UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Executive Council of the Student Fee Board Strategic Planning Committee at Penn State has announced two decisions about the work of the Student Fee Boards this year.
Additionally, the University Park Fee Board adopted resolutions aimed at addressing budgetary concerns, enhancing operational efficiency, increasing transparency, and positioning the boards for long-term success.
The Student Fee Boards, comprising two distinct entities for University Park and Commonwealth Campuses, are responsible for overseeing the distribution of the Student Initiated Fee, which supports student-centered activities to enhance the overall student experience. These Student Fee Boards, led by students, for students, assess funding proposals submitted by various units and student governments before allocating funds.
Over the course of the fall semester, the Student Fee Boards have worked to assess existing challenges, anticipate future needs, and pass key resolutions to fortify the fee boards. Three key resolutions have been proposed and adopted:
Establishment of a strategic planning committee
Recognizing budgetary challenges and constraints, the Student Fee Boards proposed and approved the formation of a strategic planning committee. The committee’s primary focus is on achieving financial stability, enhancing board structure and operations, and conducting a review of the steering committee. The committee is slated to deliver a series of recommendations by January 2024 and will subsequently dissolve.
Adoption of a two-year funding cycle
To align with the recent changes to the University’s budget procedures, the Executive Council endorsed the adoption a two-year budget cycle. This transition will allow the University Park Fee Board to address existing operational deficits. Both Student Fee Boards will be better prepared to anticipate future challenges and align with the University’s financial approach. Budget deliberations are set to resume in spring 2024, and the 2023-24 boards will review modifications for FY (fiscal year) 2025 and review proposals for FY 2026. In the future, the Student Fee Boards will hear proposals one year into the future.
Creation of key staffing positions
Additionally, the University Park Fee Board has created an internal budget team to address financial concerns and ensure consistent financial stewardship. A communications team of student staff has been developed to enhance transparency and raise awareness of the Student Initiated Fee and its impact.
For more information about the Student Fee Boards, visit studentfee.psu.edu.
About the Student Fee Boards
The Student Fee Boards at Penn State oversee the distribution of the Student Initiated Fee to support student-centered activities and improve student life.