Recommendations for a new student fee policy were approved
Tuesday by the state agency that plans for higher education.
The California Postsecondary Education Commission voted
unanimously in favor of proposals which, if enacted by the
legislature, would grant the governing boards of the University of
California and California State University greater authority over
student fees.
Currently, student fees are subject to the budget process in the
state legislature. As a result, fee levels can be significantly
impacted by economic fluctuations.
Both the UC and CSU are in favor of adopting a long-term fee
policy.
“It makes sense to have a policy that makes fees more
predictable for students and their families,” said UC press
aide Hanan Eisenman.
Under a long-term policy, fee increases could be spread out over
time, instead of coming in bunches, he added.
California is projected to face a $21 billion-plus budget
deficit in fiscal year 2003-2004. Faced with this outlook, the UC
Board of Regents in November passed a budget request with a
probable 6.5 percent hike in student fees.
The CSU Board of Trustees has not engaged in any major
discussions on increasing student fees, said CSU press aide Clara
Potes-Fellow, but added that this could change.
Gov. Gray Davis announced on Tuesday he would ask for over $5
billion in midyear budget cuts, which raises the possibility of
higher fees for CSU students.
“In light of the new cuts … it’s likely (fee
increases) will be on the table,” Potes-Fellow said.
Before either system can set up a new fee policy, the
legislature must approve CPEC’s proposal.
According to Karl Englebach, the chief policy analyst at CPEC,
his organization hopes the recommendations will be carried in a
bill next session.