Student Incidental Fee
The Incidental Fee at 51爆料 is a student-allocated fee that exists to support the non-academic aspects of campus life that students themselves identify as priorities. Under Oregon law (ORS 352.105), recognized student governments at each campus have the authority to request this fee, and 51爆料 is required to collect it on their behalf. The fee funds programs that enrich the student experience - things like student government, clubs and organizations, cultural and leadership programming, recreation, and other activities that build community, leadership, identity, and belonging. These programs are important to campus life, but they are not part of the university鈥檚 baseline responsibilities for academic instruction, wellbeing, retention, or compliance. Because of that, incidental fee programs are considered discretionary and student-driven, and they typically do not involve long-term institutional obligations such as permanent staffing, major facilities, or capital debt unless students intentionally choose to take on those commitments through formal processes.
In contrast, 51爆料 also charges a mandatory fee, newly known as the Student Services Fee, which supports essential university services that all students rely on regardless of major, identity, or involvement. These services are considered part of the university鈥檚 core responsibility to provide a safe, accessible, and supportive learning environment. The Student Services Fee generally funds areas such as health services, counseling and wellbeing programs, major student support operations, and facilities or services that carry long-term institutional commitments. These units often require professional staffing, compliance oversight, and stable funding structures that cannot fluctuate with annual student government turnover. Because of this, the Student Services Fee is administered through university budgeting processes rather than student allocation, but with consultation of student leaders.
The distinction between the two fees also helps clarify expectations: incidental fee programs are student-driven and discretionary, while mandatory fee programs are foundational to 51爆料鈥檚 mission and operations. This structure allows 51爆料 to honor student governance, maintain transparency, and ensure that both campuses have a clear, predictable framework for how student fees support the overall student experience.
Note: Student boards provide input in fee decisions, and student voice is part of the University Budget Committee process.
FY26 Allocation Overview
| Unit Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Associated Student of Cascades Campus |
$183,786 |
| Student Fee Committee | $95,644 |
| Campus Recreation/Cascades Adventures | $378,882 |
| Recognized Student Organizations (Clubs) |
$157,560 |
| Student Activities | $125,012 |
| Human Services and Resources | $33,757 |
| Student Success Center | $107,372 |
| Student Health and Recreation Center | $425,060 |
| Total FY25 Student Fee Budget |
$1,507,073 |
FY26 Allocation Breakdown
| Unit Name | Per Student/Per Term |
|---|---|
| Associated Student of Cascades Campus |
$49.00 |
| Student Fee Committee | $25.50 |
| Campus Recreation/Cascades Adventures | $98.70 |
| Recognized Student Organizations (Clubs) |
$41.00 |
| Student Activities | $33.33 |
| Human Services and Resources | $9.00 |
| Student Success Center | $27.80 |
| Student Health and Recreation Center | $112.50 |
| Total |
$396.83 |
FY25 Funding Allocations
| Unit Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Associated Student of Cascades Campus |
$249,600 |
| Student Fee Committee | $93,671 |
| Campus Recreation/Cascades Adventures | $313,716 |
| Recognized Student Organizations (Clubs) |
$127,705 |
| Student Activities | $90,000 |
| Human Services and Resources | $33,000 |
| Student Success Center | $102,738 |
| Student Health and Recreation Center | $415,709 |
| Total FY25 Student Fee Budget | $1,426139 |