PORTLAND, Ore. The University of Oregon and Eastern Oregon University have an “energy surcharge.” Portland State’s got a “student services” fee. And every university in the state tacks on a little extra for the privilege of using the school’s computer system.
Such fees have exploded in Oregon in recent years, as state support for higher education declined, and the seven public universities looked for ways to make up the gap.
This week, the state Board of Higher Education will get the first look at a plan to eliminate such fees for undergraduates within three to four years.
Student leaders praise the idea, but some university administrators including Dave Frohnmayer, the president of the University of Oregon have argued against blanket changes, saying universities need financial flexibility.
Collegiate fees exist in most states, according to a national survey done this year by the Oregon Student Association. Most often, they are associated with particular courses. Science majors, for example, are charged when their courses require pricey equipment.
Oregon has seen a rapid growth in such fees. In the 2000-2001 school year, there were only 18 fees associated with particular courses or majors; by the 2007-2008 school year, there were 75 such fees systemwide.
