Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is a technology fee needed?
Technology is an essential component of both the academic experience
as well as the university services that students enjoy. Costs for providing
technology have been rising steadily over the past 3-5 years. To ensure
that student’s academic needs are met, the IT Services division proposed
a student technology fee. The Board of Trustees approved the fee at
its February 2006 meeting.
How much is the technology fee?
The technology fee you pay is based on which campus you attend and where
you live. Oxford students who live in residence halls already pay a
network access fee as part of their housing fees ($54 per semester),
while Oxford off campus students pay for that as part of the student
technology fee.
| Oxford Campus | Student Technology Fee |
| Full time, living in residence hall | $114 per semester |
| Part time, living in residence hall | $9.50 per credit hour |
| Full time, living off campus | $168 per semester |
| Part time, living off campus | $14.00 per credit hour |
| Hamilton or Middletown Campuses | Student Technology Fee |
| Full time or Part time | $18.00 per semester |
| Luxembourg Campus | Student Technology Fee |
| Full time or Part time | $114 per semester |
Why is the off-campus student technology fee higher than for
on-campus students?
The amount full time Oxford campus students pay is the same, regardless
of where they live. A portion of the student technology fee, formerly
called the network access fee, is collected by Housing, Dining and Guest
Services as part of the on-campus student's housing payment. See the
question above.
Is the technology fee included in calculations for financial
aid?
Yes, all tuition and fees are included in determining financial aid
eligibility.
What is the student technology fee for students at the regional
campuses?
The technology fee at the regional campuses is $18 per semester. This
fee is the same for all full-time and part-time students, regardless
of their course load.
Do other universities have technology fees?
Yes, according to a 2004 survey of universities with doctoral programs,
73% charge a student technology fee. In 2005 other Ohio state-funded
universities charged fees ranging from $184-$229 per year.
What does the student technology fee pay for?
When deciding if a budget line may be funded by the student technology
fee, that line must be shown to directly impact services or support
provided to students. Services provided by the fee in the 2006-07 academic
year include site licenses for basic productivity software, Support
Desk services, network storage space, campus-wide wireless network service,
anti-virus and anti-spyware software, discipline-specific software for
use while enrolled in a course, and a fund for technology innovation.
Services and support funded by the fee will change from year to year
and decisions will be based on student needs and desires.
Are part time students required to pay the technology fee?
Yes, part time students also use technology resources and pay a student
technology fee based on the number of credit hours they are taking.
Who is responsible for the administration of the technology
fee?
The Vice President for Information Technology has responsibility for
the administration of the technology fee. Operationally, the central
business administration office of IT Services will administer the fee
on the Oxford campus. The fees collected from the regional campuses
contribute to the support of the university network. All administrative
operations are subject to review by the university finance and business
affairs division and the university internal auditor.
How will the fee enhance student support services?
During the 2006-07 academic year, the Support Desk hours will increase
to include 24-hour service. The Support Desk will be open continuously
from 9AM on Sunday until 8PM on Friday, as well as 9AM – 5PM on Saturday.
A new satellite Support Desk will open in King Library, staffed 59 hours
a week. Additionally, students who have purchased Miami Notebooks (and
students who elect to opt in for a fee) will have remote-help services,
as well as backup services.
Is the technology fee intended for capital or non-capital items?
Depending on the needs, the student technology fee may be used for capital
or non-capital items. For example, during the 2006-07 academic year,
fees will be used to purchase servers that will allow an upgrade of
the Universal Disk Space to 2 gigabytes per student.
Who was involved in the development of the technology fee?
The Vice President for Information Technology, Reid Christenberry, proposed
the fee. In developing his proposal, Christenberry consulted with students,
administrators, and faculty. Each of those constituencies provided significant
input and ideas regarding how the fee should be implemented, how much
it should be and how the funds should or should not be used.
Does the student technology fee pay salaries for IT Services
personnel?
Yes, but only for very specific positions. Any position funded by student
technology fees must be dedicated to providing services and/or support
to students.
How can I help decide how the Student Technology Fee fund is
spent?
The primary vehicle for students to have a voice in IT decisions, including
the student technology fee, is through the IT Student Advisory Committee.
For information on how to participate or contact a member of the committee,
or to make a suggestion or comment, contact the Director of Customer
Relations and Communications at itadvocate@muohio.edu
or 529-1379.
If you have any questions or comments about the Student Technology Fee, please email techfee@muohio.edu.