Committee approves program‑specific non‑mandatory fees including new graduate student access fee

The Austin Peay State University Business and Finance Committee approved several program‑specific non‑mandatory fees, including creation of a graduate student success and access per‑credit fee and changes to fees for computer science and engineering programs, university staff said.

Associate Vice President for Budget and Finance Sandra Hamilton explained the non‑mandatory fees are limited to students enrolled in the specific programs and fund program coordinators, advising and admissions support, student research and conference participation, and study abroad opportunities. Hamilton said the proposed graduate fee will “allow for the creation of program coordinators to support advising and admissions to the graduate program” and to fund initiatives such as student research and study abroad.

Staff also proposed splitting an existing joint $5 per enrolled credit fee that had been shared by the computer science and engineering programs when both programs were smaller. Hamilton said both programs have grown and now need program‑specific funding: the computer science increase would pay for a dedicated adviser for a growing global student population, and the engineering technology and equipment fee would offset increased equipment and technology costs to keep the program current for the job market.

The motion to approve the non‑mandatory fees for the 2025–26 academic year was moved and seconded (mover/second not specified). A roll call recorded five affirmative votes: Trustee Atkins (yes); Trustee Cannata (yes); Trustee Jenkins (yes); Trustee McGinnis (yes); and Trustee Roe (aye). The motion carried (5–0).

The committee did not detail per‑credit dollar amounts for all new or increased fees in committee minutes; staff presented intended uses and asked trustees to approve the fees as presented so programs can implement advising and equipment plans.