Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

OPPAGA Report: Student Activity and Service Fees Are Spent to Benefit the Entire Student Body

Report 06-42, May 2006




Report Summary

  • Florida statute allows postsecondary institutions to establish a variety of student fees, including activity and service (A&S) fees. In Fiscal Year 2004-05, state universities collected approximately $60 million in A&S fees while community colleges collected approximately $34 million. The amount of A&S fees institutions may charge students is capped by law, and they are required to spend these funds to benefit the entire student body. Institutions vary in the amount of A&S fees charged per credit hour. Three universities charged a combined A&S, athletic, and health fee near the statutory limit. Twenty-two community colleges charged A&S fees at or near the statutory maximum limit in 2004-05.
  • As required by law, university student government associations manage A&S funds. Community colleges most often manage A&S funds through a committee structure that includes student representatives. Most institutions require student organizations to submit a formal budget request to receive A&S funds and report how the funds were spent. The funds are used to support both student services and a variety of student organizations. Student government associations received the greatest amount of university A&S fees, while top recipients varied among the community colleges.
  • While restrictions vary, A&S fees generally cannot be used for political purposes or to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or firearms; and students cannot be charged admission fees to events paid for with A&S funds.


Related Reports
  1. OPPAGA Technical Report: Activity and Service Fee Use Varies Among State Universities and Community College
    Report 06-43 May 2006
  2. Community Colleges and Universities Have Academic Freedom Policies; Relatively Few Grievances Filed
    Report 06-22 March 2006
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
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