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Instructionally Related Activities

IRA Proposed Fee Increase Overview Video

Overview

The Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) fee, which supports critical educational programs at Sacramento State, has remained unchanged at $8.00 since 1993. This stagnant funding has resulted in a significant gap between available resources and the growing needs of existing and new programs. The limited funds hinder the development and quality of instructional activities and programs essential for a quality education experience.

Current IRA Allocations

Proposed Solution

To address this funding gap, we propose a fee increase effective with the 2025-26 academic year. The increase will secure essential funds for existing programs and allow for the expansion of new initiatives that are integral to student success and educational quality. The fee will also be adjusted annually after year three to keep pace with inflation and operational costs.

By increasing the IRA fee, Sacramento State aims to enhance the quality of education and provide valuable instructional experiences that support the diverse needs of its student body. The proposed changes align with the mission of IRA activities, fostering a supportive and enriching educational environment that benefits all students.

Proposed Fee Options

  • This fee enables Sac State to offer students a vibrant and comprehensive educational experience that goes beyond traditional classroom instruction. Instructionally related activities enrich and enhance academic learning with strong cultural support and extra resources, helping students to grow, work in their areas of interest, and explore a wide range of activities and ideas.
  • The proposed fee increase is a vital investment in the education-related programs and services that lead to long-term success for Sacramento State's students. Implementing these improvements will position Sac State to keep pace with other world-class universities and the broader society as we evolve and change.
  • The fee will fund academic support services by investing in Cultural Academic Resource Centers (CARC) spaces and programs in the Asian Pacific Islander Desi Center, Dreamer Resource Center, Serna Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Esak'tima' Native Center, Pride Center, Multi-Cultural Center, Women's Resource Center, IYT-U, and the Jewish Life and Resource Center. This fee helps the campus respond to student requests to open a Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Center and expand the Pride Center.
  • Cultural Academic Resource Centers need this support to expand cultural and global awareness and the celebration of diversity – creating a healthier and more vibrant campus. These Centers also provide innovative, cutting-edge and robust co-curricular, culturally relevant, and student-centered experiences that contribute to a positive campus climate.
  • One of the critical components of education is the connection to a career after graduation. The fee provides support for structured internship programs, providing career-relevant student employment, research opportunities for students with faculty to support entry to graduate school, and/or paid experiential learning leading to career-relevant jobs.
  • The proposed fee provides campus-wide benefits, such as improved safety from the Community Service Officer (CSO) program, increased computer literacy from the Tech Internships, and improved campus beauty from the Arboretum internships.
  • While the fee adds to the cost of attendance, most students cover it with financial aid.

  • The additional fee will increase the amount of loans or out-of-pocket costs to attend Sac State when it's already difficult to afford rent, food, and other basic needs.
  • Without the fee increase, Sac State will be unable to meet the student requests for expanded services, support, and activities that are crucial for helping students achieve their goals.
  • Without the fee increase, Sac State will be unable to support structured internship programs, career-relevant student employment, and research opportunities with faculty. This lack of support will hinder students' ability to gain the experiential learning and career connections essential for securing jobs and pursuing graduate studies after graduation.
  • IRAs often introduce students to new fields of study and interest areas they might not encounter in their regular coursework. The absence of these activities would limit students' exposure to diverse subjects and experiences, narrowing their educational and career prospects.
  • IRAs contribute to the vibrancy and culture of a campus. Programs funded by IRAs, such as the Marching Band, School of Music performances, and Theatre and Dance productions, bring energy, events, and a sense of community. Without them, the campus will feel less lively and dynamic, which could impact the overall appeal of the university to current and prospective students.
  • Many IRAs provide opportunities for students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world situations. The absence of these activities could limit students' opportunities for the practical application of academic knowledge.

Student Benefits

Enhanced Support for Cultural Academic Resource Centers:

Additional funding will support the growth and development of centers such as the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Center, Dreamer Resource Center, and others.

Increased staffing and resources will improve access to academic support, cultural events, and personalized mentoring, fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment.

Expansion of Internship Opportunities:

The increased IRA fee will fund structured, hands-on internship programs like the IRT Experiential Technology Employment Program and the Community Service Officer (CSO) program.

These internships provide practical experience that bridges theoretical knowledge and real-world application, enhancing students' professional preparedness and employability.

Improved Academic and Instructional Experiences:

Funding will support approximately 30-35 campus programs, ensuring they can continue to provide high-quality educational experiences.

Expanded resources will lead to more engaging seminars, workshops, and student recognition programs that enrich the overall student experience.

Sustainable Funding for Continuous Improvement:

The CPI index-based annual adjustment will ensure that funding keeps pace with rising costs, preventing the financial strain experienced over the past 31 years.

This approach guarantees long-term sustainability for critical programs directly impacting student success and campus life.

FAQ

The university operating fund budget for CSUS is comprised of state appropriations and student fees. While state appropriations have increased, increases have not kept pace with the annual increases in costs. The increases Sac State has received are used to support mandatory costs such as employee compensation, student assistant wage increases, and employee health and retirement costs.

Budget proposals are vetted through various campus committees, culminating with the President’s Budget Advisory Committee (PBAC) making a final budget recommendation to the President for approval. While many budget proposals are a priority for the campus, not all proposals can be funded due to limited resources.

Reserve funds are “one-time” funds, once spent they are not available to support continuing costs, however we do plan to use reserves for one-time expenses necessary to make the spaces ready for the augmented level of ongoing support. Use of one-time funding doesn’t change the need for student fees to cover ongoing annual expenses.

Sacramento State University’s consortium of Cultural Academic Resource Centers, which include the Asian Pacific Islander Desi Center, Dreamer Resource Center, Serna Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Esak’tima’ Native Center, Pride Center, Multi-Cultural Center, Women’s Resource Center, IYT-U, and the Jewish Life and Resource Center, offer culturally relevant mentoring, academic support systems, academic coaching, and retention activities that help students navigate their college experience.

The high demand for treatment and crisis services, combined with limited resources, makes it difficult to meet students' needs. As a result, wait times make it hard for students to receive timely support. An increased fee would allow Sac State to improve access to services and the therapist-to-student ratio – reducing wait times.

Yes, students can use their financial aid to pay for these fees. Nearly all low-income students currently enrolled or future enrollees will not need to change the types of aid or scholarships they apply for and receive to pay tuition and fees.

Most low-income students currently pay for school through a combination of state and federal grants, work-study earnings, and scholarships. For these students, the fee increase would be offset by grants.

Sac State provides funding from the general budget for the existing services. We will continue to provide this funding, but we do not have funding to provide the expanded scope of support and services students need and deserve. Therefore, it’s critical we propose these fee increases so students’ needs can be met.

For any fee not approved, the fee/increase and corresponding plans will not be implemented.

Alternative consultation is utilized when an issue is complex and sharing more detailed information through public presentations or forums is warranted. It allows the university to outline the breadth of the services and their impact on students. This process also involves students in the decision-making process.

Students interested in advocating for additional funding for Sac State can get involved through Sac State's Associated Students, Inc. at https://asi.csus.edu/student-government

Or the California State Student Association at https://calstatestudents.org/