Trustees vote to raise two fees
July 16, 2003
KALAMAZOO -- Acting at their regular meeting July 16, members of the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees agreed to raise two student fees for the first time in more than a decade.
Trustees voted to raise the enrollment fee for part-time students by $30 per semester and $15 per session. The new rates for part-time students are $150 in fall and spring semesters and $75 for Summer I and Summer II sessions. Set in 1990, the enrollment fee was figured to be approximately half of that paid by full-time students, with the exception of the student health fee component, which was significantly lower for those who attend part time. The adjustment reflects a portion of the significant rise in health care costs since 1990--12 to 15 percent annually. The enrollment fee for full-time students remains unchanged at $289 for fall and spring semesters and $144.50 for Summer I and Summer II sessions. As part of that action, trustees also changed the per-semester definition of a part-time student from students who take between one and six credit hours to students who take between one and four credit hours.
Members of the board also approved an increase in the University's graduation fee from $30 to $45. Unchanged since 1985, the fee helps defer commencement expenditures such as program printing, diplomas and covers, postage for diploma mailing and parking control. WMU holds commencement ceremonies three times each year.
In related business action, trustees also authorized the assessment of a new $100 entering student development fee. Assessed to students entering the University for the first time, the fee will help fund costs associated with identification cards, orientation, scheduling, admission, financial aid and on-campus student life, among other items.
Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu