Student Incidental Fee

Definition

An incidental fee is a student-collected and student-allocated fee that supports non-academic programs, services, and activities that enrich the student experience. These include areas such as student government, clubs and organizations, cultural programs, recreation, student media, and other initiatives that reflect student priorities and foster leadership, identity, and campus connection.

Incidental fee-funded programs, while still important to the OSU experience, are not essential to the university’s baseline responsibilities for academic instruction, wellbeing, retention, or compliance. Incidental fee-funded services are generally discretionary, student-driven, and do not carry institutional obligations for long-term staffing, debt, or capital investment.

Units funded through incidental fees typically operate as auxiliaries and are expected to cover the full scope of their services through incidental fees and/or self-generated revenue. In cases where a unit delivers both essential and non-essential services, a blended funding model may be appropriate.

Note: Student boards provide input in fee decisions, and student voice is part of the University Budget Committee process.

Which programs are funded by mandatory fees?

At OSU Corvallis:

• Memorial Union
• Family Resource Center
• Recreational Sports (except club sports)
• Parts of Student Experiences and Engagement

At OSU-Cascades:

• Campus Recreation Facilities/Cascades Adventures
• Student Health and Recreation Center
• Student Success Center

Which programs are funded by incidental fees?

At OSU Corvallis:

• ASOSU and associated services (Office of Advocacy, SafeRide, Student Legal Services)
• Student Athletic Tickets
• Basic Needs Center
• Performing Arts
• Club Sports
• Parts of Student Experiences and Engagement

At OSU-Cascades:

• ASCC
• Events Council
• Human Services and Resources
• Student Clubs
• Student Fee Committee

Read about the Incidental Fee Task Force’s recent work.