Justification for increasing Student Technology Fee

Student technology fees are managed and administered through the Student Technology Advisory committee.

The technology fees are spent for academic technology projects that are developed and initiated by academic faculty and department heads. These are typically for improving instructional technology in the classroom and/or in laboratory environment. Funds are also used for implementing or upgrading network infrastructure and audio visual technologies that are needed in the academic classroom buildings. In addition, the student technology fee is used to purchase computers and printers needed in high-enrollment courses and for refreshing desktop computers in open labs.

During the past three years, it is noticed that demand for more funds for technology projects have increased and the Technology Advisory Committee was unable to fund some of the good projects (academic) and continue to satisfy the growing demand for wireless networking technologies, data storage needs for academics and student research, establishment of dedicated computer support for students (New, for fall 2009), extended hours for student helpdesk support service coverage that could benefit students in their quest for technology applications in higher education environment. It is also noticed that we only had an increase of $4 in student tech fee ($46) in the past four years to meet the growing demand on technology at CSU. Columbus State’s technology fee is the lowest among its peers.

The fee increase will benefit the students, faculty by enabling the IT department to do more in terms technology projects for the classroom as well as the technology that enables them access it.

Note: A dollar increase will bring an additional $10,000 per semester. I suggest that we recommend an increase of $20 dollar to meet the yearly extra ordinary needs in technology infrastructure, computer system upgrades and the student centered technology services. Your comments and suggestions are welcome. The dead line for the technology fee increase request submission is December 5, 2008.

Student Technology Fees

Georgia Southern University: $75
Georgia College & State University $65
North Georgia College & State University: $65
Southern Polytechnic State University: $75
University of West Georgia: $50