What do they mean?

Each school year students see various fees appear on their bills, but don’t know what they mean. Medical Fee, Transportation Fee, Student Activities Fee. The names are familiar, but what do these charges go towards?

General fees are approved each fall, in advance of the upcoming school year, first by N.C. Central University’s Board of Trustees and then by the University of North Carolina System’s Board of Governors.

Fees passed by the Board of Governors include Athletic Fees, Health Services, Student Activities, and Educational and Technology Fees.

For the 2012-13 school year, undergraduate students at NCCU can expect total general fees equaling nearly $1,900.

“What I don’t think students understand is that when you have pots of money, the state dictates how we can spend the money,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Kevin Rome.

Fees like the $120 Walker Complex Debt Service Fee covers the costs related to the recent wellness center and pool renovations in the LT Walker Complex.

Debt service fees end when a building or renovation is paid off.

Compared to other UNC System schools, NCCU has the lowest Debt Service Fee and the third lowest amount of total Student Fees at $1,875.03.

Other student fees have paid for the installation of artificial turf on the practice field and renovations of the Alfonso Elder Student Union.

Students like nursing freshman Davina Neal, don’t agree with fees being charged.

“I don’t think the fees should be mandatory if we don’t use the services,” said Neal.

While others are in favor of the fees as long as they uplift the school.

“I don’t mind paying for student fees as long as it benefits the school,” said criminal justice sophomore Jasmine Johnson.

In Washington state, Governor Christine Gregoire signed a bill that would require Washington’s public colleges and universities to post a breakdown of student fees on their websites.

Such a bill has not been signed in North Carolina, but Rome would be a backer of a “transparency bill” if it were to be passed.

“I would be a supporter of it and I think everyone should know how the money is spent,” said Rome.

“They might not agree with how it’s spent, but just to know.”

Student Fees Defined

•Student Government Fee ($1) - Helps finance the University of North Carolina Association Of Student Governments, an alliance of student leaders from across the state, and is used for administrative staff, travel and small stipends for student leaders.

•Athletic Fee ($674.38) – Partially covers student athlete scholarships and other expenses. Revenue generated covers other costs not paid for by this fee.

•Education and Technology Fee ($401.15) - This fee is used to provide and operate computer labs, Smart Classrooms and wireless access on campus. Residence halls aren’t included in this fee.