New technology fee for SCC students in next school year

In a recent entry to the Shoreline Community College blog, Jim Hills reported that the Board of Trustees approved a new student technology fee as part of the new budget.

The trustees approved a plan that combines five technology-related fees currently unevenly applied to students into one college technology fee that will apply to almost all students. The consolidated fee will be applied at $6 per credit with a cap of $80 per student per quarter.

“Technology is no longer an add-on, it is a basic part of a college education,” said eLearning Director Ann Garnsey-Harter during the study session.

It was a hotly debated issue among the trustees. Student leaders weighed in with their concerns.

"Student government leaders at the meeting didn’t disagree with the importance of technology, but they didn’t like the implementation of the fee. “We think this should be put on hold until next year when students can have a complete discussion of the fee and how it should be applied, who should pay,” said Robin Aranas, President of the student body."

The fee is in addition to the 12% tuition hike for the next school year.