Safety and Transportation Fee

About the Safety and Transportation Fee

Over the years, WSU Tri-Cities lacked the funding for improved transportation, as well as upgraded safety and security measures. The WSU Tri-Cities administration approached the Associated Students of WSU Tri-Cities (ASWSUTC) to discuss implementing a student fee that would assist the campus in providing transportation, safety, and security enhancements.

The fee is considered a preferable solution over administrative fees to fund services that require a revenue source not derived from tuition or state legislative funding.

The fee is a cheaper option for students as compared to requiring a permit to park on campus.

View the MOU

View “Referendum #01 – Safety and Transportation Fee”

General Information

What is the Safety and Transportation Fee?

The Safety and Transportation Fee student fee improves access to campus and allows the campus to invest in modern safety measures.

How much does it cost?

The Safety and Transportation Fee costs $6.50 per credit hour, capping at $65 per semester. During the summer, the fee is $5 per credit hour, capping at $30 per summer session.

What improvements does the fee bring to campus?

The Safety and Transportation Fee is used to:
- Improve campus safety and security through updated equipment
- Repair, replace, enhance, construct, and/or expand parking areas, roadways, and pedestrian paths
- Subsidize public transit passes, allowing students to ride the local transit system for free

How are projects identified and selected for funding?

An advisory committee provides recommendations to the Chancellor on how to allocate the funds.
Anyone can submit comments and suggestions to the advisory committee for review.

Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Date	Agenda	Minutes
December 3, 2020	Meeting Agenda
October 1, 2020	Meeting Agenda
September 15, 2020	Meeting Agenda	Meeting Minutes
December 13, 2021	Meeting Agenda	Meeting Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Who sits on the advisory committee?

The advisory committee will consist of the ASWSUTC President, two additional student representatives, the Director of Safety, the Campus Facilities Executive, and the Director of Student Engagement and Leadership.

Can the fee be increased in the future?

Any proposed increases would have to be voted on by students again.

Are students the only ones paying?

The WSU Tri-Cities campus is allocating $160 for every full-time employee and a prorated amount for every part-time employee.

How does this fee compare to other WSU locations?

WSU Tri-Cities is the only WSU campus without a parking fee. Other campuses have parking permit systems in place, and they also provide local transit passes to students.

This proposed WSU Tri-Cities fee amount is comparable to the lowest priced parking permits at the Pullman and Vancouver campuses, and is significantly less than parking permits at Spokane (Pullman: blue permit $129, red $239. Spokane: green permit $395. Vancouver: gray permit $161).

How does this affect my financial aid package?

The fee is a part of WSU Tri-Cities’ cost of attendance and is assessed automatically upon enrollment. Generally, if students have funds that exceed the cost of tuition, financial aid will automatically cover this expense, prior to financial aid refunds being disbursed to students.