Student Activity Fee

There is a modest fee that the University assesses students each semester of enrollment (the amount differs by number of credits scheduled). These fees are directed towards a pool of funds referred to as “Student Activity Fees” (SAFee). Students, as part of an organized club or as individuals, are welcome to submit requests to underwrite expenses associated with a special project, a planned trip, etc. A committee comprised of students, as well as one faculty and one staff member, review all proposals and choose which will be of greatest benefit to the student body.

Projects Funded

The following are just a few of the many activities funded by SAFee:

  • Business Club: attendance at Penn State’s Powerful Women Paving the Way Conference
  • Students for Justice: trip to the 9/11 Museum and Memorial in New York City
  • 4 Seasons Club: Bonfire
  • Mental Health Awareness Day
  • Music and Entertainment: Incognito with Michael Fosberg (Black History Month event); Native American Drumming and Dance with Frank LittleBear; spoken word artist Katie Wirsing-Kramer (National Coming Out Day event); and more

Process

Students must first submit their request to hold on- or off-campus events using the Event Intent Form. Students will be contacted by the Student Activities office to set up a meeting to discuss the details of the request. A determination will be sent to the requestor by Student Affairs/Student Activities in a separate email. All on-campus events will be approved on a case by case basis. Only approved events can request funding from the Student Activity Fee.

Once the event has been approved, students can download the SAF Proposal Form. The completed form should be emailed to Wanda Ochei, Susan Cunningham, and Andrew Zimmerman.

For approved trips, each student participating must complete the Agreement to Policies and Expectations Form and submit it prior to the date of the trip.

For more information on the Student Activity Fee and how to apply for funds, contact either Wanda Ochei or Andrew Zimmerman. You can also visit the University Park Student Activity Fee Board website.

If you are interested in serving on the Student Activity or Student Facilities committees, please contact either Wanda Ochei or Andrew Zimmerman.

Student Facilities Fee

With the goal of enhancing the student experience, student Facilities Fees are to be used to fund improvements and expansions to non-academic, recreational, and multi-use space for students.

Funding Parameters

  • The Facilities Fee will not be used to support ongoing operational costs associated with any project.
  • The Facilities Fee will not be used to pay debt service.
  • The Facilities Fee will not be used to pay for rental agreements.
  • Monies raised from the Facilities Fee at a particular location will be used at that location.
  • Monies not used in a particular year will be carried over from year to year for use when enough funds are generated to complete an approved project. Interest will be credited (using the University’s short term rate) on an annual basis to any unused funds.
  • New facilities or modifications to current facilities will be consistent with the campus’ strategic and master physical facilities plans.

Process

Any student(s) can submit a request through the Student Facilities Fee Request Form to utilize the facility fee that is consistent with the above parameters. The request will be reviewed by the Student Facilities Fee Committee, which is co-chaired by the Student Government Association (SGA) president and the Director of Student Services and Engagement (DSSE). The committee is comprised of students and key members of the administration, with only students having voting privileges. If the proposal is approved by the committee it will be forwarded to the Chancellor’s office for further consideration.

Projects Funded

The following are some examples of proposals funded by the Facilities Fee:

  • Furniture for the Student Commons main lounge (supplemented by a grant from the Vice President of Commonwealth Campuses)
  • Furniture in the basement lounge area of the Technology Center
  • Air hockey table in the Student Commons
  • A variety of framed photos of Penn State (both University Park and our local campus) as a way to enhance Penn State pride
  • Significant enhancements to the weight room in the Athletics and Recreation Building
  • A new, larger Nittany Lion statue
  • Outdoor furniture for the newly-developed plaza in front of the Student Commons
  • Sound system enhancements in Science Center 101 for movie nights
  • Renovation of the first floor of the Student Commons for a new club space and computer lab

Reporting

At least annually, a report will be made to the SGA about decisions rendered by the committee.