With a decline in state funding, universities from across the state are relying more on student fees for revenue.
Student fees reached $1,150 per year after a 32.5 percent hike over the summer, but many students are unaware of the fee increase and where their money is going.
"The amount of money we pay is quite enough for students to know about," said Grace Reynolds, senior art major. "We should have an input on where the fees go."
At $400 a year, the student athletic fee makes up the largest portion of student fees. The student athletic fee provides full-time students with free access to campus athletic events. From basketball to volleyball, students have the opportunity to watch games for free.
"I don't even go to the games," said Karintha Rawls, senior education major. "I have school spirit, but school spirit needs to show me more spirit. Fees should be evenly distributed."
Three fees have remained the same for four years - parking permit, change of course and technology access fee. The parking permit fee, $60, allows students to park in 15 general parking lots around campus. However, parking with an incorrect hangtag will reward you with a parking ticket. The change of course fee, $5, allows students to adjust their schedule without paying a transaction-processing fee each time. The use of computer labs and smart classrooms comprise the technology access fee, $225.
Two new fees added to U of M student bills are the green fee and international experience fee.
Last year, students voted to enact a green fee. The green fee, $20, also known as the sustainable campus fee, contributes to a more environmentally conscious University.
"Last spring, SGA recommended that there should be a green fee of $10,"said Bill Porter, dean of students. "On this committee, students, staff and faculty members will set up a decision making process on how to spend the money."
The international experience fee, $20, is an initiative by the Tennessee Consortium for international studies, a part of the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Debt service fees, graduation fee, student activity fee and facilities fee have increased within the last three years.
The facilities fee is used to improve facilities. Unlike the debt service fee, the facilities fee is not used for new construction. The debt service fee is being used to build the new University Center. This fee is used for different capital projects approved by the TBR.
The student activity fee helps certain groups like the Student Government Association, the Campus Recreation and Intramural Sports Complex. A very small percentage of the Daily Helmsman's budget comes from the fee to provide students with the paper at no cost.
There is, however, one fee that in three years has only increased by $2 and is $370 less than the athletic fee and $12 more than the graduation fee.
Attending to students well-being, the Health Services at The University of Memphis receives $30 a year from student fees.
Unlike other fees, the amount received by Health Services has not changed a lot.
"We've found money adequate for what we need," said Jacqueline De Fouw, health educator. "Monetarily, I haven't felt restricted."
Different committees, depending on the fee, oversee funding increases.
"Health Service increases are proposed to Student Affairs," said Colis Chambers, director of student affairs and finance. "We take in consideration to supply funding where cost can be met."
However, athletics is under another "umbrella" that considers funding increases.
Christopher Robin, junior painting major, is tired of paying student fees and then paying for individual class fees, like art supply fees.
"Fees should go to (class fees), not athletics," he said.
