Recommending Allocation of Graduate Fee Differentials to Graduate Programs and Creation of an Exemption to the Differential for Graduate Assistants and
Graduate Teaching Associates

AS-2647-04/FGA - March 11-12, 2004

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of the California State University (CSU) recommend that any fee differential paid by graduate students should be allocated to education in which the students are enrolled; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate CSU recommend that graduate assistants and graduate teaching associates not be charged the graduate fee differential and be charged no more than the undergraduate fee rate; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate CSU communicate these recommendations to the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees and urge them to develop a viable implementation plan.

RATIONALE: The State and the CSU have failed to fund adequately the costs of graduate programs. Analysts of higher education recognize that graduate education is more expensive than undergraduate education because of such factors as the closer interaction of faculty with students and the technological support such programs require. For example, Pennsylvania's most recent allocation formula for higher education puts the cost of instruction at the Master's level at approximately 140% of cost at the undergraduate level and funds these programs accordingly. To move the CSU towards adequately funding graduate programs, the increased fees paid by graduate students should be allocated to the programs in which they are enrolled.

At many universities, because of their significant contributions to instruction, graduate assistants and graduate teaching associates receive a complete fee waiver. The CSU should at least limit fees for these students to the undergraduate fee rate.

APPROVED - May 6-7, 2004