Overview
The Materials, Services, Facilities, and Technology (MSFT) fee supports educational resources, critical campus upgrades, and student services such as:
- Purchasing laptops for student use
- Providing hotspots to ensure connectivity for all students, especially those in underserved or remote areas
- Refreshing classroom PCs and technology to stay current with educational needs
- Upgrading lab equipment for hands-on learning in engineering and technology fields
- Enhancing nursing lab equipment to support practical, immersive health science training
- Improving outdoor student lounge spaces to encourage campus engagement and collaboration
- Supporting the campus radio station for hands-on media experience
- Purchasing cameras and media equipment for student creativity, research, and digital storytelling
2023-2024 MSFT Award Cycle Summary and Expenditures
In the 2023-2024 MSFT award cycle, over $3.7 million in funding proposals were submitted, with a total allocation budget of $654,974.
- Instructional Equipment Over $5K: $33,124
- Vehicles Over $5K: $48,386
- Instructional Equipment Under $5K: $76,481
- Supplies and Services: $96,025
- Student Assistants: $121,980
- Desk/Laptop/Peripherals Under $5K: $158,090
2024-2025 MSFT Award Cycle
The 2024-2025 MSFT award cycle also received over $5.6 million in funding proposals, with a total budget of $727,720. As of today, $728,493 has been allocated.
In addition to the MSFT fee, nearly 56% of undergraduate students report paying course-specific lab or "supplies and materials" fees every semester, with costs typically exceeding $50 per course.
To streamline the fee structure and reduce financial strain on students, we propose an increase in the MSFT fee to integrate individual course fees. By consolidating the two fees into one, we aim to make costs more predictable and equitable, ensuring that students have a clearer understanding of their financial obligations.
Pros of Raising the MSFTFee
While the fee will add to the cost of attendance, it is important to note that most students cover this fee through financial aid, ensuring that the financial burden is minimal for those who need it most.
- Enhancing Technological Infrastructure for Student Success: The fee will adequately support and enhance the technological infrastructure essential for student success, ensuring that classroom and lab resources meet the growing demands of modern education.
- Fostering Practical Skills through Hands-On Experiences: By funding the campus radio station and similar initiatives, the fee will provide students with hands-on, enterprise-level experiences, fostering practical skills that are highly valued in the workforce.
- Improving Access to Technology for All Students: The fee will enable the library to purchase additional laptops, ensuring that all students—whether they have personal devices or not—can access computers to complete assignments, conduct research, and engage in remote learning. This is especially important for students who may lack reliable access to technology at home.
Cons of Raising the MSFT Fee
Increased Cost of Attendance: Raising the MSFT fee would increase the financial burden on students, particularly those who may already struggle with the cost of tuition and living expenses. Although some of this increase may be offset by financial aid, it still represents an added expense for students and families.
Potential Equity Concerns: While the fee supports technology and facilities, not all students may directly benefit from these improvements. For instance, students who do not frequently use specific services or resources (like specialized labs or equipment) may not see a return on their investment, raising concerns about fairness in fee allocation.
Impact on Low-Income and Underserved Students: Despite financial aid support, the increased fee could place additional strain on students who rely on external sources of funding, especially those from lower-income backgrounds. It may also contribute to student debt for those who borrow to cover the cost of attendance.
Student Pushback: Students may perceive the fee increase as another additional cost that is not always transparent in its benefits. If not communicated effectively, it could result in student dissatisfaction or resistance to the fee increase.
Balancing Program Needs: The allocation of increased funds across various programs and services may require a fine balance to ensure that resources are distributed in a way that serves the broad needs of the student body. Misallocation or prioritization could lead to resource disparities or dissatisfaction among students who feel their needs are unmet.
Student Benefits
The proposed fee increase is designed to directly benefit students, ensuring that CSUCI remains at the forefront of technological innovation and educational excellence. Some key benefits include:
- Access to Advanced Technology: Students will continue to have access to the latest tools, equipment, and software—both in the classroom and beyond. This technology enhances the learning experience, enabling students to work with the same systems they will encounter in the workforce.
- Improved Learning Environments: With upgraded classroom technology, new laptops, and enhanced connectivity through hotspots, students will have the resources they need to engage with their coursework, collaborate with peers, and participate in hybrid or remote learning opportunities.
- Vibrant Campus Resources: The fee will help fund improvements to campus spaces—such as outdoor lounges, the campus radio station, and digital media tools—creating a more vibrant and collaborative environment for students to explore their academic and extracurricular interests.
- Better Support for Student Projects and Research: The increased funding will allow students to access essential equipment, such as cameras, recording devices, and other creative tools, empowering them to bring their research and creative projects to life. This support fosters innovation and helps students develop skills that will be crucial in their future careers.
The proposed MSFT fee increase will ensure CSUCI can maintain and upgrade the technological tools, resources, and infrastructure essential for student success. By implementing a phased increase, CSUCI can create a sustainable funding model that minimizes the financial burden on students while providing them with the resources necessary to excel in their studies and future careers.