Student Fee Referendum Fall 2022
Frequently Asked Questions

Why increase student fees? Why not use the money to fund parking facilities, academic advisors or library services?

The fees associated with the construction of parking facilities, hiring academic advisors or enhancing library services come from different funding sources. For example, Parking and Transportation is an auxiliary. Their funds come from the sale of parking permits and ticket citations. To build parking garages, parking permit fees must be raised. Funding for hiring advisors and enhancing library services come from state funding and tuition, not from student fees.


Costs are rising and we’re just beginning to recover to life post-pandemic. Why raise fees now?

No time is a suitable time to raise student fees. However, the facilities we hope to add and/or update have not been given additional funding for 20+ years. Such inattention cannot and would not be acceptable for the University’s academic programs. We believe now is the right time to invest in UTD’s future and its non-academic offerings for Comets.


I’m confused about how much I’ll be charged with the new fees. Can you explain?

Please see the various examples given for a detailed explanation.


Is this referendum one vote or two separate votes?

There are two votes. Students will be asked to vote yes or no to increase the Intramural and Intercollegiate Athletics Fee, and they will be asked to vote yes or no to increase the Student Union Fee.


Why change the Intramural and Intercollegiate Athletics Fee to a semester credit hour fee vs. a per semester fee?

Most colleges and universities follow a semester credit hour fee pattern for athletics fees. If passed, UTD’s shift will align us with comparable universities.


When will potential new buildings/facilities be completed?

If the fees receive a “Yes to Invest” vote from Comets, the next step is to secure approval from the Texas State Legislature. If approved by the Legislature, the facilities would go through design — where student feedback will be gathered — and then construction would commence. The entire process likely will take three-to-four years, depending on the scope of the project.


Doesn’t construction of the new Student Union mean we’ll have less options for eating, plus disruptions to other services?

If passed by student vote, a proposed new Student Union will be a brand-new building. We anticipate as many as five additional branded food options to be added. The existing dining locations across campus and in the current Student Union would not be affected by potential new construction.


After the fees are put in place will the students have additional input about what happens with these projects? How will student input be considered?

If approved, the proposed new Student Union would go through design—where student feedback and ideas will be gathered—and then construction would commence.


I am on the guaranteed tuition plan, how do the fee increases impact me?

If you are on the Guaranteed Tuition Plan, you will not be subject to the fee increase. Only current students who are on the Variable Tuition Plan will be subject to the increase.


If the track and field complex is being built for UTD track and field teams, will I have access?

Yes! Athletics will have priority access, but when the facility is not being used for practices or meets, it will be open for recreational purposes for all students.


What is the estimated cost of projects associated with these fees?

An accurate estimate of cost/budget will be assessed after design and development for new facilities are complete. Any proposed new facilities will be constructed with cost effectiveness and value engineering in mind.


Will the two student fees be reduced after the associated projects have been completed?

No. Once new student fees are approved and after potential new facilities are constructed, fees will support the debt service and ongoing maintenance of the buildings/facilities.


The Honors College currently is housed in the Green Center, which will be taken offline for potential new construction. While construction is taking place, will there be designated space for the Honors College lounge, including 24-hour access?

Any areas shuttered during potential new construction will be temporarily relocated and are expected to have the same accessibility enjoyed prior to construction.


Examples: Effect on Student Fees

Student taking 9 hours, Variable Tuition Plan

Proposed Student Union Fee: $100 (currently $60)

Proposed Intramural and Intercollegiate Athletics Fee: $63 (9x $7 per semester credit hour; currently $45 per semester)

Student taking 12 hours, Variable Tuition Plan

Proposed Student Union Fee: $100 (currently $60)

Proposed Intramural and Intercollegiate Athletics Fee: $84 (12x $7 per semester credit hour; currently $45 per semester)

Student taking 13* or more hours, Variable Tuition Plan

Proposed Student Union Fee: $100 (currently $60)

Proposed Intramural and Intercollegiate Athletics Fee: $84 (12x $7 per semester credit hour; currently $45 per semester)

*Note: At 13 or more semester credit hours, no additional fees are collected for the Intramural and Intercollegiate Athletics Fee

Student enrolled in Guaranteed Tuition Plan

No impact

Voting

Voting for the Student Fee Referendum is planned for Oct. 4-6.

Voting will take place online, and a ballot will be shared with students via their UTD email address.