The University of Idaho recently announced their plans for adjustments in student fees for fiscal year 2025-26 during a meeting on March 27. The approved plan includes a $21.90 overall increase per student per semester as well as several specific allocations, as per a memorandum from ASUI President Martha Smith.
The increase brings the overall student fee to $757.03 per student per semester. $15.25 of the $21.90 accounts for the Change in Employee Compensation, which is an annual required wage increase enforced by the Idaho Legislature for public employees.
UI Information and Technology is looking to implement digital Vandal Cards in addition to physical copies in an effort to improve controlled access to campus buildings and mitigate fraudulent use. A $3 increase was approved for the fulfillment of this project.
Vandal Athletic Bands requested a $3.07 allocation to accommodate for the growing size of the Vandal Marching Band, to help support the numerous events they attend and to continue performances as a student recruitment tool. $1.57 of their request was fulfilled, with ASUI encouraging band directors to ensure that “membership does not exceed a reasonable size for our institution,” as per Smith’s memorandum.
The Raven Scholars Program, which supports students on the autism spectrum, requested a $2 increase. The program has a retention rate of over 85% for the students they serve compared to a 20-40% national average and provides mentoring opportunities for those seeking a career in fields working with neurodivergent individuals. For these reasons, ASUI approved a $2 allocation.
Vandal Esports petitioned for a new fee of $2 but was denied on account of the novelty of the program. Directors were encouraged to explore other funding opportunities and reapply for a student fee in the future.
Alison Cranney can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu.