementation date. Requests to change or initiate Course Materials and Services Fees must be submitted to the Budget Office by the third week of December for implementation in the subsequent Fall semester/quarter. Requests to change or initiate fees should include a cost analysis, a comparison of income and expenses, and historical data.

After the Budget Office has reviewed the policy concerns and financial aspects of proposed fee or fee increases, a report and recommendation will be made to the Executive Vice Chancellor for review and approval. After campus approval, the request is forwarded to the Office of the President, if the approval of the President or The Regents is required.