The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

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Student fees explained

Students attending CSUN this fall may be happy to know that tuition has not increased since the spring semester. There was, however, an increase from Fall 2005. In Spring 2006, a $500 increase in tuition was scheduled, but due to California’s unexpected revenue, Governor Schwarzenegger was able to reverse the proposed plan for another increase this semester.

Students, it seems, do not know the difference between tuition and registration fees, most likely because the two terms can be used interchangeably. Ashley Mathis, a sophomore, thought tuition paid for her classes and registration fees paid for ? well, “everything else.” University Cash Services staff, however, said both registration fees and tuition are exactly the same thing.

Many may wonder how the school’s registration fees are then allocated.

The State University Fee is the money paid for classes, according to University Cash Services. This semester, for California residents, the fee was $732 for part-time students (those taking six units or less) and $1,260 for full-time students (those taking more than six units). All other fees-the Associated Students fee, University Student Union fee, activities fee, facilities fee and student health services fee – are the same for part-time and full-time students.

The Associated Students fee is $72. A.S. is our very own student run government here on campus. Those involved are a small, elected group of students that speak for the larger population of students as a whole.

Juana Zamora of A.S. said the organization is largely made up of student volunteers and serves as an outlet or forum for students to voice their opinions on anything related to their campus experience. She said the fee paid by students goes to several clubs and organizations, such as the Children’s Center and the ASREC Sports Center, which includes an open gym. The funds are allocated to each of these organizations accordingly each Tuesday at A.S. Senate meetings.

The University Student Union fee helped establish new buildings on the east side of campus.

Although the fee did not increase this year, a past increase in 1999 from $85 to the current fee of $120 funded the renovations made to the building. The new building has been open since the beginning of the summer.

The fee also serves to maintain the facility and all the administrative activities that keep it running and serving students.

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